• Bishoff.polymer red pendant
  • Bishoff.polymer nicklaces multi color
  • Bishoff.polymer pendants

Polymer 6: Building One-of-a-Kind Pendants

Acquire the skillset necessary to master the art of constructing two distinct pendant styles employing polymer marquetry techniques, yielding highly original shapes and intricate surface designs. Bid adieu to the relentless quest of searching for ideal jewelry findings, as you cultivate the proficiency to fashion your own bespoke components - creating functional and adaptable findings - adding to the unique personality of each design.

In addition to design language and custom findings, this class will delve into the intricate practice of wire embedding, adding both depth and intrigue to your craft. While no soldering expertise is needed, a fundamental understanding of polymer clay is indispensable for this course.

Meet the instructor

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Bonnie Bishoff has worked collaboratively with her artistic partner and husband J. M. Syron since 1987. Starting as furniture makers, they made work that incorporated large panels of polymer veneers for 28 years. Gradually they shifted their focus to explore jewelry and mixed media pieces.They tend to work in series and on several fronts at once. The focus of their jewelry has been creating metal armatures, textured and oxidized metal surfaces, and polymer marquetry surface designs. In addition they have been exploring a series of wall panels or "paintings" in polymer veneers and wire armatured sculptures. 

 

 

They have exhibited widely in galleries and fine craft shows including the Smithsonian and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Museum exhibitions include the Peabody Essex, The Museum of Art and Design, NY and the permanent collection of the Racine Art Museum. Their materials include veneers of polymer clay, silver, bronze, copper, and wood. They aim to create work that projects an expansive notion of art and creative pursuit to be shared by the wearer with the world.

 

 

Materials & Tools

The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name to be redirected to a page where you can find the item. The quantities needed for each item are listed first. If ordering, please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. We recommend not opening an item's packaging until the day of the workshop. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is not required - observers are welcome. 

 

Premo, Fimo Soft, Kato, or Sculpey III polymer clay from Polymer Clay Super Store, Joann Fabrics, Munro, or Sculpey Products (no one supplier has them all so do your best):

  • 4-10 colors of polymer or canes - enough to cover 6 square inches

 

Metal/raw material:

  • 1-2ft x sterling silver round wire - 18g - 1/2 hard (Rio Grande)

  • 6-10 x jump rings in metal of choice - 18g - approx 8mm (Rio Grande)

  • 24" x oval chain - OPTIONAL (Rio Grande)

 

Polymer tools (please ask if substitution will work): 

 

Hand tools:

 

Other/miscellaneous items: 

  • 2oz of scrap clay - for backing (unseen)

  • cotton swabs

  • rubbing alcohol

  • masking tape

  • ruler

  • waxed paper or "deli sheets" 

  • cleaner for board and blades (rubbing alcohol, windex, etc.)

  • notebook and writing implements 

  • paper towels or soft cloth

Virtual Course
Tuition
$115.00
Instructor
Bonnie Bishoff
Level
Basic and above
Pre-requisites
Basic polymer skills required
Location
Virtual - Eastern Time Zone
Length
  • 1 day
Schedule
  • December 18, 2023
    Monday
    6:00pm – 9:00pm
Class Dates
  • December 18, 2023
 

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