This weekend at
Creative Castle I'll be doing something a little different then I've done before. I'm teaching a
'design class' with ellipses and diamonds. For those who prefer,there will be a pattern to fall back on. But first we'll begin with discussion on the general form of the ellipse and diamond, considerations of color and size and placement. Center diamond ellipse, ellipse; two diamonds, ellipse,ellipse; interweave two pieces together, or join them at the edge, add a rivoli, make a pendant, bracelet, choker....
A few variations,
with rivoli
reversible
A pendant
Inter-woven
I haven't taught a class this way before, but I'd like to explore it more in the future, so I'm interested in how it goes. I'm hoping that it is a good combination of project and process.
How about you? Do you prefer project or process or the opportunity for both?
reversible
A pendant
Inter-woven
20 comments:
I truely prefer a process class. While I like learning a project - I almost always end up using the process in another way for another piece that I am on.
Many of your pieces are component based, which lends itself to a process very easily.
After that point, I have my "artistic" license to move on for my own projects.
Liz, I like your feedback, I am hoping this style of class lets folks have their 'artistic' license in class.
I like to understand a process, but I also want to have a completed project presented.
I love both ways. Beads beads beading anyway, anytime...lol
Your work is exquisite! I love each piece you create and when I "grow up" I want to bead just like you..ha ha Honestly your work inspires me to do better each time.
Sharon
I'm a both. I'd love to do more creative exercises, but I do love finished projects. Many of the projects I start in class, I end up not finishing, changing colors, beads, etc, and doing it with the new color palette once I see how it works initially (think Queen Anne's Lace.
I can't even fathom taking a project class, unless I was mining it for process. I love process, I adore it, and it's the only way that I teach, even if there is technically a project on the table. I always encourage people to branch out.
I love the examples you have here. How could anyone fail to be able to design their own piece with this great setup of information and example? GREAT work.
I love process, and I really hope this will be a trend. Your designs are so lovely and innovative. The idea of being able to gain understanding of how a mentor/teacher uses a technique for her own expression and to benefit from that person's years of experience and creativity is exciting.
Even more exciting is taking what you've learned technically and applying it to your own vision. I'm taking your "ringlets" class in Bellevue next month and really look forward to it.
I love the pieces! And, that's one thing I already like about taking classes with you - the way you write notes and do things already lends itself to a bit of a process experience anyway...Like others mentioned, your work tends to be done in components, and you leave SO much room to be flexible about materials.
If it's something completely out of the realm of stuff I've worked on, I like project classes. But, for something like this that I've done lots of times, a process class is neat because it gives you time to think of other things to do with it...But, with a "pro" there to bounce thoughts off of when you need it :o)
I would go for process also - I need to understand how something works in order to do it. I can just read directions, and that's how I learned to bead, but I would love to learn the process so that I could use the information to make my own jewelry from the processes I learned. Also, process would make the class so much more interesting and inspiring I think. However, I would also want the directions - mistakes are made, as they say. :)
I am inspired by projects, but I tend to use bits and pieces to make it my own. Of course since I am sitting here writing this there are a few "projects" I can't help but think of the many projects I have made.
Hi, I like both, although I have noticed the past couple of years as I gain more experience beading I prefer the process. This class sounds interesting. I hope we can do it in my area. I think your components allow your students to be more creative. And speaking of components and being creative, I owe you a picture of a bracelet I made from the Romantica strap. It was a bridal shower gift for a friend and I made it in whites and clear AB firepolish. I was really happy with it and she liked it too. Only problem was I think it is too long. I have not heard back from the bride yet. See you in a few weeks up here in Northern CA, Nancy
I prefer the process classes. I think most experienced beaders want a class to explore and experiment with techniques to expand their own artistic style. I think newby beaders rely on project classes - they are limited in techique and time committment. Experienced beaders have already made the committment to the medium.
I think it's great if the best of both worlds can be met. If the project is seen as a means to an end (i.e. exploration of process), rather than the end in itself - the needs of everyone attending the class can be catered for. Classes seem often to be comprised of people with a broad range of beading experience and if both project and process can be covered, people new to beading may choose to focus on the project, while experienced beaders can get a lot from discussion of process. I just love hearing experienced beaders talk about their process - I learn so much from that.
I'm one of those "process" folks. In my opinion, beaders who are intermediate to advanced will always look for the process in a lesson/class. I love to hear new ways of improving on existing techniques and stitches. How do you feel about students "going rogue" in class and using alternative materials than those proscribed by the instructions?
I'm one of those "process" folks. In my opinion, beaders who are intermediate to advanced will always look for the process in a lesson/class. I love to hear new ways of improving on existing techniques and stitches. How do you feel about students "going rogue" in class and using alternative materials than those proscribed by the instructions?
As you know, I am a project manager. By nature, projects are finite, they typically have a start and end and something is delivered. To me, it comes back to intent, the creative process is paramount for me and never ends, always evolves, fed by emotion, joy, pain, observation, expression. Process. I am not very good in projects (which is unusualy in view of my vocation but there it is), I tend to feel stifled and I guess it takes a teacher to recognise that this is valid and encourage process. I project to learn and to experience, then it gets processed and re-engineered. I think Liz has a good point, componentry enables process.
And so all needs can be met, there are beaders who need structure, enter the maze here, take a right, a left, straight, and come out the other end. That is all good.
There is also that old adage - master technique and creativity will follow. Even that is process, infinite and evolving. You need to understand and know yourself and what it is that you need or want. That means that I am often the rogue element in a class, wanders off, what if, what if....
Process most definitely! Sounds like a great approach. I'm sure it will be a hit!
Process is great but I find the best way to understand a process and its applications (for me) is through a project, if that makes sense! I teach beading classes myself (mainly beginners) and I always try to emphasise the technique or process I am teaching within the project. Your diamond design class looks absolutely fab though, I am jealous of all your students over in the US!
Wow. For me, a perfect class teaches me a technique or concept I do not know, and then shows me a possible way to use it. The idea of open-ended use is a direction I think it brilliant. Sometimes, it's nice to have a take-away finished project at the end of a class, but the learning is the thing that really matters. Love this idea!
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