Workshops

I love teaching! I teach beginner one-day introductions to multiple day boot camps to technique-oriented classes that are packed with fundamentals. And while my focus is currently polymer clay art jewelry, I on occasion add an art journaling/book making class in the mix. If you would be interested in one of my classes or have any questions, please contact me at lynnyuhr@gmail.com.

Virtual Workshop Series for Metalwerx – The Marriage of Metal and Polymer Clay

These workshops are a part of a series called ‘Marriage of Metal and Polymer Clay’. The focus of these workshops is to introduce polymer artists to a simple, cold connection, a metal smithing skill that will allow them to take their work to the next level. Each workshop will be a stand-alone presentation, so take one or all and build your skill set. For more information please go to www.metalwerx.com .

Bespoke Chains: January 10th and 17th: 4:00 to 6:00pm

Second Session! Bespoke Chains: May 2nd and 9th: 4:00 to 6:00pm

So, you have created a beautiful pendant, now what? Slap a commercial chain on it and call it a day. I think not!! If you have taken the time on a special piece, let’s not miss an opportunity to continue the design or make a statement by adding a bespoke chain. It doesn’t have to be complicated. And extending the look with a custom chain can elevate the project as a whole.

This class focuses on making chains using simple links and some creative cold connections. We will run through how to set yourself up for creating consistent links and doing production work. Then the fun begins exploring shapes, scale, and the rhythm of patterns. Yes, there are many books and classes on chains, but not like this!! I make it fun and accessible for you to make chains and extend your creative voice.

While this class was developed for polymer clay artists, it really applies to anyone. So, if you have not ventured into making your own chains and want to get started with some basics, join me! I will get you started with a few simple links and a few creative cold connections.

Layers and Levels: February 16th, 23rd and March 2nd: 4:00 to 6:00pm

Second Session : Layers and Levels: October 3, 10 and 17th: 4:00 to 6:00pm

This class focuses on building layers in your work to provide a tactile quality and a depth of interest. But it is not just simple layering. We will discuss overhangs, undercuts, risers and explore floating elements. However, to be successful with these ideas, we need to determine the steps in the process of putting it together, how layers are attached and in what order.

I will encourage you to develop your own collection of veneers and components in colors, textures and shapes that resonate with you. We will discuss sketching ideas and auditioning components as we develop a layered design. I will share different ways of attaching your layers and include simple wire embellishments in the process!

Rivets: March 7th and 9th: 4:00 to 6:00pm

Rivets are a way to mechanically fasten two materials together. Traditionally, both the rivet and the materials being fastened are metal. Polymer is not sturdy enough to rivet together by itself so we need to be creative. We will introduce you to traditional riveting and show you modifications to make it work for polymer clay. Whether the rivets are functional or decorative, exposed or hidden we will cover several options.

Tabs: April 4th and 6th: 4:00 to 6:00pm

Tabs allow you to grab and hold onto an item and are very versatile. They are typically cut or sawed out of sheet metal and can hold onto any shape item. We will discuss three types of tabs outer, edge and inner. We will go over practical aspects of tabs like tips on sawing, how long, how many, finishing edges and bending into place. We will also explore the possibilities of incorporating the tabs and surrounding metal into our designs.

IN-PERSON Blue Ridge Polymer Clay Guild – March 18 and 19, 2023

Two 1-day classes will be offered; Coloring Outside the Line with Polymer Clay – March 18th and Marked and Framed – March 19th. For additional information contact – Bridget Downey, workshop coordinator

IN-PERSON Creative Journey Studios – April 21st to 23rd, 2023

Are you ready for a deep dive into the possibilities of working with liquid clay? Here is your chance. We will spend a couple of days creating samples and veneers using liquid polymer clay. This will include creating backgrounds, mark making, stenciling, scrafitto, edges, patinas, abstract painting and scribbling. We will then spend the last day putting some of pieces together (earrings, pendants, brooches) with an optional metal wire embellishment. I promise lots of hands-on time creating and loads of fun!! For more information www.creativejourneystudios.com.

IN-PERSON BEADFEST – August 2 to 5, 2023

Beadfest is an annual show which has been located just outside Philadelphia but has a new venue in Lancaster, PA. The dates for 2023 are August 2 through 5, 2023. I have 4 classes on the schedule!! For more information and to register go to www.beadfest.com.

Wednesday – Aug 2nd – Meditative Magic; Thursday – Aug 3rd – Mod Mondrian-Inspired Lariats; Friday – Aug 4th – Little Beasties; Saturday – Aug 5th – Polymer Clay and Cold Connections

IN-PERSON Southeast Polymer Clay Guild – September 14th and 15th

Two 1-day classes will be offered. Details coming soon.

HYBRID – IN-PERSON and VIRTUAL Metal Arts Guild of Georgia – December 2nd and 3rd, 2023

Two 1-day classes will be offered and include Intro to Liquid Clay on December 2nd and Layers and Levels on December 3rd. These classes can be taken individually but are designed to fit into each other. For additional information visit – www.metalartsguildga.org.

Intro to Liquid Clay – This technique-based class is a quick introduction to liquid clay, understand its super powers and wide variety of potential applications. We will create samples and veneers using mark making, stenciling, and scrafitto techniques. We will explore using liquid clays for creating unique backgrounds, patinas and finishing edges. This class will provide a solid base for you to experiment further with confidence and a direction.

Layers and Levels – This is a project-based class which focuses on the steps of building multiple layers in your work to provide a tactile quality and a depth of interest. But it is not just simple layering or stacking of elements. We will discuss overhangs, undercuts, risers and explore floating elements. However, to be successful with these ideas we need to consider how layers are attached and in what order.