Today was my intermediate class with Cristie. The other woman who had been in my beginning class and signed up for this one wasn’t able to make it, so I had a day of private instruction. Sweeeet! I got to try out a bunch of new things, and get hints and tips on what I was having trouble with, and just play and have a good ol’ time.
Cristie helped me with my twistie difficulties, coached me through some complex stringers including silvered ivory (mmmmm!) and goldstone, showed me three different encasing techniques (apparently I had figured out the idea on my own, I just needed some refinement), clarified the use of reduction frit, let me experiment a bit with enamels and fine silver wire, and explained using presses. It was well worth the investment!
I discovered that I did make the right torch purchase — I do indeed prefer my Piranha to the Minor. I really missed my Creation Station’s support for elbows and forearms, but was reminded that a torch-mounted marver is really useful. I really need to see if there is one out there that will work on a Piranha; otherwise maybe Corina’s Magic Marver will work. I am definitely a frit-a-holic and will probably become a press-a-holic very soon.
Cristie also spoke highly of Marjorie Langston when I told her of my tentative plan to spend spring break in her class at the Folk School. I always like to have a good recommendation on a teacher before committing!
This weekend, more torching in between time on the computer finishing up syllabi for fall. The former is DEFINITELY more fun than the latter.