Peacock band with Labradorite Stone


A nice everyday, showy ring that gets noticed!!
Posted by Picasa

Peacock Earrings and Amazonite Stones


Lots of favorites to show off. LOVE, LOVE the peacock design! I make a ring with the same design in the band.
Posted by Picasa

Tree of Life Pendant with Amazonite Stones

This is such a fun neclace. Very versatile.
Posted by Picasa

Chunky Chain Necklace


Ok so this is the coolest creation I have made lately. I wear it all the time -- and get lots of compliments.
I'm taking orders and looking to create bracelets and earrings to go with it.
Posted by Picasa

Jewelry Open Houses


THURS. December 11 5pm- 9pm Jewelry Wonderland
66 Los Altos Ave. Los Altos, CA

Join us as we celebrate the holidays. 6 creative local jewelry designers will be selling their beautiful creations. There's bound to be something for all jewelry lovers on your list. Maybe even something special for you!

TUES. December 16th 6pm-9:30pm at
Vine Design Studio

Come on over for some holiday cheer!

This Holiday Open House is an opportunity to enjoy some bubbly and treats with your friends, and shop for some sparkling jewelry for your holiday gifts, or, to treat yourself.

The corks will start popping on December 16th at 6pm and go until 9:30pm. Drop by when you can. Stay for a little while, or use this event as an excuse to get away for the entire evening.

Bring a friend and receive 10% off your purchases!!

Hope to see you on the 16th.

Virginia

Personalized Tags


These tags are a great gift for any mom -- or grandma. You can also add birthdates on the back!!
Posted by Picasa

Fine Silver and Jasper Bracelet Side 2


This is side two of my Jasper and Fine Silver Bracelet. I LOVE how the textures turned out. By far my favorite piece!
Posted by Picasa

Fine Silver and Picasso Jasper Stone

Posted by Picasa

My Studio is READY!!





I am so excited that my studio is ready! I have been working on it since August and I am thrilled to show you the latest with these pics. Classes will start this month!! WHEW!!

CLASSES at PMC Design Studio

Hi All -- being that the Bead Shop closed down I decided to open PMC Design Studio at my home, located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Attached is a picture of my recently remodeled studio. There’s lots of room and many tools ready for your creative ideas. If you look closely you can tell there are a few reminders of the old Bead Shop Classroom -- i.e. tables, tools, kiln etc. I also have all my jewelry design books available to peruse and as well as a treasure trove of textures to make your fabulous PMC pieces.

Current Classes are as follows:

OPEN Studio Time*
Wednesday nights:
6pm-9pm Nov. 5, 12, 19, Dec. 3 & 10
Bring your new ideas or unfinished projects and we will work on them. While there will be no formal class instruction, you will receive help/input on your project. Firing is included and all tools available to finish. Cost: $25 per session $45 for two sessions and $60 for three sessions. Materials: Bring your own PMC or purchase additionally from me.

* A note on OPEN STUDIO TIME
-- this is a time to work on skills or techniques you are somewhat familiar with -- if you have a specific idea or project you want to work on, please contact me to see if one-on-one time would be a better way for you to accomplish your vision for your project - I want to give each participant the attention they need.

OPEN Studio Time*.
Friday mornings: Nov. 14 & 21, Dec.
5 9pm-12pm

Bring your new ideas or unfinished projects and we will work on them. While there will be no formal class instruction, you will receive help/input on your project. Firing is included and all tools available to finish. Cost: $25 per session $45 for two sessions and $60 for three sessions. Materials: Bring your own PMC or purchase additionally from me.

Photopolymer Plates
Friday afternoons: Nov. 14 & 21, Dec.
5 1pm-4pm

Make unique fine silver (PMC) pieces with this new skill under your belt. Photopolymer plates lets you be in charge of design elements for your PMC creations. Use your favorite quote or sentiment, a line drawing or fine art work and make one of a kind jewelry. PPP's are traditionally used in printmaking but with PMC can be used like a rubber stamp. On the following Friday you can use your newly acquired skills to make beautiful PMC work the following week with some PMC Studio time where you can consult with me to make whatever you desire – or simply make more Photopolymer Plates. Cost: $75 includes plates& use of tools. Other Materials: Bring your own PMC or purchase additionally from me.
.

PMC & Resin
SATURDAY Nov. 15th
10am-4pm
Make a textured PMC bezel in any shape you desire. Add a picture or simply color with Resin and Voila! A beautiful PMC piece with added interest. Cost: $95 Bring your own PMCPlus or PMC3. Resin & a variety of images will be provided. If you like, bring your own small images or inclusions.

PMC Rings
Wednesday Nights: Dec. 3 & 10th
6pm-9pm
In this class you will learn two ring styles: PMC with an imbedded fine silver band and a stirrup band which enables you to add a stone of your choice. These techniques take the mystery out of ring sizing. You will also learn how to set and fire cubic zirconias with PMC. Intermediate to Advanced Class


COMING IN JANUARY

PMC & Gold

PMC Hollow Forms

More PMC Open Studio

Intro to PMC Classes – currently available in one-on-one classes. Also available in January



THE FIRST SIX PEOPLE TO SIGN UP

WILL RECEIVE THEIR SESSION(s)

FOR 1/2 off

If there are any classes you are interested in please let me know and if there is enough interest I can add them -- or you can request private one-on one instruction. If you would like a comprehensive list of classes I teach, please contact me at virginiahuffman@gmail.com



Hope to hear from you soon!
Virginia

Maintaining Creative Community

I am disappoined to report that The Bead Shop in Palo Alto closed in August 2008 after years of leading people down the beading path. I remember when it was just a small shop dazzling people with fabulous gems and inspiring jewelry designs. Over the years it grew into a Palo Alto institution.

