Diane Mason
19427 Hwy #9
Ruby, SC 29741

jimndee@shtc.net

843-634-6497

Diane began her wire career in 1999 and continues to upgrade her skills today by attending William Holland as a student and by taking private lessons. She began teaching at William Holland School of Lapidary Arts in 2003 and continues today. She also teaches private lessons in her home, and beginning, intermediate, and advanced wire classes in Chesterfield, SC, where she and her husband maintain their own studio/gallery. Diane also teaches for SFMS, and is a visiting artist/instructor for Dancing Glass Studios in Bay City, MI. Diane is an active member of the Columbia South Carolina Gen and Mineral Club.

Diane is a registered nurse and a full time employee of Mercy Hospital in Charlotte, NC. Having a teaching background helps Diane teach a very structured class. Her favorite classes to teach are the beginning classes in basic wire, wire sculpture, and her “Golden Oldies” for ages 70 and above. She and her husband have traveled for 11 years and exhibited their crafts in juried festivals in both North and South Carolina. This allows her to include in her classes a varied look at pricing and sales. Students in her classes are often treated to a field trip to view other works from the simple to the very complex wire products.

In 2009 Diane began the “Golden Oldies” wire classes and has received much pleasure from this. In 2011 she has been instrumental in beginning Wire II for the older age group and feels strongly that there is a place for slower classes with older participants. In 2012 she will begin a Wire I + class that will bridge the Wire I student to the Wire II class by stepping up the intensity of the Wire I class by using more complex projects. This is a step that Wire I students have been inquiring about for several years. Diane may teach in other areas and for herself, but she will quickly tell you that her first love is her Wire I students and the family atmosphere offered by William Holland.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

This is truly a beginning Wire I class filled with fun and packed with learning possibilities. The student will be taught theory as well as practical applications. Each student will leave with the understanding of various wire types, sizes, tempers, and their uses. Practical applications will allow the student to create jewelry from wire and stones.

A total of twelve to fourteen (12 to 14) projects should be expected to be completed. Projects include a simple ring, simple bracelet, calibrated pendant, donut, simple earring, un-calibrated pendent, more complex earring, more complex bracelet, and a couple of more advanced pieces. Each project will vary in either type of wire, the method of creation, or the type of stone. No two projects are alike. At the end of class the student should be able to wrap any stone into jewelry. Students will also learn how to correctly purchase a commercial cabochon and how to wrap with square wire. The student will receive a complete list of projects, cost of class and other necessary information approximately four to five weeks prior to class start time. This will also include a complete list of materials covered in the lab fee. Students do not bring any wire, stones, or tools to class. Tools are maintained and provided by the instructor. Wire and stones are included in the complete price of the class. This is a beginning class and the new student may find it hard to purchase the correct materials. This will be covered in class, and at class end the student should be able to purchase any material or tool needed on their own.

Pricing of the finished product and sales techniques will be covered in class. Students will be taught how to clean jewelry correctly and will be expected to clean their own under supervision in the classroom. Each student will be given a list of requirements necessary to progress to Wire II; a complete list of tools necessary for the beginning wire artist; and the contact sources of several locations to purchase their needs. The instructor will also have for sale all necessary equipment for the beginning wire artist. Projects will be in both gold and silver. Students are required to bring their Optivisor. This is a must have. Class costs will vary according to the price of gold and silver. Come prepared to learn theory and how to make it work to create jewelry. Any person with questions should feel free to contact the instructor at any time.

CLASS FEE - A $35. Total Approx. cost of class $225.00 - $325.00

Maximum Number of Students: 6

Pre-requisite: None