upcoming virtual workshops
taught through zoom, recordings available for 45 days after last class.
Fridays | May 29, June 5 and June 12 | 1-3 pm Central Time
about unconventional materials in art:
Examples of unconventional materials include everyday items like office supplies, discarded objects, recycled materials, textiles, found objects from nature, and even industrial or technological components.
Using unconventional materials in jewelry and art allows for experimentation and pushing boundaries. It adds an element of surprise, creativity, and resourcefulness to the artistic process. It encourages artists to rethink their approach to materials and explore new avenues of expression.
about the class:
Throughout this three-week class, you will learn to look for and identify the kinds of materials you are interested in, explore different material manipulation techniques, and start to explore the meaning of your materials and how that can inform new designs and compositions.
I teach using a combination of presentations, demonstrations, and opportunities for discussions and questions.
Can't make it to any or every live session? No worries! Each class is recorded and available 45 days after the last session, allowing you to revisit the content and catch up at your own pace.
who this class is for:
No experience is required. This class is for people who are:
New Makers: Inspired by the allure of weird materials
Traditional Artists: Looking to infuse their work with unconventional elements
Seasoned Unconventional Material Makers: Seeking different approaches.
materials and tools:
You will not be asked to purchase any materials or tools throughout the class and will be encouraged to use what you currently have access to.
about me:
I make jewelry and sculptures out of waste plastic and other unconventional materials. I love the challenge of transforming everyday materials into sculptures and have learned and developed many techniques to do this.
Though I've always been crafty, my first career was in teaching. I love breaking down complex skills into achievable steps.
student testimonials:
“I just want you to know how much I learned from your class and how much I loved the process. It was my first Zoom class and I was so surprised how well you organized it. I didn’t want it to end. You are a great teacher and I look forward to seeing you for another class!”
“I was already working with unconventional materials to some degree and I now feel like I have a better idea of how to get from material to completion of pieces.”
“I have a troubled relationship with plastic (I guess we all do); I never thought I would want to collect it, observe it closely, or care about how it behaves, but I am going to continue playing with it and making things from it.”
Monday | July 27th 2026 | 9-11 am Central Time
Turn your grocery store leftovers into wearable art! In this live Zoom workshop, you’ll learn how to transform rigid clear plastics (like salad, fruit, and takeout containers) into beautiful jewelry components. Together we’ll cover everything from preparing and cutting your materials to etching, adding surface textures, and coloring techniques. We’ll finish by turning your plastic experiments into earrings and a ring. (we will not be using heat in any of the techniques taught)
This class is designed to give you the skills to make a finished piece, but due to time we won’t work side-by-side. Instead, you’ll get clear demonstrations, tips, and the confidence to explore on your own after class.
For those who want extra time to connect and share, you’ll also have the option to join a 1 hour “Create + Feedback” session one week later. This is a casual space to share what you’ve made, ask questions, and get feedback from both me and fellow makers.
Length & Format
2 hours on Zoom (recordings will be available for 45 days after the class)
About Me
teaching experience: I have been teaching art classes virtually since 2020. Before I went to school for art, I taught kids in a residential setting for 13 years and community art classes for both kids and adults for 5 years. Teaching is as much of a passion for me as making art is.
teaching philosophy:I create a learning space where students feel comfortable experimenting, making mistakes, and using new techniques in ways that reflect their own voice. I break skills down into clear, accessible steps so both beginners and experienced makers can explore unconventional materials with confidence.
Sudent Testimonials
Here is what some students wrote when asked what they would tell someone interested in this class:
Testimonial 1
“TAKE IT! It is for everyone, you'll discover new ideas and inspiration and enjoy a lovely sense of community.”
Testimonial 2
“Charity is an excellent teacher: knowledgeable, meticulous and generous. Taking a course with Charity ensures that learning outcomes are met and individual questions are answered. She generously shares resources with her students. Beyond this, Charity’s classes are inspiring and encouraging and she shows a genuine interest in her students. It is a real pleasure to attend Charity’s classes!”Testimonial 3
“It was really worth my time and money. I took the class because I wanted some new ideas and materials to work with with my jewellery class students and it was so cool to see them explore and apply the techniques I learned from Charity.”
jewelry
made with post consumer plastics, ready to ship, packaged in recycled and reused materials
