Terri Brushe's Crown Class at Urban Barn

My finished flat quickie crown
with black patina

This past Sunday at the Urban Barn in Escondido, CA, my friend Margo and I took Terri Brush's Crown Soldering class. (Click on this link to learn more about Terri's classes - Terri Brush Designs ) She was very organized and the only thing she told us to bring was some jewelry tools which she told us we could get a kit at Michael's for about $9.99. In truth, we didn't even need those.

Sample Crown

Terri provided all of us with the Weller 100 (the blue iron) plus and stand, a metal tray to work on which she told us we could take home with us, flux, solder, sponge, etc. etc. - everything we would need and then some. And then, of course, the product.

Sally's Tray

Crown in progress Unknown Artist

The Urban Barn is a great place to take a class. It is so big and airy with good natural light also. We were all at one long table as you can see from the photo below.

The long table where we worked

Terri got us all started cleaning, taping, fluxing and soldering about 24 glass bobbles. She is a very calm teacher and kept moving around the entire perimeter and was readily available for any questions we might have. This was not a first time soldering class so there were no Step One, Step Two instructions.

About noon, delicious pizza arrived and we could stop whenever we were ready and eat and have some refreshments. Later in the afternoon, cupcakes and chocolate chip cookies appeared. Plus,s there were giant bowls of M & M's with peanuts on the table.

In my immediate locations I met some new friends. Across from me was a gal named Robin Sanchez who lives in Oceanside and had super information about a "gig" that takes place about twice a year in Manhattan Beach and is put on by Artistic Bliss and Kim Caldwell. Check it out!

My end of the table

To Robin's left in blue was a gal named Nelda. It turns out she lives close to me but is allergic to birds and there for, since we have to my regret, my husband's double yellow amazon parrot, she can not come play at my home.

To my right was a very quiet and sweet gal named Debbie. Margo is sitting at the head of the table and my chair is vacant.

We were to make a base for the crown by soldering three glass bobbles together at a time and then soldering them to themselves to make a circle or part circle.

Two photos of Sally's base for her crown

I choose to work on a small flat crown for my first project. Any of you who have followed my blog know that I am a devout fan of Suzi Blu and her girls. I decided I wanted to make a crown for one of my girls. The width was only 2 1/2 inches. Below is the base that I started with for my crown.

Base for Sally's small crown

Enter the embellishments lady. I could not believe all that she brought in for us to add to our crowns or to just purchase for further reference. I don't know her name but she said that when we saw our credit card statement it would read "Peeps."

"Stuff"

More "Stuff"
That's "Peeps" in the left hand corner of photo

Above
Three photos of Sally's stash purchased from "Peeps"

Margo hard at work

Above is my friend Margo who solders so beautifully. She was very interested in the product we were using this day. She and Robin both mentioned that they didn't have to clean their tips like they usually did. Plus, the solder flowed so easily. I totally agreed even though I have hardly any practical experience. I did take a Sally Jean class last year. Most of what I know, I have learned from Margo. She is a perfectionist and does beautiful work. She also is amazing in Photo Shop. Below is my Christmas present from Margo. It is so beautiful. Thank you Margo.

Tree Ornament created by Margo

Unknown Artist wearing glasses with lights.

I didn't get this gal's name but she was soooo much fun. She is styling ladies with her special purchase from CVS pharmacy of reading glasses with bright lights on both sides of the glasses that shine down on what ever you are working on. She said they cost about $24.95 and come in various prescribed strengths. We all vowed we would be going there to purchase our own. Fun and practical!

Debbie fast at work on her crown

Close-up of Debbie's crown (I think)

Another sample - artist unknown

BEAUTIFUL finished crown - artist unknown

Terri and one tired eyes Sally