Sign on for a live artist-led tutorial on experimenting with craft and design processes. During this fun and informal workshop, MAD About Jewelry artist Francesca Vitali will guide participants in exploring paper as a medium for making jewelry using lanyard-making and braiding techniques. This is an introductory workshop that will give participants all the tools they need to enter the world of 3D woven paper.
MAD’s Digital Drop-ins are for participants of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Following the demonstration, participants will have time to independently work on their project and share with “neighbors” in the virtual class.
All Digital Drop-ins are 45 minutes. Registrants will receive an email 24 hours in advance of the program with instructions for accessing the workshop on Zoom.
SUGGESTED MATERIALS
Paper
A variety of paper (construction, craft, magazine, colorful or blank paper) cut into 4-inch strips
Optional: precut paper strips like quilling paper, which is carried in most craft stores and generally sold in packs of 50 strips 24 inches long.
Cutting Tools
Small scissors (Francesca likes to use nail scissors as they are pointy and small)
And at least one of the following tools:
Scissors (at least 4-inch blade)
Xacto knife + steel ruler
Cutting mat (self-healing is the best) + rotary cutter + ruler
Cutting mat (self-healing is the best) + rotary cutter/ruler combo
Paper trimmer
Cricut machine
Pasta machine cutter
Herb scissors
Coating Medium and Glue
White glue (Elmer’s glue or Mod Podge)
Superglue
Optional
Cup of water
Painting brushes
A small vise with drill bits
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Francesca Vitali earned her Ph.D. in organic chemistry at the University of Zurich, Switzerland. Besides her passion for science, she has worked with paper since she was a child in Italy. When Vitali moved to the US, she decided to take a leap of faith and left her science career to make jewelry full-time.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Paper has always had a central role in my work because this material is extraordinary: humble, durable, flexible, and common, common to the point that often it is overlooked and taken for granted. But if you stop to think about it, so much in our lives is carried by paper--a photo, a love note, a book, a map, a birth certificate.
In the past year especially, I have focused my work toward creating pieces that not only function as sculptures for the body but also carry memories, a story. I tried to do so by giving memories a new voice, a new shape, a new life, and ultimately a new way to be cherished and experienced time and time again.
