Kristina Logan Class

It was a pleasure to have Kristina Logan teach at our shop recently. It's been many years since I took my first class with her. In Montreal and then at the Corning studio where I was convinced to go to college for glass blowing after having such a life changing experience. It may sound corny, but that's how it happened!
I've been personally inspired by Kristina's work and dedication to her craft as long as I can remember and to watch her work and teach again (with many more years experience) I still stand in awe and feel humbled by her skill.

Kristina is truly one of the best flameworking teachers. The students loved the class and the feedback was fantastic, so much so that we're looking at getting her to come back next year to teach her class about combining glass and silver. Most of Kristina's work combines gold, silver and glass. Please check out more of her work on line at her site www.kristinalogan.com

The Commitment Ring - Freedom

Cynthia and I have some new work in a show at Lafreniere & Pai Gallery in Ottawa. Please go check it out if you are in the area... The ladies at Lafreniere & Pai have a great eye for spectacular jewelry and have one of the best collection in Canada in my opinion!

Here is a little commentary about the work we made for the show.

The Commitment Ring - (theme freedom)

The wearing of rings to signify commitment of various types dates back thousands of years; commitment to spouse, family, friend, country, religion or political organization. Our approach to the theme of Freedom within the realm of commitment rings stems from the idea that one does not need to wear a ring in order to remember or signify one's commitment; the ring exists as a celebratory reminder, not an obligatory device.

Baci (Kiss Blower) Rings - From the Italian Baci, meaning kiss. These inter-active rings are worn with the bead held and protected inside the hand; when you're ready, open up your palm and blow a thousand kisses toward your love.

Love Bird Rings - An ancient symbol of love, fidelity, and freedom, these colourful rings are instantly recognizable as a special symbol, held aloft and proud for all to see.

Complete Heart ring- A colourful rendition of an anatomical heart you can comfortably wear on your hand. Sweet and straightforward, the aorta keep the ring anchored in place. A Proper Heart ring is the meeting place for design, biology and spirituality.

Contra-Bling Rings- These rings speak to the sad legacy of the engagement ring, a sentimental piece of jewelry with good intentions gone horribly awry. Through advertising geared primarily towards women, the diamond industry that arose during the twentieth century ensured that their product should become necessity. While the beauty of diamonds is indisputable, the immense pressure to conform and quantify love in a singular fashion is a total fabrication under strict corporate control. In a single word, it's garbage.

Designed Together - Proper Jewelry

Design team Amy Johnson, glass artist, and Cynthia Archer, metal-smith jeweler, have joined forces to create a line of contemporary jewelry named Proper. The idea to collaborate arose from a desire to challenge the perception of what is seen as precious and wearable today. Proper jewelry is stunning, diverse, and unusual. The wearer feels the weight of the piece and it warms to the body, offering a physical experience when worn.

Working in traditional methods, but with a non-conformist approach to jewelry design, Cynthia and Amy are very deliberate in their choices about why they work with glass and silver. The results of their collaboration reveal a modern aesthetic that unites a sophisticated colour palate, an irreverent sense of humour and detailed craftsmanship.

NEW WEBSITE - more class dates added today

We're very happy to announce that TANK Jewelry & Beads has a new website. Please take some time and check it out! Information on the following will be showcased on the new site www.tankstudio.ca

We have just posted dates for all our upcoming classes and have three new International Teachers booked as well! Lots of fun crafty classes to keep yourself busy over the summer.

- Classes & Workshops in glass beadmaking, silversmithing, felting and jewelry assembly
- Visiting International Instructors
- Upcoming Events/ Shows
- Work for sale online
- Torch time rental
- Private classes / group workshops
- Amy Johnson
- Jill Cribbin
- Feature Artists
- Our Location

NEW CONTACT EMAIL
info@tankstudio.ca

Please come by and visit us at the Distillery District Wednesday - Sunday Noon to 5pm.

this makes me happy!

The latest project I've finsihed in my Shao Pin class... Also of note, he is hosting a show called Connection at his studio in the Distillery on behalf of Zilberschmuck . It's the 5th annual national juried exhibition of Canadian fine jewelry and metalwork. Show runs from April 19 to May 30.

NEW WEBSITE!

Thanks to my wonderful boyfriend Trevor Bond, we have a brand new website for the studio. Please check it out www.tankstudio.ca - we've got lots of info on classes plus more international guest teachers coming up. Read about the various artists who's work we carry at the shop.

We'll continue to blog about the studio and stuff going on but our new website will be the main source to find info about us from now on.

