From the highland mists springs forth a bracelet of braided silver and liquid like crystals. This Scottish inspired bracelet could have graced the wrist of nobility. The bracelet is woven with fine silver, entwined with crystals and beads that seemingly sparkle in the sunlight.

What Techniques Students Need To Know Before The Workshop

The skill level required: Intermediate. The student must be comfortable with using tools to shape wire.

Relative to the wire classes we teach at Be Dazzled Beads, you will have wanted to take the first wire class -- either the Mix N Match Bracelet or the Pattern Wire Bracelet, and preferrably one of the other two core classes -- either the Wire-Wrap Cabochon Pendant or the Wire-Wrap Bracelet with Beads.

Materials Needed For the Workshop:
Participants must purchase a kit of wire tubing, which is $46.00. Additional supplies are also required. See Below.

You may bring your own supplies, or these are also available for purchase at Be Dazzled Beads.

SUPPLY LIST
All supplies listed are approximate depending on the desired length of your bracelet.

WIRE NEEDED:
Sterling Silver, Dead Soft
18 gauge - 4 1/2 feet
20 gauge - 3 feet
26 gauge - 22 1/2 feet

BEADS NEEDED:
Size 11/0 seed beads - 1 color
180 - 3mm bicone Swarovski crystals (series 5301)

TOOLS NEEDED: [We have tools at the store that you can use, or you can bring your own.]
round nose pliers
chain nose pleirs
flush cutter
work surface
sharpie pen (black fine point)
ruler 12"

Work surface of choice
Lighting and magnification. If you need it at home, you will need it in class!
[The classroom is well-lit, but you may want to supplement this by bringing an OTT-light or similar light. There are plenty of outlets.]

About Dallas Lovett


www.tradewindgallery.com

Artist’s Statement:

"I began my design practice in 1993 after completing a degree in fashion design at Woodbury University in Los Angeles. My formal training has, without a doubt, influenced the course of my work over the past ten years. It affects how I see and what I'm trying to achieve. In particular, my philosophy and approach to design is to take my chosen medium (wire wrapping and weaving) to a higher professional standard that I refer to as Jewelry Art. I am confident that my abilities as a designer and as an instructor will enhance the profession and bring it to a higher standard.

Some have remarked that my work has an engineering feel. That's true as far as it goes, but my aesthetic is also natural in that it derives from the spare and sculptural landscape of my native Arizona. I strive to combine silver wire and beads (seed beads, pearls and semi-precious stones, or lampwork beads) to create three-dimensional forms in which all the parts relate harmoniously to each other and to the whole. And just like natural objects, each piece of jewelry I make is unique and individually 'handmade' in every way.

My workshops are intense, but the intensity comes from the work itself, and not from my personality. A student who completes one of my workshops, even one the basic workshops, will have achieved self-confidence and will leave the workshop with a professional finished product. Because I had to make these techniques my own before I felt comfortable working with wire, I encourage each student's growth and further exploration. "

Dallas is co-owner of Trade Wind Gallery, a jewelry and bead store in Phoenix, Arizona.

Dallas Lovett is a native of Arizona and the South west; he has a degree in design from Woodbury University in Los Angeles. His design background gives him the ability to look at color, form and shape from a different point of view; this is then reflected in his work. Dallas has taught both nationally and internationally for 17 years.

He has always been inspired by the rich textures, brilliant colors in nature and Architecture across the country and the world. Dallas is always looking for new innovative ways of working with the wire and using diverse elements to create unique blends, which really show through in his work.

Dallas Lovett’s designs have captured the attention of many across the globe, “whose distinctive, intricately wire worked jewelry designs could be described as “modern baroque” for all the fantastic twists and turns within each piece” said Editor in chief of Beadwork magazine, Marlene Blessings. “His style is so distinctive that if you see a student wearing one of his pieces...., you can tell immediately that she/he has taken a Dallas Lovett class”, said Doris Coghill in an article she wrote about him for Beadwork magazine.

Many people think that Dallas’ work looks complicated, but the way it is broken down step-by-step he makes it easy to follow, allowing the student to create a successful finished piece of jewelry whether they are beginners or advanced wire workers.

Lunch Options:
The workshop will take a break for lunch. Within easy walking distance are these lunch places:
Applebees
The Yellow Porch
Sam & Zoes
Baja Burrito
Subway
Kebab Gyro Shop
Pizza Hut
Wendy's
Calypso Cafe
Mediterranean Cafe (short drive)
Cafe D' Pranza
Pfunky Griddle
Logans Steak House
Monell's
Jersey Mikes
Cheeseburger Charlies
Einstein Bagel
Cocina

Lodging:
If you are coming from out of town, the closest motels are
La Quinta Inn (Sidco Drive near Harding Place and I-65)
Red Roof Inn (Sidco Drive near Hading Place and I-65)

There are additional motels 1 exit south on I-65 on Old Hickory Blvd in Brentwood.

See:
Location, Lodging,
Access by Car, Plane