Feelin' the Bliss...

I  attended 2 classes at ArtBliss Workshops several weeks ago.  I have been meaning to blog about it, so I thought I would do so here, for my 1st blog on AJE, as a sort of introduction!  I'm Melissa Meman, by the way.  I create art jewelry and components with an emphasis these days on metals and wire. I am very happy and honored to have been chosen to join the group and look forward to having a lot of fun!!

Via SweetBeadStudio.com

For those who don't know, ArtBliss was founded by Cindy Wimmer and Jeanette Blix in Northern, Virginia.  From their website..." workshops that encompass jewelry design and mixed media from internationally renowned instructors. ArtBliss brings in the Dream Teams of creative coaches and motivators in a warm, relaxing, and collaborative environment. Join us and open the door to creative discovery and inspiration!" Wow!  You had me at hello :)

This was my 3rd year to attend and as usual, it was a blast!  My 2 classes were with Stacie Florer, and were both centered around metalwork..Ranch Hand Earrings and Heavy Metal Beads.  Stacie was a very generous and patient teacher and I left both classes with lots of new information swimming in my head, just waiting to be utilized in future work.

Photo by Cindy Wimmer; me, LeAnn Weih, Michelle Timms

Here are a few things I have made so far with some of that knowledge...a couple were completed in class, others needed to be tweaked at home!

One of the best things about the workshops, was running into jewelry-making friends, old and new!  It is always fun to see Cindy and Jeanette every year, as well as the "regulars"...you know who you are, Jen Judd, Sally Russick, Carol Myers, Bette Brody, Lori Anderson, Sandi Volpe!  It was oh, so fun to meet other folks that I have only emailed, blogged and Facebooked (is that a word?) with!  Patti Vanderblomen and LeAnn Weih, for example!  And Stacie Florer...I have known Stacie online for several years, but had never met her in person.  Meeting someone in person and putting a voice with a face and words that you see online is the best!  I told her, now when I read her blog, I will be able to hear her voice in my head!!!

One of our other newbies here at AJE, Jenny Davies-Reazor, was there and I happily attended a trunk show that she had going on in her room on Saturday night!  Here is a look at some very sweet goodies I took home with me!

Just made for Earrings Everyday

Another special event that happens every year is the charm swap...interested attendees sign up to make art charms and swap with each other...this year, the theme was "Fall into Bliss".  I created fold-formed copper leaves with Czech glass flower dangles.

Photo by Cindy Wimmer...left to right: Jenny Davies-Reazor, Sally Russick, Patti Vanderblomen, yours truly,  Beth , Anne Savage - looking at their goodies! Beautiful handpainted bags by Dawn Gallop, the swap organizer!

ArtBliss usually offers a smaller grouping of Spring classes as well...I have been blessed to be able to take classes with Stephanie Lee and Richard Salley there...can't wait to see what they will offer in 2013!  If you live in the DC suburbs (or not!) you should definitely check it out!

How about you?  Have you taken any cool classes lately?