Time: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
This program is suited for attendees at All levels of experience.

As glorious as our bodies are, we are limited by design. We have only two hands and no shelves to put things on. So we invented ways to store our possessions on our physical selves, unless we wanted to collapse from traipsing back and forth between whatever we were doing and the work tables that held our tools. Sometimes we’d cart our means-to-an-ends around with us in chunky tool boxes or wheelie carts and barrows, and other-times, we’d fashion totes of canvas or invent pockets. We needed our independence while our happy hands were made useful. We needed the chatelaine!

I won’t chide the American construction worker about the origins of his thick leather tool belt; however that very notion may be more fact than fiction. The chatelaine (pronounced SHAT-el-aine)—a collection of implements hung from short chains at the waist of the loveliest of castle keepers—was used to make the daily chores of life a little easier, a little less mundane and a whole lot prettier. As was most everything during the Victorian era, the chatelaine was part utility, part ornament.

Important implements from the 1800s, however, vary from those deemed necessary today. A scissors, tweezers, compact, change purse, or compass may be replaced (by us modern artists) with duct tape, E6000, a pliers, and the latest iPhone. I’ve used a combination of found objects and steel in mine; you collect and fabricate your own! And I’ll show you how to use various gauges of steel wire to create the focal work, chain, connections and embellishments.

Day One: Learn the basics of creating with steel wire, basic chain forming and forging, connectors such as clips and belt , jump rings, and the use of ready-made and low-tech jigs.

Day Two: Delve further into complicated chains and embellishments, captures, bezels and bails, coiling, and cleaning and finishing your completed work. A group share will complete the workshop.

For more chatelaine inspiration, take a look at Google images.

About the Instructor

Brenda Schweder has good-naturedly embraced many labels in her lifetime, from A Little Bit Steampunk to a Little Bit Tree Hugger to The Little Red-Haired Girl (back when A Charlie Brown Christmas still captured the attention of all good little boys and girls). Her latest monikers are Bend-it Like Brenda and Iron woMan (thanks to her friends Jill and Jill, for helping her realize her left arm is now growing larger than her right) due to her most unfeminine passion for creating jewelry with steel wire (grrrrr!).

In addition to Steel Wire Jewelry (Lark Beading & Jewelry), Schweder is the author of Junk to Jewelry: A step-by-step guide to using found objects in jewelry you can actually wear and Vintage Redux: Remake classic and collectible jewelry (Kalmbach Publishing Company).

Schweder’s designs and fashion jewelry forecasts have been published over 100 times in books and magazines, including: 30 Minute Earrings, 30 Minute Necklaces, 30 Minute Rings, 30 Minute Bracelets, Chains, Chains, Chains,  Art Jewelry magazine, BeadStyle magazine, Bead&Button magazine, BUST magazine, Vintage Style Jewelry magazine, Make it Mine magazine, Wirework 2010 magazine, Wirework, Step by Step Wire, Steampunk Style Jewelry, Crystal Chic, and many other compilations, pamphlets, and books.

Schweder has been featured in both online workshops and a podcast with Alison Lee of Craftcast.com, and beside Katie Hacker, the host of Beads, Baubles & Jewels (PBS) where she shares steel wire jewelry how-to projects.

A nationally-recognized teacher and jewelry designer, Schweder has taught at The Bead&Button Show, BeadFest, Mount Mary College, The Racine Art Museum, Jewelry Tools’ Tucson Venue, The Madison Art Glass & Bead Show, The Creative Connection, The Ranch Center for Arts and Crafts (Seattle) and to bead societies nationwide and in Toronto, Canada.

Schweder has designed for Swarovski and is a CREATE YOUR STYLE with SWAROVSKI Elements Ambassador.

An advocate for the DIY jewelry segment, Schweder served at President and Past President (2009-2011) of the Loose Bead Society of Greater Milwaukee and remains an active member and leader.

• Visit Brenda’s website and blog, or catch her on Facebook, Twitter and Etsy
• Email Brenda at b@brendaschweder.com

Studio and Material Fee

Material fee covers steel wire assortment and miscellaneous studio supplies.

