Rochelle Gaukel has been creating with her hands all her life. Her love of history, culture, and vintage elements from long ago show up in the soldered creations she makes. Her pieces speak with a steadfast voice, forever graced with stories and secrets of the past tucked neatly inside. She stays true to herself and her love of vintage and this is reflected in her art and jewelry which appeals to both young and old alike.
Twenty years ago she visited Italy for the first time and fell in love with the lifestyle there and all the beauty it holds. Each time she visits, her heart and soul feel “at home” and she can’t wait to return again. She knows that Italy will speak to you too and the beauty will reflect in the projects you create.
Over the course of this week, Rochelle will guide you in the art of soldering as well as bookbinding. Our project begins with creating our soldered metal cover for our journal. There will be many options for the metal cover, all of which are supplied to you. If you wanted to personalize the cover, you are welcome to bring anything with you to do that. We will also be creating our jewelry bezels on this day as well.
The second class day we will create our journals with watercolor paper learning the basics of bookbinding. Once we finish putting our journals together we will attach our front metal cover with rivets and the back cover with decorative paper. We will have time to fill our journals with mixed media or watercolor painting if you choose.
The third class day we will put our necklaces together and work on the inside pages of our journals.
This retreat is more than an opportunity to make art - it’s a celebration of creativity, tradition, and connection. You’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals, enjoy exquisite local meals, and have the chance to explore the beautiful Umbrian countryside. It’s an experience that will leave you refreshed, inspired, and with art that truly reflects the beauty of Italy.
Please bring to the class:
Large watercolor paper pad (11 x 15 - 140 pound)
Metal ruler
Pencil
Awl
Scissors
Embroidery thread & needle
Spool of lead free solder
Watercolors (if you are going to paint inside your journal)
Jewelry pliers set (flat nose/round nose/flush cutters)
Cookie sheet tray
Teacher will supply:
Soldering irons
Class kit & handout
Metal supplies
Flux
Papers, images, book pages
Waxed thread
Rivets
Reserve your spot now and let Italy & Rochelle inspire your Art and Soul!
For further info and schedule, click on the ACTIVITES page
To register, email: info@artandsoulretreat.com. You cannot register for this class/event online. Email only
SINGLE: $4599
DOUBLE: $4299