2010 Workshop Schedule

Contact Ronna for information and to sign up for any of these classes

Clay Corbieres in Luc-sur-Orbieu, France

September 30 - October 3

Other artists teaching: Loretta Lam, Lisa Pavelka, Laurie Mika and Denise Peck

Ancient & Modern: Beads, Disks and Embellishments

Learn techniques for designing “ancient modern” elements for necklaces, bracelets, brooches and earrings. This fast-paced 4-1/2 hour class will cover construction, marbling, texturing, surface effects and also design considerations for achieving primitive sophistication in jewelry design.

Art Jewelry: An Exploration of Modern Primitive Aesthetics

October 6-13, 2010

At La Cascade in the South of France.

This week-long workshop will help you find your unique artistic voice through polymer clay and wire. We will experiment, play, laugh, create and transform as we explore and expand ideas about art as adornment. Rounding out the experience will be a studio open all day and all night, forays into local villages and markets, and gourmet food prepared by our own chef.

A particular focus on creating art-quality organic art jewelry will include using and exploring polymer clay, copper, sterling and fine silver wire, and the myriad materials that are used to texture, color and adorn polymer clay and wire. Concepts and techniques will include the principles of jewelry design, working with polymer clay, wire and metal, attaching metal and polymer clay to each other, color principles, jewelry findings and hardware, and exploring the enigma of achieving sophistication and whimsy in primitive design. In each of these endeavors, we will take art seriously without taking ourselves seriously.

Price: $1900
Contact Ronna for more information.

Some thoughts from students who have taken workshops from Ronna ...

Ronna's willingness to share ALL her knowledge is amazing. I have attended many workshops over the years, but until I attended Ronna's workshop, I had never seen a group of students who were willing to watch and listen and absorb knowledge, without being disappointed to not finish a project. Ronna continues to guide us all with her wonderful posts on Facebook. She keeps us yearning to learn more and helps each of her students use their creativity to become better artists, long after the the workshop is over. Annie Hooten


Ronna, it was awesome! I think I told you at the end of the workshop that creatively, you broke me open. You do things with polymer clay that I would never have dreamed to do and the resulting pieces are truly works of art. Your teaching style is easy and casual, but always with an ear to your audience, listening to what they want to learn. Your book rarely leaves my craft table-it is now one of my favorite references as I explore and try to expand on what I have learned from you. With thanks and appreciation, Elizabeth Schydlower

After having taken many classes over the years I finally found a style and 'way' of doing clay that suits me. It is the Ronna-way-imagination , creativity, no measuring or weighing, no precision, no rules, and mostly- the permission to DO. I have never been able to grasp color- hues, tints, what goes together-always felt like I had to hide my color book in my lap as I struggled to find my palette for whatever project was being taught- but not anymore- Ronna has a book too! Now that color is out of the way- I enjoy creating much more. Thanks Ronna. Cynde Tagg

Ronna, Thank you for your workshp here in Albuquerque. You gave us so much useful information on all aspects of design, techiques and finishing that I have been having a ball expanding what I learned. See you in Balitmore to show you. You’re the best. Kathy Elrick

Hi Ronna. I so enjoyed the class in Albuquerque last fall. I had your book but you brought it to life with your demonstrations. I have worked with your techniques several times since and find your methods very useful. Thanks again for such a great couple of days! Marty Woosley

I've been dabbling in polymer on and off for a few years, but never got too serious. After being blown away by Ronna's "Ancient, Modern" book, I Googled her and saw that she was offering a workshop in Albuquerque so I signed up. It was a positive experience from start to finish. There were clayers of all levels and I learned a lot from fellow participants and especially Ronna whose generosity, talent and teaching skills added up to a great workshop and inspiration to continue with the medium on its own as well as in combination with my Digital Art projects. Mary Ann Rolfe www.digitalstretch.com