Student Supplies

Students should bring the following supplies:

To complement the steel wire assortment you'll receive in your class kit, bring along:

• drilled or undrilled (we have our ways about attaching these), bailed or unbailed beads, cabochons and/or found objects to attach to the chatelaine you will create. Be as utilitarian, as literal, or as decorative as you would like with your piece--it can be wearable (as a necklace or bracelet) or worn hooked to a belt--heck, you can even make a belt as part of your experience (and experience it will be)! ;)
• a utility or ballpeen hammer (I prefer about an 8 once ballpeen)
• a plier set that will hold up to steel (see the set I have available on Etsy). If you do other wirework or fine metalsmithing with your pliers, you will want a set dedicated to steelwork. Steel is dirty and can rust, so you don't want these factors transferring over to your fine Lindstrom pliers.
• a heavy-duty cutter (ditto on the Etsy comment above--steel is very hard and can ding or ruin finer cutters)
• benchblock or small anvil (with mousepad or other sound absorbing cushion beneath)
• ruler
• wire brush (steel or brass) and/or steel wool (00-fine)
• white charcoal pencil (for marking dark wire)
• Renaissance wax (or other finishing wax of your choice)
• ear plugs, safety glasses and/or glasses for up-close work (you know who you are)!
• task light (remember, we're working with dark wire!)
•  grippy gloves if you have weaker hands (Etsy)
• clamp on vise (optional)
• mandrels for shaping wire (optional, I'll have mine)
• Dremel and/or bits for the flex-shafts
•  If you would like to make a low-tech jig, bring a chunk (5-6 inches minimum) of scrap wood along (I'll have hardware to screw in).

Optional Supplies

Other wire gauges and types will be for sale (optional).

Additional Program Information

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Meals

Lunch is served in our community building at 12:30 p.m. and will be provided at an additional $15.00 per day.  You must make your lunch reservation in advance.  We pride ourselves in offering a healthy and organic lunch which will exceed your expectations. If you do not wish to make a reservation, please bring a sack lunch. Beverages will be provided. Some workshops have optional evening meal events, which must also be reserved in advance. Evening meal event prices vary, ranging from $15.00-$30.00 per meal.

Networking

A social hour is provided from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. following the first day of each program. Wine, cheese and a non-alcolohic beverage will be served in the community room for you to enjoy.

Policies

CANCELLATIONS: While we understand that circumstances can arise causing a change in your plans, we must adhere to a business policy. Because it is impossible for Valley Ridge to favor one individual situation or circumstance over another, we must adhere to our policy in all situations and can make no exceptions to our cancellation policy.

• 45 Days or More prior to a workshop: Full refund of tuition, less a $75.00 cancellation fee.
• 44 Days or Less prior to a workshop: No refunds or credits for any reason.

Registration Fees: The entire registration fee is due in full at time of registration. Valley Ridge Art Studio provides an advance deposit option to make it easier for those with financial constraints to participate in our programs. The advance deposit fee secures your workshop space, and is applied to your entire workshop registration fee. Payment for your fee/materials balance and any other optional meals will be charged to your credit card 45 days prior to workshop. Non-credit card payments will receive an invoice, which is due upon receipt.

Transfer Policy: You may transfer out of a workshop to another program in the same season. Transfer request must be received at least 45 days prior to a program. There will be a $50.00 transfer fee assessed on each transfer.

Credit Card Transaction Reversal: You intended to reserve a workshop and registered for one instead. You noticed your credit card was charged for the entire balance and only wanted to apply $75.00. You would like your credit card credited for the difference. We at Valley Ridge Art Studio are willing to reverse your transaction. There will be a $25.00 administrative fee per reversal request. Your balance will be due 45 days prior to the workshop.

Program schedule is subject to change.

Release/Waiver

I understand the risks associated with my attendance at the Studio and the use of various tools, equipment and products found in the Studio.  I voluntarily agree to assume the risk of injury or illness or property damage that may arise out of my attendance at the Studio and use of tools, equipment and products found in the Studio and hereby waive and release the Studio and its members, affiliates, employees, and agents and assigns from any and all claims, actions or losses which I may suffer as a result of my attendance at and use of the Studio.  I further agree to  hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Studio and its members, affiliates, employees, and agents and assigns from any and all claims, actions or losses arising out of my attendance at and use of the Studio or use of the tools, equipment and products found in the Studio regardless of the cause, including but not limited to the negligence of the Studio or its members, affiliates, employees, and agents and assigns.