A year and a half ago I had been invited to teach Precious Metal Clay classes at The Bead Shop by Frances Manfrey, one of their Education Directors. Teaching was a blast and pushed my creativity to a new level. I enjoy teaching as I meet so many great people and am inspired by other designers. More than anything I miss the creative community I found there.

I try and stay in touch with Bead Shop people as much as possible. One way I am doing that is through an online community Janice Parsons created called Bay Area Beaders. It's a place where we share photos, tips, review websites, gem shows and bead stores. Everyone is welcome to join! http://beadshop.ning.com/?xgsi=1

Another way I am trying to maintain creative community is by upgrading my studio. I now have 20x20 space to make jewelry and teach!! I am grateful for the new space. I will post pics of my haven of creativity when I get a chance. Class dates are also coming. Check back or ask to be added to the list by e-mailing me at virginia@vine-design.com

Angels Watching Over Me


PMC Classes April - June 2008



Below is the latest listing of classes at THE BEAD SHOP in Palo Alto, CA. To sign up go to http://www.beadshop.com/ and select classes or call 650-328-7925. Individual and group lessons also available at my home studio in Redwood City. Please e-mail me for more information at

virginia@vine-design.com

PMC Stone Setting April 23rd and 30th, Wednesdays, 6-9:30pm
Skill Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: Must have taken at at 2-3 classes with Virginia or be very familiar with PMC.
Put your PMC skill to the next level by learning stone setting. This is a great opportunity to give dimension and depth to your PMC pieces. Virginia will show you how to set non-fireable stones in PMC.

Intro to Precious Metal Clay: PMC Wed. 6-9 May 14 & 21
Beginner
Get hooked on Precious Metal Clay! Learn to make fine silver (.999) jewelry with PMC. This revolutionary medium is an easy entrée to metal work as well as a new addition to your metalsmithing repertoire. In this class you will learn the basics of PMC (forming, firing, and finishing). Student projects include pendants, charms and/or earrings.

PMC Photo Pendant Sat. May 24th 10-4
Beginner to Intermediate
Learn to make a fabulous fine silver photo pendant with Precious Metal Clay. Show off loved ones, your favorite pet or artwork in this fun double-sided pendant. This class is a great one for beginners as well as people who have experience working with PMC.

ALL About PMC Rings Wed. 6-9pm June 4, 11, 18
Intermediate to Advanced
In this class you will learn two ring styles: PMC with an imbedded fine silver band and a stirrup band which enables you to add a stone of your choice. These techniques take the mystery out of ring sizing. You will also learn how to set and fire cubic zirconias with PMC.

Students must have taken at least 2 classes with Virginia or be very familiar with PMC.

PMC Clasps & Toggles Sat. June 21 10-4 THE BEAD SHOP Palo Alto, CA
Beginner to Intermediate
Make your jewelry extra-ordinary with handcrafted toggles and clasps. In this class you will learn the basics of PMC as well as learn how to fuse fine silver wire with PMC. You will make two to three fabulous creations depending on your design choices. If you have specific pieces you are creating for please bring them to class for inspiration.

PMC Box Pendant (DATE TO BE ANNCOUNCED)
Beginner to Advanced
Make a fabulous and fun hollow box pendant. This hollow box form can be added to a chain, leather cord or other necklace creation. Make a few boxes and you have a beautiful, one-of-a kind bracelet. In this class you will also learn how make other box shapes, your own stencils, how to create space to incorporate a vintage button, polymer clay creation or other found
Fine Silver Rings with CZ's and Gold
Fine Silver Stirrup Ring with Ruby Quartz, .925 Silver Ring with Ruby Quartz in Silver Nest

Pendants

Asian Pendant Fine Silver
Butterfly Pendant Fine Silver
Circles Pendant Fine Silver
Cherish Pendant Fine Silver
Circles Pendant Fine Silver on Leather cord
These earrings were made to match a friend's neclace with a mould, PMC and stones.
Floral Earring and Aquamarine Stone Angel Wing earrings
Floral Earrings with Olivine CZ Stones
Dreaming in PMC
PMC Linked Circles Necklace (you gotta see this one close up -- just double click on the picture)b
PMC Box Pendant with LOS treatment on Gold Chain Romantic HeartPorcelain Angel in a Box (I made this in a class with Kelly Russell)

New Creations

Bird on a Branch Bead
Carnelian Stone Necklace
Sculpted Heart Necklace

Domed Pendant with Citrine and Peridot Stones
Poetic PMC with Photopolymer Plates
Say it! With PMC and PPP's
Woven PMC Earrings

New PMC Pieces

PMC Photo Penant
PMC Box Bead
PMC Stone Setting
PMC Stone Setting
Hummungbird Pendant (Fine silver with CZ) Pod Necklace (Fine Silver and Fresh Water Pearls)
Vintage Cini Royal Lion Pendant on Sterling Silver Chain