Category: Saami Classes

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Lanesboro Jewelry Artist Wins International Award

Lanesboro Jewelry Artist Wins International Award

International award winning jewelry designer Liz Bucheit is the recipient of the Grand Award in the Wire Category of The Metal Jewelry Artistry Awards competition. Designed to draw attention to metal and wire artistry, this juried competition sponsored by Bead & Button magazine and FacetJewelry.com drew entries from around the world.

Bucheit’s “Saami Inspired Ruff Collar” entry was created using pewter braided thread and reindeer hide. Bucheit keeps close ties to her Scandinavian heritage and credits her inspiration to her interest in traditional crafts of the Saami culture, Scandinavia’s indigenous people.

All finalists were invited to send their pieces, which were displayed throughout the weekend at the 2018 Bead & Button Show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Liz Bucheit is an active speaker on the topic of Norwegian filigree work and conducts workshops and classes in jewelry design and fabrication. She co-owns and operates Crown Trout Jewelers in Lanesboro, MN with partner and fellow goldsmith Michael Seiler. Visit www.crowntrout.com.

Liz Bucheit “ruff” collar

 

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Saamisupplies.com Now Offers Imitation Reindeer Hide and Kits.

Imitation reindeer leather - blue

Saamisupplies.com Now Offers Imitation Reindeer Hide and Kits.

Faux Real!

It never ceases to amaze me how I continue to learn from my students. I recently returned from an instructor’s retreat at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais, MN where I took a class in Aniishiinaabe style moccasin making from the very talented Marcie McIntire.

Funny thing, I found myself saying exactly what my students say during the course of my Saami Inspired Bracelet Classes. Things like “Am I doing this right? Can you check my work? How long does it take you (the instructor) to complete a pair of moccasins?”  It’s easy to forget we are all students at one time or another and the experience taught me to listen more and be as empathetic as possible during the course of my classes.

I’ve also taken to inviting my students to give me suggestions about additional materials, tools and techniques.

One suggestion came from our client Chris who wanted an alternative material instead of reindeer hide to make her projects. After a bit of research we found the perfect solution.

We are now proud to offer imitation reindeer leather bracelet kits in a variety of colors! Instead of genuine antler buttons, kits will include pewter “replica” antler buttons in addition to needles and thread.  These bracelets make great graduation, confirmation and birthday gifts for women and men.  Try a beginning kit out today and stay tuned for more kit variations to come!

New Saami Bracelet Kits in Fantastic Colors!

Imitation reindeer leather - blue
Imitation reindeer leather – blue

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you haven’t subscribed to the blog please do and receive a sweet 20% off coupon on your order!

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You’ll Love Happy Spring Things

You’ll Love Happy Spring Things

Happy spring everyone! We are excited to add some new products to our ever growing inventory of exceptional products.

Want to use a bit of “spring” when weaving and braiding? Try our lightweight plastic crafting clamp. This is a handy tool if you like to craft on the go. The handles have holes on each of the handle ends that are perfect for hooking your paper clip.

weaving and braiding clamps
weaving and braiding clamps
weaving and braiding clamps
weaving and braiding clamps
weaving and braiding clamps
weaving and braiding clamps

This is a great help so you can maintain even tension while you are working your pewter thread. The plastic pads on the clamp jaws won’t mar your surface. I’ve even used this clamp on international flights when I’ve wanted to work on my projects since I can attach it to just about anything until the “captain requests you to return your table tray to its upright position”!

Try some different button variations with our new antler inspired pewter buttons. These buttons are metal versions of the traditional reindeer antler variety and are one of a kind. Use them to add a “surprise” sparkle and polish to your creations. 

We’ve got lots of exciting things happening with class offerings and private parties so make sure to check out our class calendar or call us for information on booking a personal venue or reserving a date for our Lanesboro, MN studio.

If you haven’t subscribed to the blog please do and receive a sweet 20% off coupon on your order!

Please share photos and feedback about your projects on our Saami Inspired Crafts Facebook Page. We’d love to see your creations!

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Get some class! Crown Trout Jewelers to host Saami Inspired Bracelet Class

SaamiInspiredbracelets

In addition to creating custom jewelry in our Lanesboro, MN studio our Saami Inspired Bracelet Classes keep us on the road for a good portion of the year.  We’ve been teaching these classes for 16 years and have introduced this unique craft to over 1300 students. After teaching and presenting in dozens of venues and traveling to three states just this past year, we are happy to be hosting our final class of 2017 on Saturday November 18 from 10-5pm in Lanesboro, MN. Need a jump on some handmade Xmas gifts? You’ll be the most coveted Secret Santa around!

Go to http://crowntrout.com/classes/saami-friendship-bracelet-class/ for a complete class description and prices. Can’t make it to a class? Order a bracelet kit and supplies from www.saamisupplies.com.

Make a Saami bracelet
Make a Saami bracelet
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New Twists on Saami Inspired Four Braid Pewter Thread Bracelets

Saami bracelet

I don’t know about you but sometimes I can get a little crazy when it comes to all the different variations of braids that are possible for my bracelets.  For example, I’m working on the two bracelets pictured below which are double strand, four braid weaves.  They are essentially the same except for the division of strand groupings.  In the first picture on the left, the braid on the left (“dubbel fyrflata”) uses around 6 feet of 0.35mm tin thread divided into 4 sections and doubled over for a 6.5 inch finished braid.  The style on the right uses 3 strands at 18.5 inches each and 1 strand at 21 inches doubled over for a 6.5 inch finished braid.  It’s all in how you divide up the strand groups.  Stay tuned for some examples where we combine leather, beads, silk cord and fish leather into the braid!

 

Saami bracelet
Saami bracelet

 

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Saami Inspired Mixed Level Bracelet Class

Looking to get a jump start on that New Year’s resolution to learn something new? Join us for a Saami Inspired Mixed Level Bracelet Class! Beginning students will explore triple braiding coiled pewter wire and sewing the finished braid to a softened reindeer hide strip. Advanced students will complete a multiple braided bracelet on a wider reindeer hide strip.  Reindeer antler buttons finish off these beautiful bracelets.
When:  Saturday January 21, 2017
10-5pm
Where: Norway House
913 E Franklin Street
Minneapolis, MN   55404
Cost: $40 per student (due upon registration) plus a materials fee paid directly to the instructor the day of class.
Beginner’s fee:  $95   Advanced fee:  $125
How do I register?  This class is offered through Ingebretsen’s in Minneapolis, MN
Call: 800-279-9333 to register.
Jewelry classes Minnesota
Jewelry classes Minnesota