Kristen Robinson

Inspiration Unlimited

I have to say I am so so sad I updated my phone and after doing so I lost all of my photos shot in my IU classes. That said I have a few that I emailed to myself right away for posting which helps a bit but does not take the total sting away.

Inspiration Unlimited was AMAZING. To say I was honored to be amongst such amazing and creative ladies is an understatement. I was honored to teach alongside Stephanie Hunt, Vicki Boutin, Debby Schuh, and Teresa Collins. I would be remiss if I did not mention Ginger Nelson who truly is so organized and kind (thank you for walking this newbie to the Paper Arts through the way things work - I loved it).

From the moment I walked through my hotel room door and met my darling new friend Debby Schuh to the the last moments in class I felt completed shrouded in happiness and an outpouring of love.

I had so much fun not only in class but during the welcoming festivities, I was just sad I had to get home so quickly for the race on Sunday. It would seem a bit empty to say it was a delight as I feel this whole experience was an amazing gift that I will truly cherish Forever!

In The Studio - Briefly

I honestly cannot believe that it is June time has flown all to quickly as of late! I am in the studio it seems all too briefly this week preparing for two more upcoming trips and attempting to fill up my Etsy store.

Create was an absolutely amazing experience and I truly cannot wait to apply for next year, the students were delightful and as always it allows me the opportunity to not only create with a group of talented women but also spend time meeting those I have grown to now via the internet.

During the month of July I plan on planting my feet in Southern Oregon and not leaving. While home I will be teaching a two part jewelry class in historic Jacksonville (if you are in the area be sure to drop by this weekend as Taste of Summer kicks off). I hope you'll consider joining me as it will truly be a delightful experience in a wonderful venue in the perfect little town.

My Lady –  Necklace Workshop with Kristen Robinson

Trolley Stop Jacksonville Oregon (541) 702-2212

July 7^th and July 14^th 1:00 – 4:00

Cost $125

 

Delectable crushed velvet, antique buttons, a bit of tattered lace and an array of French knots become the perfect embellishment to a divine centerpiece composed of resin filled bezels, pearls and antique findings.

 

Join me for an amazing two days of jewelry creation. I will guide you through the techniques needed to create an artistic composition within a bezel; we will then bring your piece to life by adding a dollop of resin, which will forever encase your creation in faux glass. In class I’ll teach you my no fail wire wrapping technique as well as the processes I use to create unique clasps, jump rings and altering found objects.

 

Items Supplied for You

Bezels

Resin

Images and Text

Velvet Ribbon

Buttons

Lace Trim

Rhinestone Trim

Pearls

Rhinestone Rondelles

Wire

Closed Jump Rings

Embroidery Needle

Embroidery Floss

Tools to Borrow During Class

 

Please Bring

A vintage or antique brooch or pin this will serve as the bale to your centerpiece

 

Optional Supplies

Jewelry Tools if you have them such as round nose pliers, wire cutters, flat nose pliers

Silicone Craft or Baking Sheet (reserved for crafting only)

Please feel free to bring any items you wish to incorporate into your piece such as trim, ribbon, buttons, pearls, antique findings photos (sized down to fit within a ¾” diameter). I will have images and text available for you to use as well.

 

Extra kits will be available in class for $25 and please remember Sue has put together an amazing collection of treasures within the walls of the Trolley Stop, so plan on doing a little shopping I have no doubt the perfect something to add your piece will be found!

 

I'm Giddy over Spellbound

 It is official my friends,  registration will open today at 3:00 PM for Spellbound - the amazing event put together by the lovely Shea and Debbie of A Gilded Life. To say I am a little excited would be a grand understatement.The event is not only being held at one of my favorite hotels - the Langhman Huntington Hotel but it truly is an event that brings together a plethora of talent, beauty and moments that will be packed full of inspiration and charm. So excited for this for November,  I've listed all of my class info below - cannot wait to share this experience with all of you! 

 All Photography by Martha Schuster 

Tale of Beauty

Luscious pools of metal take on the appearance of mercury glass when placed into a silver bezel; creating layers of beauty that entice the viewer to take a closer look at this magical creation. Our centerpiece is only sweetened with the addition of rhinestones and buttons that we will adorn with a dollop of resin, creating a masterpiece forever encased in what becomes faux glass.

In class we will be using soldering techniques in ways you never dreamed. A dollop here and a placement there creates a tale of whimsy and beauty! I will walk you through not only my methods of creating with solder and ICE Resin but also the creation of chain and my method of wire wrapping and adornment. This piece is sure to walk with you through all of your days adding a wee bit more beauty and joy.

