Sharing a Passion for Handmade

"I believe it is important to thirst for knowledge every day of your life. If you are tired of learning, you are probably tired of living... "
Holly J. Stanger

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FloDo is short for Florence's Daughter in honor of my mother who instilled in me my curiosity and appreciation for all things handmade.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

My Latest Creative Addiction

Last November I had the opportunity to attend an amazing jewelry making workshop at Sweetland Retreat in Manchester, Maine.  I was super excited because the class was being taught by Jessica Moreau-Berry of Junque Revival fame.  I have been a long time fan of Jessica's work since meeting her two years ago at an art and craft fair featuring Etsy Maine Team artists.  Among her many talents, Jessica creates incredible pieces of mixed media art jewelry from found objects, decoupage ephemera, vintage beads and baubles, and her own artistic flair.  She has also been a frequently featured contributor of articles and interviews to such major art magazines as Belle Armoire Jewelry and Jewelry Affaire and some of her fabulous creations can be purchased in her Etsy shop, Junque Revival among other places.  So, when Jessica offered a class at Sweetland Retreat I jumped on it.  The class was called Repurposed Shard and Polymer Clay Jewelry.  This was "THE" process she used to make some of the amazing pieces that have been featured in magazine articles.  I could not pass it up!


Painting My First Piece





And am I glad I went!  The class was wonderful and I had so much fun learning the process.  Jessica is an awesome teacher and even though I had never used polymer clay, nor made much jewelry before then, by the time I was done with class I could not wait to get home and use my new found skills to create more pieces.  I guess you could say a creative monster was born that day. 







Since I took that class I have created 10 additional pendants and 4 brooches and I do not see myself stopping any time soon...



I give full credit for my inspiration to Jessica Moreau-Berry

I even had to add a new section to my studio...




Jessica was very generous with her knowledge and very clear with her instructions.  I know Jessica is in the planning stages of some future classes.  I highly recommend if she offers this or any other class that you sign up!  You will be glad you did, I know I am.  I can't wait for the next one!


"Tidal Pool" original brooch by FloDo Designs

"Time to Switch Gears" original brooch by FloDo Designs


You can follow Junque Revival's blog using the link on the right of this page.  Thanks Jessica!

FloDo Designs Shop on Etsy