Painted Stained Glass Windows

I did this project with my kids in my mixed media painting class on Friday. 

 I created a template with a few simple lines that formed a little bird sitting in a tree. I printed out enough for my class and taped them against the front side of a document frame. 

I gave my kids sharpie markers and had them trace the bird onto the back of the glass. Then, they used Galleria Acrylic paints to paint in each section of the glass. Its okay if they paint over the lines that they drew, because the line still shows up on the other side of the glass. 

When they are finished, we removed the bird templates and held their pictures up to the light. This was a win-win project. The kids really enjoyed the process, and the results were beautiful! 

Jimmy shows off his painting. 

Emma and her fantastic painting.

I will be doing this project again many times! Hopefully in a Saturday Kids' Painting Club event!

Zentangle Craft Ideas #1 - Alcohol Inks

Did you know that we are offering a Zentangle Class? 

For this project, you will need...

Yupo paper, ceramic glazed tile, glass, or high gloss photo paper.

Alcohol ink colors, (blending solution, brushes)

Micron Pen, and basic understanding of Zentangle.
(optional) acrylic varnish

On your smooth surface material, create a colorful composition using alcohol inks. Let the image dry completely. Tangle over the various color sections with a micron pen. 

If you want to turn a tile into a coaster, spray a protective varnish over it, let dry, then paint with a liquid varnish. Do not put in the dishwasher. 

Raku Bead Workshop, May 9th

Riverwood Pottery is coming back to Bear hands this may for another wonderful Raku Bead Workshop! I want to share these pictures of last year's workshop so you can get an idea of what the whole thing is like. The Riverwood pottery group travels all the way down from Dillsboro (a little town tucked away in the smokies) to teach at Bear Hands. 

Class details: (3 sessions) May 9, 10 & 11, Thurs & Fri 6 pm-9 pm, Sat. 9:30 - 5:oo   $145.

Register

Every student makes hundreds of beautiful, unique beads in this class! Jewelry makers and potters, don't miss this opportunity! 

Some of the beads in green-ware form

Stamps and texture tools used to make the pendants.

Students at work in our spacious, well-equipped studio.

 Bisque ware ready to fire in the raku kiln!

 Brant Barnes of Riverwood pottery, heating up the kiln outside.

 Stunning results!

Students made a lot of product, and many of them went on to create beautiful jewelry and sold their work! these unique pendants make great gifts for friends and family members.  Click HERE to register

How To Make Your Own Clay Tools

On May 7 & 8, from 6-9pm,  you can learn how to make your own pottery tools at the Bear Hands Studio. Bear Hands welcomes Brant Barnes of Riverwood Pottery (Dillsboro NC) to teach this awesome workshop.

Brant is very experienced at making pottery tools. He will be bringing along some of his unique, innovative creations, such as the opening tool made of a 2x4, a door hinge, a mop handle, and a laser pointer!

Brant says that in this class, he will teach students to make the items like signature stamps, texture and pattern stamps, handle makers,  and pattern/texture wheels. Materials are included!

You may also create bowl ribs,  foot makers, slip trailers, and more. Brant will teach you how to make ribs and wooden tools, and will bring along some wild cherry wood for his students to use. He will demonstrate some unique glazing techniques, and show students how to make stamps out of foam. 

It seems like Brant can make pottery tools out of just about anything. 

"My latest and most favorite tool I made from the handle grim of my bicycle and now I have clay paddles for texturing clay.  My handle tool is made out of the spout of a two gallon gas can. I go to the flea market looking for texture tools. An old cheese slicer or meat tenderizer can easily be used to make clay art."

We will only be offering this workshop ONCE! So don't miss out! Click here to register.