 

 

Charming- Fairy Tale Necklace

Inspired by beloved Fairy Tales I found I was moved to create a piece that not only weaves together the stories told through the years but also brings these tales into the present. There is something magical and alluring that draws one to look closer when both rhinestones and resin come together. Join me as we create this perfectly magical focal point that will be the centerpiece for our Fairy Tale Necklace, created with wire wrapped pearls, crystals and charms. Stacked rhinestones cocoon a charm-filled bezel that is then filled with resin and sprinkled with a wee bit of sterling silver glass glitter. Beloved charms, hand-dyed ribbon and lace complete the piece.

In class you will create your own charm and necklace, as well as learn my no-fail methods for using resin, wrapping wire and placing rhinestones. You’ll leave class not only with a working understanding of using Jeweler’s Resin but a beautiful piece of art that will be sure to catch everyone’s eye.

 

 

 

My Lady

 

Handel remains not only one of my most beloved composers but an inspiration. As many of you know I am quite inspired by music from a time long past. It is hard for me to put into words the ideas that well within me when I hear certain works. My mind generally wanders, perhaps a hum escapes my lips and while I am generally unaware of the humming I am fully engaged in what I am hearing and experiencing. 

 

Whilst creating a class sample an aria from Handels Tolomeo flowed through the room and while this aria is lovely in itself what makes it more so is the inclusion of it in the movie Emma. Immediately the words connected with the images I was using and a story was born.  While the tale that I have woven will remain quiet until another day I had to share with you the sweet words that introduce us to this enchanting piece.

Did you not hear My Lady 
Go down the garden singing 
Blackbird and thrush were silent 
To hear the alleys ringing...

Aria from Handel Tolomeo

I hope you too have been as inspired as I was. Without further ado I share with you the details of my class which will be held in Historic Jacksonville, Oregon. I am so thrilled to not only have the opportunity to teach a handful of miles from home but to do so in a city that is near and dear to my heart. Sue of the Trolley Stop has graciously opened her studio space to me for two weekends in July; to say I am excited is an understatement I hope you'll save the date and join me for a plethora of learning, fun and delight.

My Lady –  Necklace Workshop

July 7^th and July 14^th 1:00 – 4:00

Cost $125

Delectable crushed velvet, antique buttons, a bit of tattered lace and an array of French knots become the perfect embellishment to a divine centerpiece composed of resin filled bezels, pearls and antique findings.

Join me for an amazing two days of jewelry creation. I will guide you through the techniques needed to create an artistic composition within a bezel; we will then bring your piece to life by adding a dollop of resin, which will forever encase your creation in faux glass. In class I’ll teach you my no fail wire wrapping technique as well as the processes I use to create unique clasps, jump rings and altering found objects.

Items Supplied for You

Bezels

Resin

Images and Text

Velvet Ribbon

Buttons

Lace Trim

Rhinestone Trim

Pearls

Rhinestone Rondelles

Wire

Closed Jump Rings

Embroidery Needle

Embroidery Floss

Tools to Borrow During Class

 

Please Bring

A vintage or antique brooch or pin this will serve as the bale to your centerpiece

 Optional Supplies

Jewelry Tools if you have them such as round nose pliers, wire cutters, flat nose pliers

Silicone Craft or Baking Sheet (reserved for crafting only)

Please feel free to bring any items you wish to incorporate into your piece such as trim, ribbon, buttons, pearls, antique findings photos (sized down to fit within a ¾” diameter). I will have images and text available for you to use as well.

Extra kits will be available in class for $25 and please remember Sue has put together an amazing collection of treasures within the walls of the Trolley Stop, so plan on doing a little shopping I have no doubt the perfect something to add your piece will be found!

To reserve your space please call 541-702-2212

Create Registration is OPEN - Join me in Irvine May 30th thru June 3rd

Exciting news.....Create Registration officially opened today! I am thrilled to be teaching three full day classes and one half day class....chck out the info below. I hope you have room on your calendar to join me as it is sure to be a weekend packed full of fun and creativity not to mention it is in Irvine one of my fav towns with great atmosphere, shopping and dinining. If you have any questions regarding my workshops be sure to drop me an email. 

Publish
Walking Through A Memory - Mini Journal (6-Hour) 

Date: Wednesday, May 30
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm 
Technique: Bookmaking & Art Journaling 
Instructor: Kristen Robinson
Price: $149.00 
Materials Fee: $10.00 

 

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We’ll be creating a visual journal that speaks volumes about a collection of days in your life that was not only poignant but significant. Using simple tools such as acrylic paint, colored pencils, rubber stamps as well as bits and baubles from your stash, a personal catalog of imagery and a permanent memory is created. During class I'll demonstrate how to create resin paper and filling bezels with chosen artwork and then resin. Once we begin creating our pages I will share my tips and tricks on creating backgrounds, as well as my signature shading and layering of images.

