Midsummer's Dream
Metal Clay Retreat 2
with Holly Gage, Tracey Spurgin & Chef Chris Gage
During the Retreat students took part in two fantastic workshops; one run by Tracey and the other by Holly. Each project was inspired by the Midummer's Dream theme and had been designed exclusively for the retreat taking influences from the historic Viking heritage and incorporating the unique techniques employed by Holly & Tracey.
Projects
Freya's Tears Amulet
Tracey Spurgin
The creation of this piece was influenced by the Viking era and Norse mythology. Freya, goddess of love, had a weakness for the beauty of jewellery. This led to her betraying her husband to win favour with the makers of the most beautiful necklace she had ever seen.
It is said that Freya’s tears turned to amber. The Vikings were great tradesmen and craftsman, often trading in silver and amber and wearing it to show their wealth.
This apparently simple vessel hides an intricate construction of a spring loaded bayonet fitted lid. The piece is punctuated with a tiny amber stone.
The design of the piece is influenced by the shape of the Viking long ships and the ornamentation of the piece incorporates symbols and features associated with the Viking era such as the runes. And the dragon’s or serpent’s head bail echoes the features on the bow of the Viking long ships.
Jorvik Viking Purse
Holly Gage
This chain drawn string purse was inspired by the Viking history of York, England. It's a twist on leather pouches carried during the Viking era.
Our warrior conquest started with the students learning to make their own patterns and designs for the front and back panels using photo polymer plates. Then they learnt to make all-in-one "castle" knuckles and rivet a pin to secure it.
Next, the students cut and punched soft supple sheep skin and attached it to form the clever purse bag. In the final step, a chain was threaded through the leather to make a functional purse.
So many skills, presented in a step-by-step manner for student success.
A consolidated supplies and materials list was be provided to registered participants one month prior to the commencement of the retreat.
Instructors
Holly Gage
Holly creates contemporary jewellery & teaches her unique techniques with a gentle blend of art & soul.
Holly brings her innovation, creativity & gift of helping others find their artistic voice, through classes, mentoring programs, & master workshops available in the US & abroad. She is a full-time jewellery artist, Certified Metal Clay Instructor, author, & conference speaker.
In addition, Holly holds a BS in Fine Art & Education. Her jewellery & articles on techniques & design can be found in over 60 regional & national publications including the Best of America Jewelry Artists, PMC Guild Annual Volumes 1–5, Metal Clay Artist, Metal Clay Today, Art Jewelry & Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist, Making Jewellery, among others.
You can find more information about Holly’s jewellery, classes, awards, shows, & numerous free tutorials on her website
Tracey Spurgin
From a young age Tracey followed a creative path, initially training in fashion design and textiles. Along that creative journey the discovery of metal clay quickly became her devoted passion. She loves to share with others and does so from her own studio in East Yorkshire, UK. In addition, Tracey is well travelled, teaching throughout UK and Europe, visiting colleges, museums, galleries and specialist shops as well as arts and craft exhibitions and shows, to deliver all levels of metal clay courses, workshops, master classes and demonstrations. Alongside her busy teaching schedule, Tracey shares her ideas and knowledge and writes for national UK and international jewellery and metal clay magazines with more than 50 published articles to date.
Tracey has worked with Holly previously when she was a juror for her prestigious Metal Clay 2012 Calendar as well as being 2014 Midsummer's Dream Metal Clay Retreat partners.
For more information, visit her website
