New Saamisupplies Classes for 2021

New Saamisupplies Classes for 2021

Hi everyone! What a year it has been.

As I sit down to write this blog I realize I haven’t written anything since the summer. Between moving our classes to Zoom formats and looking ahead to what classes will look like in 2021 the year is ending with a bit of a sigh. I have missed being in a physical classroom amidst the hustle and bustle and laughter of students working on their projects. My jewelry studio is now a sound stage instead of a showroom and I spend a lot more time on my computer than at the bench.

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However, over the past six months I’ve met students from all over the United States and Canada I might never have gotten to know! We’ve doubled our student enrollment and class offerings and it makes me happy and hopeful that folks are busily keeping the creative fires burning. We are happy to announce our new class calendar for 2021! This is only a partial listing so stay tuned for more class dates to be added. Still need a present for that hard to buy person? Give the gift of “a little class” with a gift certificate from any of the venues listed.

I’ve had great feedback from students about projects they’d like to explore in the future and even advice about providing some history and care instructions for people giving gifts this time of year. One of my students, Amy, gave me permission to share her idea of printing something she could enclose with the gifts she made for her family members.

Liz,

Thanks for getting the bracelet kits to me so fast! And thanks as well for the excellent video instructions for the kits I just got. Between those and the YouTube video from a North House class I took from you, I was well prepared for my projects.

This little elf has tired fingers (with no punctures) and bracelets for the furthest away sisters-in-laws and my mother-in-law ready to go in the mail tomorrow! Santa should be able to deliver on time 🙂 One is getting a Viking Posament bracelet and another a different braid, both from supplies I got from you a couple of months ago. One question, I was looking on your website to see if you had any information on the care of bracelets (for folks like I’m sending them to who don’t have any idea what they are) and the history of Saami-inspired work like this. I found a bit of the latter in one of your blogs, but I wondered if you could point me in the right direction.

You’ll probably see another order from me relatively soon as I think I want my own four braid color band bracelet!

Thanks again and Merry Christmas!

What a great idea!  Thanks so much Amy!

Because of Amy’s feedback you’ll find this description on printed cards included in future orders from saamisupplies.com and all kits for our 2021 class offerings.

A Bit of History about Your Sámi Inspired Bracelet

Coiled metal thread has been used by many cultures over the centuries for adorning clothing and textiles. Some of the most fascinating objects demonstrating medieval craftsmanship have come from Viking burials of the 9th and 10th centuries in Sweden. As a valued trade item “tin thread” reached the northern Scandinavian Sámi nomadic culture during the 1600’s and became an intrinsic element of their clothing and leather goods. Reindeer are an important staple to the Sámi and reindeer leather and antler are used in creating beautiful tin thread embroidery on traditional clothing. This craft has also evolved into the creation of a distinctive jewelry style. This jewelry is “Sámi Inspired” because of the unique combination of reindeer materials and tin thread. Avoid swimming or showering while wearing your bracelet and it will last for many years!

We are devoting the month of January to creating new kits and instructional videos to keep your fingers nimble until we are back in the classroom. Here are a few hints.

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We want to thank all of our clients and students and everyone who has kept this beautiful tradition alive and for supporting us by courageously converting to the online class format. We appreciate you and wish you God Jul wherever you are! Don’t forget to check out our 2021 Class Calendar and we’ll see you next year!