 

 Students Should Bring: 7 Pieces of Cardstock or Chipboard cut to 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" or a Small Purchased Journal, Colored Pencils   choose those that match your favorite palette, Items That Inspire You   paper, buttons, jewelry, text, thread, images, ribbon, tags, Paintbrushes if you wish to use your own, Acrylic Paint (can be craft paint), Scissors, Baby Wipes, Water Color Crayons or Water Color Pencils Paint Palette, Ruler, Thread to Match Your Chosen Palette, Prepare a few thoughts prior to class in regards to the week 

Create Out Loud-Mixed Media Quilt (6-Hour) 

 Date: Thursday, May 31

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm 

Technique: Mixed Media Stitch 
Instructor: Kristen Robinson
Price: $149.00 
Materials Fee: N/A 


Create out loud with this wonderful mixed-media quilt that is composed of fabric, paper, thread, paint, and embellishments. What starts as three separate segments comes together to create a visual masterpiece, one in which your words and feelings bound from. By layering different textures and colors, adding a wee bit of free motion stitching as well as hand embroidery your piece is sure to not only pop but to tell a story.

Students Should Bring: Canvas Fabric Cut to 9x11, Matt Board Cut to 10x12, 6 Pieces of Printed 12x12 Cardstock Preferably in the same color scheme, Coordinating Fabric Swatches Preferably 3-4 different prints, Ribbon, Text, Acrylic Paint (to match your palette), Coordinating Thread, Embroidery Floss, Metal Embellishments, Buttons, Paint Brushes or Foam Brushes, Fabric Glue, Embroidery Needles, Scissors, Paper Trimmer.  

Optional: Crystals, Beads, Jewelry anything you wish to add

 

Living the Journey - An Upcycled Journal (3-Hour) 

Date: Thursday, May 31
Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm 
Technique: Bookmaking & Art Journaling 
Instructor: Kristen Robinson
Price: $85.00 
Materials Fee: $5.00 


Capturing the moments of our journey is perfect when done so on upcycled materials. In class we will transform ordinary plastic cereal bags, shopping bags and plexi-glass into a conglomeration of beauty you will simply marvel at when you see it. Layers of white gesso, threads, paper and virtually any ephemera you wish you to add creates not only a masterpiece of sorts but a collection of tales. Join me as I share a few tricks and tips on turning those glassine bags and white shopping sacks into the perfect journal.

Students Should Bring: White Gesso, Foam Brushes, Thin Black Sharpie, Text (can be from dictionary or other source, Colored Pencils, Acrylic Paint (choose 2-3 colors in your palette), Thread, Decorative Papers, Crayons and Cardstock

Glamour and Grunge Etched Cuffs (6-Hour) 

Date: Friday, June 1

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm 
Technique: Mixed Media Jewelry 
Instructor: Kristen Robinson
Price: $149.00 
Materials Fee: $40.00 

Join me on a journey that is truly an alchemists dream. Together we will complete two brass cuffs that are composed not only of amazing etched imagery, but a resin charm and various baubles. In class I will be guiding you through my no-fail etching process that consistently produces deep and beautiful etchings; we will also be filling bezels with imagery and resin that creates not only a bit of beauty but a tale all on its own. You will leave our time together with not only an arsenal of information but also two very personal pieces of jewelry that you are sure to cherish!

Students Should Bring: Personal Charms you wish to incorporate into your pieces (3-4 per piece), Beads of choice 4-6mm in size, 1 Yard Silk Ribbon, Scissors, Toothbrush (this will be disposed of at the end of class), Rubber Stamps (the deeper etched the image the better), Black Staz On Ink, Cotton Balls, 3 Pads of Steel Wool

 

 

 

 

More Teaching Info - A Work of Heart in San Jose CA December 2nd - 4th

I am absolutely thrilled to announce I will be not only teaching A Resin Romance as well as an Etching class at the amazing A Work of Heart Studio in San Jose California but also having a book signing and trunk show with lots of treasures and baubles perfect to give as a holiday gift. I have no doubt the weekend is not only going to be full of creativity but lots of fun as the Alameda Flea Market is this weekend as well (shopping trip YAY). 

Here is the info hope to see you in San Jose!

December 2nd 6-9pm Book SIgning and Trunk Show

December 3rd 1-7pm A Resin Romance 

December 4th 12-6pm Glam that Cuff

Click here to register 

Packing for Art Camp - And a Special Offer from Ms. Terri Herself

Off to camp I go - Art Camp that is! I truly cannot wait as not only will I be traveling with two darling friends but meeting up with friends not seen for some time. 

