Cliff Swain-Salomon - Circle Game

Circle Game

Description

The carousel cuff, “Circle Game” is named after the song by Joni Mitchell of the same title. The lyrics have deep meaning to me and how important carousels have been in my life.

"And the seasons, they go round and round

And the painted ponies go up and down

We're captive on the carousel of time

We can't return, we can only look

Behind, from where we came

And go round and round and round, in the circle game."

My dad has always loved carousels and collects carousel artwork.  It is from him that I learned my appreciation of them, and riding on several different carousels has formed some of my most special memories. As a toddler, one of the first carousels I can remember riding was on Santa Monica Pier in Southern California. My dad told me stories of how he rode on the same carousel when he was a kid and would reach out to try and grab the brass ring to get another free ride. As a young kid, I made several other memories with my dad riding on several other carousels including the King Arthur Carousel at Disneyland, the double-decker Carousel Columbia at Marriot’s Great America, and the Old-Timey Merry-Go-Round in Griffith Park. Each ride is connected to a special day and time with my dad.

When I moved to college, my niece had her first birthday at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park and the whole family rode the carousel together. It brought back all the fun memories of my childhood, and the picture I had taken of myself on the carousel was the one I used in my online dating profile when I met my husband. He says it is because of that picture—seeing the joy I had on the carousel—that made him want to talk to me.

Now that I am a dad, I am passing on those memories I shared with my dad to my daughter. We have season passes to Great America and together we ride the Carousel Columbia I rode on as a child. It is such a joy to share with my kid the memories that mark the different seasons of my life with my dad and hopefully create similar memories for her.

This project combines custom-made 3D printed carousel horses (designed by my husband), with carved German glass cabochons, precious metal plated seed beads, Delicas, and lots of other unique elements including, a 23kt plated Claspsgarten clasp, pressed Czech beads in various shapes, and 50 Swarovski crystals. Some brand new and unique variations of Contemporary Geometric Beadwork that I developed especially for this piece are used to support the roofline of the carousel as well as the floorboards, while the many other stitches used in the bracelet create realistic carousel textures such as the spiraling poles that the horses are attached to, the scenic panel in the background that pays homage to the “Four Seasons” mosaic designed by Chagall, and the palladium plated beads that form the mirror on the behind the horses. This definitely is a jaw-dropping statement piece.

There is a little minimal homework before class. After class, there will also be 4 videos released over four months to provide extra support as well as an optional once-a-month group meet-up to answer questions and support one another with creating this piece. My hope is that it will make the process feel less intimidating and get people excited about finishing. This support is all provided at no extra cost.

Skill Level: Advanced

Prerequisites: Peyote, Herringbone, CRAW (strong knowledge)

Techniques: Peyote, twisted herringbone (taught in class), MRAW (taught in class), CRAW,  combination stitching, bead embroidery (will be covered in video sessions after class)

Kits are mandatory and available from the instructor at $185 and include everything needed to make the bracelet except for the beading surface, magnification, and lighting.

• There will also be exclusive component refills (the horses, crystals, shaped beads, 9 cabochon focals) for those who want to make additional carousels for $100.
• For those who want to make a slip-on bangle instead of a clasped bracelet, they can substitute the clasp for one additional white german glass cabochon.
• The standard horse color for the kits is off-white.  If you would like a different color horse they are available for an additional $10 fee (covers time cleaning the printer to switch colors). Premium color choices include: semi-transparent Cobalt, Turquoise, medium gray, semi-transparent green

Class space is confirmed upon receipt of payment. There are no class refunds unless the class is canceled by SocialBeadia.  If you need to cancel, you may transfer your spot to another student, or you will receive all instructional materials and the option to purchase a kit if available. Under no circumstances will refunds be given if you have already received the class instructions. For questions, please contact sue@socialbeadia.com