Dowagiac craft and gift shop offering jewelry making classes

Published 9:49 am Monday, June 8, 2015

Local jewelry artist Jennifer Valentine will be teaching a series of jewelry making classes at downtown’s Rosy Tomorrows later this summer. The courses will allow attendees to learn how to create their own pair of Victorian-style earrings. (Leader photo/TED YOAKUM)

Local jewelry artist Jennifer Valentine will be teaching a series of jewelry making classes at downtown’s Rosy Tomorrows later this summer. The courses will allow attendees to learn how to create their own pair of Victorian-style earrings. (Leader photo/TED YOAKUM)

Since it opened last fall, downtown craft and gift store Rosy Tomorrows has offered its customers an assortment of one-of-a-kind treasures, from handmade pottery made in-house to unique furniture constructed from repurposed materials.

The store will soon offer visitors the chance to craft their own bejeweled creations, as it will be hosting a series of jewelry making classes in June and July. Local jewelry designer and artist Jennifer Valentine will serve as instructor for the courses, which take place from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, Saturday, June 27, Wednesday, July 8, and Saturday, July 11.

Valentine’s lessons will focus on basic jewelry techniques, allowing attendees to experiment with lacy bead caps, pearls, vintage rhinestones and sparkling crystals while crafting their own pairs of Victorian-style earrings. Registration costs $30, and includes tools and supplies to create two pairs of earrings.

Valentine, a resident of Decatur for the past 11 years, has been creating jewelry full time for the past five years under her brand, Sacred Cake. Valentine’s passion from creating necklaces, rings, earrings and other wearable art came from her years of working on assemblage art, which she had been crafting since the age of 9, she said.

The artist has hosted jewelry making classes with the Van Buren District Library for the last several years, which has been a tremendous success, she said.

“Teaching is my greatest, greatest joy,” she said. “I love to see what my students make and come up with.”

Rosy Tomorrows began selling Valentine’s work several weeks ago. Upon hearing about her classes in Van Buren, owner Claudia Zebell asked if Valentine could share her expertise with residents in Dowagiac.

“I saw how passionate she was about teaching,” Zebell said. “I thought her classes would be a fabulous thing to offer to residents of the community.”

Participants of the class can expect personal, individual instruction in a relaxed, small-group environment, Valentine said.

“I want people to know that if I can do it, they can too,” Valentine said.

Class size will be limited, so people interested in participating can call (269) 783-1155 to register. Payment is requested at time of registration to hold one’s place.