Participants used rubber stamps to apply images onto a cultured stone with flat surfaces. No drawing was necessary – the rubber stamps provided all the images needed, and students learned how to apply colors from a variety of tiny inkpads. To complete the pendant, matching beads were wired onto the pendant and attached to a chord necklace.
            Tools were provided to everyone that didn't have their own. All other materials were supplied.
Instructor: Ursula Avakian
Background:
I have had a love affair with arts & crafts since my early childhood. As an adult, I started taking classes in graphic design, and discovered I wasn’t good enough to become a commercial graphic artist, so, I pursued a career in “industrial arts” as an engineering draftsman. That led me to the designing of wiring harnesses and cable assemblies for computer products. During this time, my hobbies included designing pottery, stained glass windows and ornaments, floral arrangements and scrapbooking. After 12 years in engineering, I went back to school to pursue a career in medical information management, which I enjoyed for several years. Thereafter, I went back to school to become a medical librarian. I retired from that position, but continue to work for Palomar Medical Center on a per diem basis. In addition, I devote several hours a week volunteering at OASIS, a national education organization that offers challenging programs in the arts, humanities, health and technology to people 50 years of age and older. Several years ago, I started teaching jewelry and card-making at Mary’s House in Escondido to young girls coming out of the foster care system, and I also teach similar classes to members of the “Creativity Group” to which I belong. My most recent "Style Stone Pendant Workshop" was conducted at Bernardo Heights Community Center on April 25, 2009, sponored by the "North County Society of Fine Arts". |
