 
|
Charlene Therien
Charlene Therien
Peoria, IL 61612
USA
Email: catherien@hotmail.com
Website: www.catherienarts.comBackground Information
Years Teaching: 3
Years Teaching Clay: 3
Years Working w/Clay: 5
School or Studio: N/A
Freelance: Yes
Specialties: Millefiore canework is my specialty, most commonly expressed in wearable art.
First Experience With Clay: I was introduced to polymer clay in the winter of 2001. A fellow homeschooler invited my daughter and I to a mother-daughter Christmas party. The invitations said to bring two packages of polymer clay. I had clay leftover from the event, and went to the internet to see what else could be made with it. When I discovered all the beautiful beads, jewelry, vessels, decorations and wearable art, I knew I'd found my medium.
Past Teaching Experiences: I'm a member of the National Polymer Clay Guild (NPCG) and founding president of the Central Illinois Polymer Clay Guild (cipcg). I've taught polymer clay classes in the local and regional area to both private groups and regional conventions.
Publication Experience: I have published articles in PolymerCAFE, PC Polyzine, and Polymer Clay Central.
Teaching Level: Professional
Lesson Information
- Private Lessons: Yes No
- How Far Will Travel: Continental United States
- Reimbursed Expenses: Travel, meals and lodging
- Group Lessons: Yes
- Minimum Number of Students: 10
- Maximum Number of Students: 40
- How Far Will Travel: Continental United States
- Reimbursed Expenses: Travel, meals and lodging
Class Prep Time: 30 days
Maximum Consecutive Days Teaching: 7
Class Listings & Descriptions:
Beginner Level Workshop 101: "Basic Polymer Clay 101" is an introduction to polymer clay. Techniques taught would include conditioning, storing, blending and finishing polymer clay pieces. 6 hour workshop, technique-based. Students will take home a pendant made during class.
Beginner level workshop 102: "Introduction to Millefiore 102" will teach students how to create simple millefiore canes. Floral and geometric designs will be explored, and students will exchange pieces of their canes with the rest of the class, as well as receiving a free cane from the instructor's designs. Students will take home a bead made with their canes. 6 hour workshop.
Intermediate level workshop 201: "Tiger Lily Hair Barrette" is a project-based class, in which students will create a faux stained glass hair barrette. 8 hour workshop, can be broken down into two days. Students will take home a finished hair barrette or optionally, a votive using the same technique and pattern.
Intermediate level workshop 202: "Designer Cane Pattern Sheets" is a class to challenge the skills of students already familiar with the basics of millefiore caning. Students will create translucent canes during the workshop and make layered pattern sheets with them, choosing individual projects to use the pattern sheet on. Instructor will give one-on-one consultations for groups with a maximun enrollment of 25 students. 8 hour workshop, can be broken down into two days. Additonal day for private consultations is optional.
Advanced level workshop 301: "Sculpting Landscapes With Millefiore" is a challenging class for those wanting to take their canes to new dimensions. Students will create a variety of cane components to create a sculpted focal bead. Finishes will be explored, as well as display options such as stringing and supporting holes. 8 hour workshop, can be broken down into two days.
In addition to the workshops, I offer 3 hour classes on numerous different projects, ranging from individual canes in my portfolio to faux semi-precious stones and jewelry making.
Words of Encouragement to Novice Teachers:
"Their own personal pursuit of knowlege about their medium should be an inspiration to their students. Teachers embark upon a lifelong learning process, which includes learning from their students. "
Polymer Clay Central Home Page
