Christi has been a visiting instructor to Maryland many times and she always brings her new and innovative talents to share. I’ve been fortunate enough to share in some long day-late night creative sessions and it’s true, she never slows down. I’ve asked her several times whether she ever sleeps! One thing for certain, she loves what she is doing and she is good at it. She continues to travel extensively to teach and we are happy to have her with us again to teach two 4-hour workshops. You will love Swelligant!
Her website bio reads: Christi Friesen was born at a very young age, kidnapped and raised by lemmings. She escaped to California where she got married, had various wonderful kids, and amassed credit card bills. She is currently considering having a midlife crisis, unless there’s something good on television.
Christi works in mixed media, combining polymer clay, glass, acrylic, found objects, gemstones and semi-precious stones, glass beads, pearls, precious metals, and pigments to make her unique sculptures and art jewelry. Her preference for polymer as her sculpting medium is a result of the versatility,durability, and unparalleled ease with which it can accommodate gems, pearls and stones. These are worked into the sculpture while the clay is uncured, thus allowing for a very organic design in which the stones are an integrated into the design. The medium is also colorfast and lightweight. CF is an artist because she must be. Her goal is to amuse herself, and if others are also amused, so much the better. All her pieces are one-of-a-kind and although she may make pieces that are similar in theme or subject, no two will ever be alike. Where would the fun be in that? She is happy to consider commissioned work if the project interests her.
Christi’s work is available at galleries and juried fine craft shows. She is a contributor to many magazines and books. More of her pieces can also be found at www.CFOriginals.net.
In this workshop we will master the faux stained-glass technique and create several spectacular pendants. The technique is easy and quick, but the real fun comes with exploring design and composition to create pieces that have movement and drama.
And then there’s the fun of adding surface treatments to make the piece really pop! If you’re looking for a big dose of whooo hooo! to go with your education, this is the class for you! NOTE: This workshop will only be offered once during CFCF 2013.
FRIESEN – Metal Bird with Swelligant!
This is the time for mixed media exploration, and in this workshop we will add metal coatings and colorants to embellished polymer clay for a look that will amaze you (warning: this technique is highly addictive). Polymer is an idea media for inclusions, surface treatments and collaborative work. With the metal coatings you will learn to stretch the limits of what your clay can do!
This workshop will consist of sculptural techniques as well – you will have several choices for your claywork before the metal fun begins! You won’t want to put down your brushes and sponges! Join us for a swell time!
I want to learn the metal coatings with polymer clay. Loved the pendant above!