A few weeks ago I attended an afternoon workshop at the Museum of Arts and Design aka, MAD, in NYC. It was entitled “Weaving A Different Kind of Necklace.” At the helm, guiding us with her expertise, was none other than Debra Rapoport. Some of you may know her from Ari’s Advanced Style Blog, and the Advanced Style documentary, plus a host of other on-line venues.
Rapoport puts new meaning to the ‘wow factor’ in everything she approaches in her life. An amazing workshop, an amazing woman. She is the master of recycling materials and she brings all the supplies. Her warm spirit and generous encouragement led us to create magnificent pieces.
Debra Rapoport
Now let me introduce you to the participants and their creations made during this workshop. You will see many links that further your reading and inspirational delight here on Just Another Mystery. The participants have huge talents too. Be sure to check out what they do when not in a workshop at the MADD.
Here is Penelope Cake. She has many talents, and much creativeness. Her necklace (Debra also called them ‘breastplates’), was so wonderful. The colors were happy, just like Penelope. She is a dancer too. Cake entertained us with a new dance routine about slowing down time. The words and her movements told the short story with ease. Telling a story in less than two minutes is not an easy feat. If you keep an eye on her blog, she might post a video of this dance. It does have the ‘wow’ factor if you ask me.
Penelope Cake
And my word, Omi Gray was full of life and good fun. Her neckpiece became many things throughout the afternoon, even a hat. She wrapped wire and other elements in the bits of yarn into the base. She enjoys teaching too, calling her workshops “Make It & And Take It”. Gray works with lots of mediums, ranging from jewelry, bead-weaving and an array of fibers. omigray@gmail.com.
Omi Gray
Alison Stein was quietly working away on her magnificent piece. She invented a great slender shape, and wove some very intricate work in blues with pops of orange. Stein is a published writer, traveler and teacher.
Alison Stein
Christine Jacobson joined me at my work table. I got to visit and watch her process up close. The light shinned on her perfectly when I snapped the photo. Rumor has it she was a dancer on broadway for many years. Now she is diving into the world of fiber. Her work is beautiful. If you look close, you not only see her textured woven necklace, but also the masterful stenciling she created on her vest.
Christine Jacobson
This group, Amanda Dolan, Michael and Alice, had their creative table going big time. Alice is far left. Her neckpiece was glorious. Adding the roving was unique. She even got the neck strap woven and it was complete! Then we have our leader, Debra. She is holding a sample she brought to class for our inspiration. And Amanda Dolan, she owns Spark Pretty, a vintage clothing business. Her finds are fabulous, do check them out. Her spirit is also fabulous. Her neckpiece looked so perfect with her vintage blouse. And Michael, who is Alice’s son, and Amanda’s very very close friend, is an awesome artist.
Alice, Debra, Amanda and Michael
Another shot of the MADA group, just as we finished for the day. Debra also made a breastplate during the afternoon. Can you guess what she used?
Michael, Amanda, Debra and Alice
And little ole me. I did not even get close to finishing mine, but I had a blast.
Leslie Gelber
Detail of Leslie Gelber’s breastplate
When I re-read this post, I noticed all the smiles. And I didn’t take a ton of photos, these were impromptu, quick shots. A good time was had by all I would say.
I look forward to many more workshops at MAD with Debra as the magician of making. She will be offering evening workshops this summer at MAD. Maybe we will meet you there. It really is a wow, wow, wow experience.
