AMANDA JANE GRIFFIN is a jewelry artist inspired by nature and historical jewelry making techniques. She fell in love with wire in a sculpture class in college. She reignited her love of wire sculpture on a much smaller scale with her jewelry pieces. She is mostly self-taught through articles and tutorials. She also learned metalsmithing through classes at Chestnut Creek School of the Arts in Galax, Va. Amanda is a Round the Mountain Juried Artisan at Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace in Abingdon, Va. She is a native of Carroll County, Va and now calls Galax home. Her “day job” is teaching special education at a middle school. When not making art she is spending time with her family.

 VIKING KNIT JEWELRY BASICS  Beginner

Viking Knit is a technique used to create beautiful, flexible chains by "knitting" wire around a mandrel or dowel. Learn the basics of this historical reverse engineered technique while making a lightweight, colorful bracelet! Students will leave class with a handmade bracelet and the basic tools to make more pieces of Viking Knit jewelry. 3 to 6 students.

Prerequisite skills:  Curiosity, patience, and a sense of humor

Pre-class homework:  None

Students bring: Reading glasses, if needed for close-up work

Materials fee:  $5 or $10, depending on tools chosen (Payable to the instructor)

Date and time: Friday, June 6, 2025, 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Class fee: $45.00