Jerri has been making Gem Trees since 1995. She fell into rock hounding and Lapidary Arts in the process of homeschooling her four children. The family joined the Toledo Gem and Rockhound Club and learned rock collecting, cabbing, soapstone carving, gem trees and flint knapping together. She has also has studied Silversmithing, Beading, and Scrimshaw. Having worked in beading as a teenager, Jerri returned to that medium as a more portable method to bezel cabochons and make jewelry. She started her own cabs out of China a few years ago, learning to re-purpose old patterns into stunning beaded pendants and more. She has won multiple awards for her designs both at the Florida State Fair and the Florida Strawberry Festival. Jerri took Gem Trees to a new level, designing her own styles and patterns and developing her own techniques. She specializes in species specific gem trees. She has taught Gem Trees for many Gem and Mineral Clubs, local schools and scout groups as well as William Holland and Wild Acres. Her Gem Tree competitive exhibits have earned awards with the Rocky Mountain Federation, American Federation, Florida State Fair and the Florida Strawberry Festival. She relocated to Florida and is a member of four rock clubs (so far).

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Gem Trees I - Jerri Heer This class will start with the basic skills of gem tree making and graduate to an exploration of multiple styles and advanced designs of truly beautiful and species specific trees. We will discuss, study and sample a variety of construction methods, as well as how to plan and create our own patterns from nature. Lab fee includes wire, leaf stones, bases and materials to make at least three trees of the student's choice. All instructions, patterns, tools and materials are provided. Student is encouraged to be creative and bring ideas to design their own trees. A large variety of additional wire, leaf and base materials will be available for purchase. Lab Fee: $80.00 Estimated Materials Cost: $0-$150 Prerequisites: None Enroll in this Class Now!

Seed Beading - Jerri Heer This class will teach creating beaded peyote bezels for cabochons, as well as a variety of attachment points, edge stitches and embellishments. Learn to professionally finish your pieces, and create a variety of beaded ropes and strung bead necklaces for your pendants. We will explore use of color palettes, many varieties of beads, crystals and embellishments to create your own unique piece. Lab fee includes instructional materials, kit including focal cabochon, seed beads, embellishment beads and findings to complete first pendantbead mat, needles, thread conditioner, bead foundation, suede backing, spool of Fireline. Additional Stone and China cabochons, seed beads, embellishment beads, findings and materials will be available for purchase. Student can expect to complete at least two pendants You are welcome to bring your own stash of beads to use for your projects. You should bring your own scissors, round nose and chain nosed pliers, crimp pliers etc, if you have them. Tools will be available to use. No prerequisites for this class, but be aware that small bead/handwork is required, an optivisor or other vision enhancement may be helpful. Lab Fee: $40.00 Estimated Materials Cost: $50-200 Prerequisites: None Enroll in this Class Now!

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