With this preparation comes exciting news; as you know I am teaching at Art Camp in April of 2012 and drum roll please....I will be returning with my dear friend Ruth to teach again in October of 2012. The ever so generous and wonderful Terri is offering a Camp special $100 off registration however you must register by October 10th to take advantage of the offer (and it does not apply to any student receiving any other discount). 

To enroll visit the Fall 2012 Camp Site here. I hope you will join Ruth, Terri and myself for an amazing weekend of creativity!

Whispers of the Soul - A New Online Resin Class

Imagine creating a tale that is forever encased within resin; resin that is poured into a bezel that is more like a shadow box then a mere piece of jewelry. Create a tale of sorts with words images, trinkets and baubles and forever you will have your whisper. During the time we spend together  I will be walking you through the steps to create three unique pieces of jewelry that not only incorporate amazing bezels, but ICE Resin, pearls, chain , wire and more.

Based on my latest article in Belle Armoire Jewlery - this class takes everything one step further as I walk you through the techniques I use as well as tips and strategies to make your resin experience the best it can possibly be.

Techniques That Are Covered

Creating the perfect Composition to be Placed into a Bezel

Wrapping the Bezel With Wire and Other Found Objects

The Correct Way to Mix and Pour Resin

Creating Chain Links

Stringing Pearls

Creating your Own Chain from Purchased Chain

Creating Rosary Chain

Wire Wrapping Techniques

And much more!

What to Expect

During the course of class videos will be posted onto a password protected class blog specifically set up just for attendees; this is done to allow you ample time to work on each step of the project as well as incorporate what you are learning into other arenas.  I am of course available to you as well to answer any questions. Each project will include a PDF handout as well as a specific post regarding what we will be learning as well as additional resources in regards to the topic of the day.

Registration is open today and will remain open indefinitely as this is an ongoing class. Upon enrolling and receiving confirmation from me there will be no refunds issued. A tools and materials list with purchasing resources/links as well as a welcome letter will be supplied to each class member within 48 hours of enrolling. The class blog will go live on August 15th and access to the class blog will last for 30 days (please email me if you feel you might need a bit more time). Please remember you are able to register into this class at any time and if you do so your access is extended by 10 days allowing time for product to be shipped to you - for example if you register on August 15th your access would remain open until September 25th.

PLEASE NOTE KITS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE DIRECTLY FROM ME AS THEY HAVE SOLD OUT!

 

 

 

 

 

Teaching at CKU - October 27th - 29th

I am so excited to be teaching a resin jewelry class alongside Jen Cushman at the CKU Reunion October 27th - 29th located in the La Jolla Hyatt Regency. I absolutely love that the brillant minds behind CKU are taking the 10 year reunion to a whole new level, going beyond scrapbooking and into jewelry, mixed media and home decor. Jen and I will be teaching Forever in Love, a perfect little bracelet packed full of treasures and trinkets. To learn more see the class description below and follow the above links to register. I hope you'll join us as we are sure to have a GRAND time! 

Class: Forever in Love
Instructor: Jen Cushman and Kristen Robinson

Class Description:

We would all love to carry our favorite baubles and treasures with us each day. With the help of a little ICE Resin® you will be ale to do just that. In class we will be creating a bracelet composed of wee buttons, crystals, ribbon and the coup de grace a silver bezel filled with an array of treasures. Jen Cushman and Kristen Robinson will guide you as you begin your alchemist’s journey; you will be awestruck as you create a wee masterpiece within your bezel and then forever encapsulate it with ICE Resin®. You are sure to leave with not only a gorgeous piece of jewelry but inspiration and knowledge that will last a lifetime.

 

Off to Art Camp - April 19th - 22nd 2012

My memories of camp are at times larger than life. From bear hunts and long hikes to sleeping in a tent for the very first time (after a sing along amongst the stars), I remember each minute with clarity and frankly a deep fondness.

Fast forward to the present and I find myself absolutely filled with excitement once again about camp. This time it just happens to be Art Camp hosted by the delightful and very talented Terri Brush. While I adored crawling into a warm sleeping bag and lying in a very well worn tent, this experience will be much different to say the least; camp will be full of luxury and pampered moments (complete with a masseuse) much like the Ritz of camping if you will. I am thrilled to be teaching at Terri's Art Camp on the oh so charming Oregon Coast next Spring. Three full days classes taught by myself and Terri, amazing food (all homemade), camp fires, and fun with friends has me restless for Spring to arrive. The only pacifier is perhaps the fact I will traveling to the Terri's October event for a sneak peek of the delights that await me.

It is my fervent hope that you will be able to join me for this wonderful and amazing experience as the coast is quite close to Portland International Airport as well as major highways. To learn more and register for this event visit the camp site.