"Personal creativity is foremost in the development of self esteem. Pride of creation through individual expression verifies positive self-perception."
~ Tamara Thompson

The Eight-week program will introduce multiple jewelry making techniques that build on skill development, design composition and textural perception. Working individually within group instruction, the students will create projects utilizing materials such as charms electroplated with precious metals, various beads, precious gems, crystal, leather and shells. Upon completion of the residency, the children will be able to apply professional, solderless, jewelry making techniques to complete several unique pieces of art to wear, which are displayed in a culminating Artist Showcase!

Tamara looks to these jewelry design classes as an opportunity for children to express their creativity and individualized expression through the creation of small "sculptures" or "wearable art".

Tamara's jewelry designs have been nationally distributed and published in various trade magazines, including "Women's Wear Daily". She has received numerous jewelry and ornamental sculpture commissions, including "Beauty and the Beast television show. She has taught Creative Jewelry Design and Solderless Fashion Jewelry workshops at Learning Tree University, and several park and recreation departments in local cities. Tamara was also a consultant for and taught at House of Fabrics, Inc, and has worked with the J. Paul Getty Museum on ancient jewelry making techniques.