Marilyn Gardiner is a teacher, chainmaille expert and designer of stunning projects, patterns and kits. Over 10 years ago, Marilyn fell into beading while spending some time in Tucson, AZ. She enrolled in as many classes as she could and never looked back. A retired teacher, with a love of math and a graphic design background thrown in for good measure, Marilyn is intrigued by the patterns and geometric shapes in nature and in man-made products such as textiles, art glass and architecture.
She founded Marilyn Gardiner Jewellery Design and sells her chainmaille and beading kits (over 140) as well as books, tools and supplies both online and at bead shows across Canada and the U.S. Based in Waterloo, ON, Marilyn is a popular teacher at bead stores and bead shows around Southwestern Ontario and across the border in Buffalo and Tucson. Her background as an educator is evident in her clearly written and easy to follow kit instructions.
In 2007 Marilyn was selected as the ‘Artist in Residence: Beadwork’ at the Joseph Schneider Haus Museum and Gallery in Kitchener, ON and in 2011 she was invited to include chainmaille pieces in an international beadwork exhibit at the JOGS Gem and Jewelry Show in Tucson AZ.
Marilyn is chair of the Grand River Bead Society based in Guelph, ON. You can find out more at www.marilyngardiner.com
Pick up Marilyn’s designs at the Gardiner Designs booth #548.
Pliers designed for chainmaille will be provided for class use or you may bring your own. Choose from Argentium™ sterling (S), Jeweller’s Bronze (B), Copper rings (C) or Silver-Filled rings (SF) for these projects.
Turtleback Bracelet, Marilyn Gardiner
Turtleback Bracelet (20) Advanced Beginner
A very special, three-dimensional bracelet! The central ridge is punctuated with Swarovski crystals that quietly sparkle. Choose either Argentium™ sterling or jeweller’s bronze for this fabulous bracelet up to 9″ long. Kit $147 (S) or $42 (B)
3 Hour Workshop
Byzantine Knot Bracelet or Necklace, Marilyn Gardiner
Byzantine Knot Bracelet or Necklace (20) Intermediate
Bold chainmaille knots lead to a Swarovski Rivoli crystal set in a frame which is the centre focus of this stunning 9″ bracelet. Or, even larger knots form the sides of a necklace with a large pewter flower pendant. Pewter and hematite beads sit between some of the knots and repeat the oxidized silver texture of the flower. Make the bracelet with either Argentium™ sterling or copper rings or the 22″ necklace with silver-filled rings. Kit $111 (S), $34 (C) or $105 (SF)
3 Hour Workshop
Celtic Labyrinth Bracelet, Marilyn Gardiner
Celtic Labyrinth Bracelet (20) Intermediate
An out-of-the-ordinary bracelet! You’ll love these square mazes that lay flat and link together to make a design that only looks complex. Using 6 sizes of jump rings, make it with either Argentium™ sterling or jeweller’s bronze rings. Kit $136 (S) or $42 (B)
3 Hour Workshop
Scherzo Bracelet or Necklace, Marilyn Gardiner
Scherzo Bracelet or Necklace (20) All Levels
Light and airy and perfect for everyday! Large rings in a heavy gauge are linked together with delicate knots. Fast to make and very versatile. This weave also works really well for either a bracelet or a necklace. Make the bracelet with either Argentium™ sterling or with copper rings. The necklace can be made with silver-filled rings. Kit $97 (S), $34(C) or $101 (SF)
3 Hour Workshop
Class registration will begin in late July 2012. Watch for updates on our blog for when brochure details become available and registration begins. www.creativfestival.ca