In this workshop, you will first learn a fabulous brand new mixed-media process Barbara has developed called the Auratone. This photographic process creates a lovely effect that resembles an antique tintype yet has beautiful warm gold hues that seem to radiate from within. Once learned, this fun and easy technique is one you can use again and again with many types of mixed media art. It lends itself incredibly well to vintage type projects and jewelry. We will be providing the vintage photographs transformed into Auratones for this project, but you are going to learn the process.

In making the Queen's Lace Pendant, you can use patterns supplied by Riki or make your own shape. There is just a touch of soldering involved, and a bit of metal work. Riki will teach you how to work with the metals and solder with a butane torch, so beginners are welcome. When the pendant is complete, you'll wire items together that you supply from your stash of goodies, adding dangles, baubles and vintage found objects, whatever you like. The result is a feast for the eyes, and fit for a queen!

You will receive instruction on the following techniques:

- the brand new art of making an Auratone for your bezel

- soldering with a micro butane torch

- how to attach rhinestone chain with solder

- how to make a handmade clasp

- techniques in wiring objects together

- how to add micro hardware to your pendant if needed

- how to cut and file metal

- Riki's technique of adding a romantic lace look to the metal

- how to paint wings onto your photo

The $15 materials fee includes a kit with bezels, sheet metal, brass stamping, brass wire, Auratone photographs, patterns for pendants, butane fuel, heavy brass wire for clasp, resin, paint and brushes, use of many tools.

Students are asked to bring:

- micro butane torch (contact Riki if you don't have one)

- a heat-safe surface (like a small cookie sheet)

- a soldering brick

- basic jewelry tools, including round nose and needle nose pliers and flush wire cutters

- small sewing scissors

- vintage objects to add to your necklace

- beads, like crystals, pearls, etc. (with holes big enough for 20ga wire)

- extra bling to add, like rhinestone earrings or brooches (optional)

- chain

- apron

- Ott light and extension cord (optional)

- mask (if sensitive to fumes)

We will provide files, extra jewelry tools, drills, extra brass wire, patina, sand paper, polishing pads, scrubbies, paper towels, soldering supplies (flux, solder, brushes, quench bowls). 

Please bring a sack lunch...there's a fully equipped kitchen on site if you need to refrigerate or heat something up. There is also a Trader Joe's and a Ralphs supermarket in walking distance.

Riki Schumacher is a sought-after favorite on the workshop circuit and has been published in Jewelry Affaire and Belle Armoire Jewelry magazines. Her designs have a decidedly romantic, vintage, French flair.

Visit Riki's blog where you'll find helpful tutorials and be further inspired to make more "romantic relics." And feel free to contact her if you have any questions: rikis1@mac.com