Friday, October 3, 2008

FREE hug to next 3 to sign up for class :)

Ok, I'll probably hug everyone if its ok - I'm a hugger what can I say??

I just found out there are still a few spots open for this fun and FAB class. Can you imagine what you can do with these tiny soldered boxes? So much fun!!! A few days ago I posted my "Samhain" reliquary which is in the style of the Beloved Ulla Millbrath. Today's example is one with my twist on the project. This weekend we'll be focused on Halloween and fall... SUPAH FUN, PEOPLE!


Reliquaries were historically used to hold various fragments of saints, the Buddha, the Christ. The fragments ranged from bits of bone, hair or flesh to snips of garments or pieces of the crucification cross. Some reliquaries are clear so that the bones of the person could be viewed. Some reliquaries that I saw while at the Vatican were inserted into the staff of the Pope at the time.

Reliquaries are sometimes decorative as in a brooch or pendant, but are often a simple box or coffin shape. In Victorian era reliquaries you could find a lock of hair of a loved one sealed into an item of jewelery.

My particular enjoyment of these tiny treasures is in the placement of odd items. I start with tiny collages for a background and then begin making a scene as in a diorama and then adding that element of surprise. They can also go in the direction of the macabre in which case employing the shape of a coffin is definitely in order!

Reliquaries range in size from teeny to life size coffins, but mine tend to stay in the range of quite small. I like to use mica to enclose the scene to give it a Victorian feeling and then I solder the entire piece. They are a rewarding project because they just come out SO COOL! This is a rewarding class because you get to make a few cool reliquaries AND you get to learn the skill of soldering.



Please bring any of your own special relics, images, favorite glues, scissors, glitters or paints. Any small items from nature are also encouraged – tiny wings are cool, bits of lichen look neat.

I will provide all supplies for soldering, but if you have your own soldering equipment please bring that with you – not required but certainly appreciated.

Can't wait to get started... To Sign up you can comment here or call one of the shops who will graciously be hosting us!

Saturday at Stamper's Warehouse
(925) 362-9494
or
Sunday at ScrapLovers @ A work of Heart
(408) 266-1005

See you this weekend!
xoxo
Jul

2 comments:

  1. Hi Julee,
    I signed up for the Sunday class and am so excited! Is the *free* collage sheet something that can be used in the reliquary? I'll also bring some collage items. Can't wait to meet you! Beth

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is so nice. Love that little bitty of it all.

    ReplyDelete

Oooooh BLoGgEE love!
xoxo
jul