Hope you like it!

Amy & Jill

Students Again...

Jill and I are taking a metalsmithing class right now with Shao Pin Chu at his studio here in the Distillery. It's fun but also hard work and very different from the instant gratification of glass. However it's very satisfying to complete the projects and challenge ourselves with something new. I'm very excited by testing my hand at a new skill.
Above are a few pics from the last 6 weeks.



ETSY UPDATE

I just added lots of new beads to my etsy shop yesterday... and there's more coming!

Makin' It Work For Everybody!

Given all of our current studio/ shop commitments we've had to make the tough decision that Bead & Button won't be part of our schedule this year. We're sad we're not going to get to see all of our friends and get to participate in all the B&B shinanigans! We sure are going to miss rubbing shoulders with our boothmate Michele Goldstein - creator of tiny glass objects extaordinaire www.michelegoldstein.com

We're thrilled that we are able to help out a fantastic crew of ladies who will be expanding into our booth for this year. Best of luck to Susan and thanks so much to LInda for making this so easy.
Check out more of Susan's work here www.susanlenartkazmer.net

BEGINNER BEADMAKING - Level 1
$285 Inc Materials
May 5th - 26th, Tues Evenings 6:30-9:30
Techniques - round beads, dots, stringer applications, feathering, raking, tubes & bicones, encasing, silver leaf

BEGINNER BEADMAKING - Level 2
$285 Inc Materials (10% off for B1 Students)
June 2nd - 30th, Tues Evenings 6:30-9:30
Techniques - off mandrel, pendants, buttons, layers, sculptural, reactive glass, studio set up, safety & tools
* note: series includes a free 5th week on studio setup & safety

INTERMEDIATE BEADMAKING - Level 3
$285 Inc Materials (10% off for B1 or B2 Students)
July 14th -Aug 4th, Tues Evenings 6:30-9:30
Techniques - ribbon cane, simple murinni, focal beads, multiple beads (for production), marbles, individual intrest topics

PRIVATE LESSONS - All Levels
$40/hr (min 3 hr) or $235/day
Focus your studies with expert teacher Amy Johnson

PRIVATE GROUP EVENTS&and CLASSES
$95/person (min 5 people, max 8)
Gather your friends, family or co-workers and come play with fire and colour! A 3 hour intro class on glass beadmaking with teaching duo Amy Johnson & Jill Cribbin.

News...

TANK Jewelry & Beads Newsletter

We've got a lot of great things up our sleeve this year for spring at TANK jewlery & Beads. Jill and I have been working hard, but also taking some time to explore new things this winter and we can't wait to share with you. Shown above are just a few new projects, a close up of a mobile by Amy, a pendant by Amy & Cynthia and new beads by Jill.
In this letter, I've detailed out some special dates you might want to set aside. Please keep checking our BLOG www.tankstudio.blogspot.com for all the latest (we've been updating more often) and links to shopping online

+ + + + + Also see more class details at the bottom of this email + + + + +

THE LIVING ARTS CENTRE - Beadmaking Level 2 with Amy Johnson
Mississauga ON - April 22nd to June 24th, Wednesday evenings 7-10pm
Contact the Living Arts Centre to sign up
www.livingartscentre.ca

GUEST TEACHER - MASTER BEADMAKER Kristina Logan May 16th & 17th.
We only have ONE space left so act soon if you are interested in taking this class. It's going to be fantastic! Kristina is one of the most respected glass beadmakers out there, and her work speaks for itself!
www.kristinalogan.com

FUSION - Clay & Glass Association - ANNUAL CONFERENCE May 22nd
Jill and I will be teaching a one day class as part of the 2009 Fusion Conference. You can find more info on their website.
www.clayandglass.on.ca

TANK Jewlery & Beads - Classes At Our Shop
+ Currently Running
Beginner 2 series
+ Always Available
Discounted Group/Party Intro Classes
Private Lessons with Amy Johnson
+ Starting March 25th
Intermediate Beadmaking
$285 Inc Materials (10% off for B1 or B2 Students)
Wednesday Evenings 6:30-9:30
March 25th to April 15th
Techniques Covered
- ribbon cane
- simple murinni
- focal beads
- multiple beads (for production)
- marbles
- individual intrest

SHOWS & EXHIBITIONS COMING UP

La Freniere & Pai Gallery - Ottawa ON
+ New collection available April 01 2009
+ The 2nd Commitment Ring Exhibition: "Freedom" May 2009
www.lapaigallery.com

