13. Making Pysanky Jewelry With Epoxy Clay - Melanie Ferguson - Friday July 19th - 1:00pm to 3:00pm

In this engaging class, students will get a hands-on introduction to the unique medium of epoxy clay, learning how to create beautiful pieces of jewelry using broken Pysanka shells.

Materials Provided:

Each participant will be provided with an array of resources including:

• A variety of coloured two-part epoxy clay
• Popsicle sticks for handling clay
• An assortment of bezels and channel beads
• Extra broken Pysanky shells (for those who don't have their own)
• Small embellishments like micro beads, tiny crystals, and specialty beads (e.g., little flowers)
• Findings to complete jewelry pieces
• Jewelry-making tools
• Wax paper for a clean work surface
• A detailed handout with step-by-step procedures

What to Bring:

Students are requested to bring:

• Vinyl or nitrile gloves
• Broken Pysanka shells (if available)

Learning Outcomes:

During the workshop, students will learn:

• How to choose suitable bezel settings for their projects
• Techniques to prepare a broken eggshell to fit the chosen bezel
• The right way to mix the two-part epoxy clay and apply it in the bezel
• How to embed the broken Pysanky shells and other embellishments
• Ideas for finishing their jewelry pieces
• Suggestions for other projects using this technique

Final Creations:

By the end of the session, each student will have crafted a pendant and a channel bead, with the possibility of creating more pieces if time allows.

This workshop is a fantastic opportunity to explore a unique art form, up-cycle broken Pysanka shells, and leave with your own handcrafted pieces of jewelry.

About the instructor:

Melanie learned all about her Ukrainian heritage beginning at a very young age, from her mother and grandparents, and through involvement with her local Ukrainian community. She began making Pysanky at a very young age, too.

Melanie was inspired by Ukrainian embroidery and Pysanky when she launched her jewelry line, Mella Bella Designs, in 2015. She incorporated the motifs in her beadwork and metalwork, and used Pysanka shells in her designs.

Now, Melanie focuses almost exclusively on Pysanky and Pysanka jewelry. She and her mom, Irene, collaborate as Sim’ya Designs, and sell their work at Toronto’s One Of A Kind Show.

Melanie is also an Ontario Certified Teacher, and has been teaching for 22 years. She enjoys sharing her love of Pysanky with her students every year at Easter time.