Saying goodbye to heroes is tough. We need them more than ever. Just over a mile up the road from me, several former US Presidents and other dignitaries said goodby to our U.S. Congressman and our son’s hero, John Lewis.

A few days later I asked my husband why no one had connected Lewis’ legacy and legendary bridge crossing with the political drama unfolding here in Georgia in which our governor is absurdly suing our Atlanta Mayor. 

Chris’ brilliant published response begins:

Georgia’s Governor Kemp has said that a mask mandate is a “bridge too far;”* but we learned from Congressman John Lewis that crossing bridges, even in the face of violent opposition, is good trouble when it means saving lives and making a difference…

Once, in America, we understood responsibility to our neighbors. Mask mandates reclaim those days when communities brought cakes and meals to families facing grief and trauma and displacement. It is not about infringing personal freedoms. Rather it is about accepting the responsibility arising from that freedom to think beyond oneself to the greater good and the good of community.

Excerpted from Balch Law Group’s In the News

Couldn’t have said it better myself.

The Results Are In

Thank you to everyone who answered my survey about online classes. I rather screwed up the ranking bit because I was thinking of ratings by the number of stars or pain scales. – Higher means better, or like when a medical professional asks how much it hurst, saying 7 (out of 10) gets their attention. Nonetheless, I was able to read the results and the comments and get a clearer idea which of my techniques I’d previously suspected people want to know.

I also got a few other ideas. There were a number of people who requested beginning Eastern repousse and Russian filigree. My first reaction was ‘no’ because I thought, ”Why would I film all those demos over again when they, in their near perfection, are easily accessible on my ground breaking videos that can be popped in an old school DVD player or streamed cutting edge on Vimeo?“ Then I caught myself begging my friend and teacher Heather Held for private lessons in engrossing script, despite owning one of the best (and free) book/videos on the subject by Joe Vitolo.

“You want structure,” was Heather’s reply.

Yep.

Structure.

In our not so brave but new and uncertain world, having deadlines that help, as another beloved teacher Wendy Hollender says, “Get your ass in the chair,” to do the work we say we want to create but put off instead.

So, what I am scheming are ways to help more people do that. In addition to the new classes, because, hey, part of why I’ll be teaching online is that I get to teach new stuff that I don’t get to do as often, I’m also going to offer one-to-one soldering/technical coaching sessions and some class structures built around those existing videos that will help people eagerly get their backsides to their benches.

So stay tuned. 

Also, I really meant what I previously blogged that I’ll only be offering a discount to people who have bought my most recent and multi-award winning book Giving Voice, the printed picture book or the animated Apple one. And hey for those who keeps asking, the print book works on all devices. (Hee hee.) 

In fact, I’ll be offering 20% off to those who’ve bought the book, and I’ll be giving you the opportunity (via email) to get the coupon ahead of time so you don’t miss out on the class you want before it’s full. (See below for details.)

I’m also offering a limited number of scholarship spots to those in underserved communities. (See below for details.)

UPCOMING ONLINE CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

3-D Filigree – Sculpt Your Russian Filigree into New Shapes (Intermediate Russian Filigree)

About this class: Say goodbye to safe, flat filigree, and take yours to new levels of complexity. Learn how Victoria designs and forms her complex filigree structures. Begin with a no fail method for dimensional filigree and move on to the complex forms you dream of making. Get help with designing, soldering, and forming to bring your ideas to life in a limited size Zoom classroom. 

THIS CLASS WILL MEET FOR 4 SESSIONS: 

FRIDAYS, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM EDT 

SEPTEMBER 11 – OCTOBER 2, 2020

Cost: $160

Where: All classes will be held on Zoom. Students will have access to demonstration videos and class recordings for 45 days after the final class. New to Zoom? Watch the video at the top of this page to learn how (and have a good laugh).

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN AND MAKE:

We’ll start out with a small sculptural pendant to understand the design and technical considerations needed, then move on to the puzzle-like structures for which Victoria is known. You’ll receive a downloadable handout with templates you can print and work from. Expect to complete 1-2 projects.

Supplies: The same tools and equipment you normally use for Russian filigree plus these materials:

• 2 ft (60 cm) of 18 gauge (1 mm) square, sterling wire
• 6 ft (1.8 meaters) of 26 gauge, fine silver Russian filigree filler wire or 12 ft (3.5 meters) 26 gauge (.4 mm) fine silver wire if you prefer to make your own before class
• Russian Filigree Powdered Solder 

WONDERING IF THIS CLASS IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

This course is designed for those with a working knowledge of Russian Filigree from Victoria’s video, in-person workshops, or a workshop with one of her highly experienced students. To keep the class moving, everyone should already have an understanding of how to create frames from square wire, make fine silver filler wire (or purchase it ready made from Victoria), fill the frames with filler wire, solder with Russian Filigree Powdered Solder, and polish the pieces to completion. You don’t have to be advanced at these processes yet, but you do have to done them a few times. You’ll also need your own studio space with a torch in which to work on the projects.

If you’re not sure whether this class is for you, please email Victoria 2-3 photos of Russian filigree pieces you have completed. Please make sure your photos are high res and in focus. (They don’t have to be amazing photos just big, and clear.)

REGISTRATION FOR 3-D FILIGREE OPENS AUGUST 21

MORE ONLINE CLASSES, 1-TO-1 TECHNICAL/SOLDERING COACHING SESSIONS, AND ZOOM CLASSROOM SUPPORT FOR VICTORIA’S VIMEO/DVD VIDEOS COMING SOON

Want 20% Off Victoria’s New Classes? Here’s How:

Email a photo of your copy of Giving Voice (picture book in print or Apple Book edition) or forward your receipt to Victoria. Please allow 1-2 days for your coupon code to be emailed back to you. Please check your spam folder if you don’t receive the coupon within 3 days. Please submit now to receive your code in plenty of time to secure your spot when registration opens.

Scholarships

Victoria is offering partial scholarship opportunities for her new online classes to those in underserved communities. To apply, please email with the title of the desired class, a brief description with 1-2 photos of your work, and a little about yourself. Please be aware that any technical prerequisites required for the online classes are still applicable.