Contemporary Glass Society
Unpolished – Experimental Glass Jewellery
April to May 2009
An online exhibition of contemporary glass jewellery and body adornment curated by Candice-Elena Greer and displayed on the Contemporary Glass Society's online Gallery.
www.cgs.org.uk

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + FULL CLASS DETAILS + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Kristina Logan Class at TANK
Advanced Beadmaking -- Dot Placement, Precision, & Form
$525 + gst - this includes all materials - May 16th & 17th
www.kristinalogan.com
This workshop is designed for people who would like to improve their beadmaking skills. A broad spectrum of techniques will be explained and demonstrated - various surface decorations, clear casing, working large beads, and trouble shooting common mistakes and difficulties. Students will also be encouraged to concentrate on individual projects, ask questions, and work towards defining their own specific style. Students will be expected to have had a foundation in the basics of beadmaking.
Contact TANK to sign up

Fusion Conference Class with Jill Cribbin and Amy Johnson
Hands-on Intro Flameworking Workshop - Max 8 students
Friday May 22nd, 9am - 4pm
TANK jewelry + beads Glass Studio,
Toronto Distillery District,
55 Mill St., Bldg 74, Studio 105
www.clayandglass.on.ca

Fusion Member Price $150
With 3 Day Conference Ticket $130
Learn to make glass beads with instructor and glass artists Amy Johnson and Jill Cribbin at TANK jewelry+ beads, their Toronto Distillery Historic District studio.
Using oxy-propane torches, participants will make basic glass beads and learn decoration methods. Teacher to FUSION member Sam McKenna, who won an award for her Fireworks 2008 piece that combined clay and glass, Amy Johnson will demonstrate a variety of basic flame-working and simple surface decoration techniques. Instructors Amy and Jill will supervise participants as they make glass beads. Beads will anneal overnight and may be picked up at the studio. A one hour lunch break will allow time to explore the District or dine at a local restaurant.

Finished!

Love Birds!
So here is a little preview of some of the parts for a new project I've been working on for a while in little bits and bobs...stay tuned to see the finished piece shortly! It's all comin' together baby. Just in time for spring too!

Shiny happy and new...

Our good friend and neighbor at the Distillery District, Emily Hamill made these nice new aprons for Jill and I so we can keep ourselves tidy and keep our clothes burn free, (for the most part!) We LOVE them.

and here is another new pendant from Cynthia and I. I've been wearing a red one that I stole out of the case last week, and it's my new favorite thing.

Felted Balls

What you do when you can't get to a torch!
Felt Me Balls (Happy post Valentines Day)
Jill

Happy Valentine's Day...

For your Valentine...

Brand spankin' new, & just in time for Valentine's Day! Two other styles (not shown.)

While at home all cozy and warm...

I've been busy hiding from the cold, working on some new projects for this year. I hope you like! A little sneek peek of what's in store for this year. Some new pieces to help make your home nice and cheery.

Flying Yoga with my friend Kirstin...

Happy New Year!

Why not try something fun and differnt this year, tap into your creative side and come play with fire and colour at one of Canada's Leading Glass Flameworking studios.

BEGINNER BEADMAKING - Level 1
$285 Inc Materials
Jan 21st - Feb 11th, Wed Evenings 6:30-9:30
Techniques - round beads, dots, stringer applications, feathering, raking, tubes & bicones, encasing, silver leaf

BEGINNER BEADMAKING - Level 2
$285 Inc Materials (10% off for B1 Students)
Feb 18th to March 11th - Wed Evenings 6:30-9:30
Techniques - off mandrel, pendants, buttons, layers, sculptural, reactive glass, studio set up, safety & tools
* note: series includes a free 5th week on studio setup & safety

INTERMEDIATE BEADMAKING - Level 3
$285 Inc Materials (10% off for B1 or B2 Students)
March 25th to April 15th - Wed Evenings 6:30-9:30
Techniques - ribbon cane, simple murinni, focal beads, multiple beads (for production), marbles, individual intrest topics

PRIVATE LESSONS - All Levels
Focus your studies with expert teacher Amy Johnson
$40/hr (min 3 hr) or $235/day

PRIVATE GROUP EVENTS&and CLASSES
$95/person (min 5 people, max 8)
Gather your friends, family or co-workers and come play with fire and colour! A 3 hour intro class on glass beadmaking with teaching duo Amy Johnson & Jill Cribbin.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

When my parents build the house I grew up in they used this, year round! I'm sure glad they decided not to get pregnant until they'd finished the indoor plumbing...

Happy Holidays everyone!

Lots of New work on ETSY