Volcano Arts / Classes / Feedback

Thank you, Christine, for all the wonderful information you impart in my tiny little brain. I really feel like I accomplished bunches this week.
Helen Wilkinson

Christine
I learned everything I wanted to this week; how to use the torch, enameling, soldering and that round boxes are easier than square ones. I can hardly wait until Torch Technic in March.
Lauri Bond

Christine
What a great group! This was a fantastic trip that I totally enjoyed. The learning curve was huge and what I had learned by Friday was incredible.

I am already looking forward to the next trip.

The best compliment that I can give you is that when other people see what I have made while here, they think that I am a professional! Little do they know that it's just that you hold us to such high standards.
Nancy Parker

Christine
You've opened a new world for me! I love every class I've ever taken with you and will still be looking for more to come. I feel I have a great friend. Thank you for sharing your gift with me.
Ronnie Grundset

From Pam Hewitt:

I have just completed my 4th (5-day) class with Christine Cox at her Volcano Arts Studio. I have learned so much from Christine over the last 4 years. I learned how to etch on metal, how to bind books using metal, book cloth and leather, how to marble paper, and the safe and correct way to work with numerous tools and to feel safe using them.

At my last class, which just ended this September (2007) I learned how to solder, make bezels and to set stones. I learned far more in this class about soldering than I ever did when I took a jewelry/metal smith class at my local community college. In Christine's class there are only 5 or 6 students per class with three soldering stations. Whereas, in the college class, there were at least 20+ students with only two soldering stations. Also at Christine's studio, we each have our own work station which not only includes the tools that we will be working with to create our books, but we each also have our own flex shafts.

Talk about individual/one-on-one attention: Christine has so much knowledge and patience. She's probably heard the same questions many times over and yet she is always so patient. I had always been very uncomfortable with my soldering techniques, but after working with Christine I have a new found "comfortableness." I highly recommend Christine's classes. Christine Rocks!!!

Another from: Nancy Parker, East Coast Devotee
Dear Christine:
I doubted my sanity a bit when I decided to travel across the country in order to take a 5 day bookbinding intensive. That is a long way to travel to take classes, especially when you have never met the instructor. All I can tell you, having returned home, is that my frequent flyer miles will be racking up!

The time I spent with you is an experience that I will never forget. In fact I won't have to worry about that since I plan on returning again and again. I didn't think it was possible to have so much fun and work so hard at the same time. To say that you are incredibly generous with your time, knowledge, and supplies is an understatement. I learned more in the first day than I expected to learn the entire week. As far as I was concerned each day was a bonus!!

My hope in taking your intensive was to come home having learned a few new binding techniques and have some fun along the way. Well, that didn't even come close to what I learned. Working with metal, leather, wood, torches, hammers, power tools, and 24 needles at once-- a creative fantasy come true! You managed to combine all of my favorite media, teach me all kinds of new methods and ideas, and stimulated my creative juices for months to come.

The accommodations you arranged for us were incredible too! The Volcano Union Inn was an experience in itself. Laurie is an incredible cook and the rooms were fantastic.

Not only do I feel as though I met all of my creative goals in taking your intensive, I feel as though I have made a life-long friend. I look forward to seeing you next Spring.

Another from: Pam Hewitt
I have taken two classes so far from Christine Cox at her Volcano Arts Studio. Every class was what I expected, and more. Christine is a true teacher and makes learning fun. I came away with so much knowledge and confidence.

The first class I took was her Etching class. I was already etching on metal and wanted to become more proficient. The kit and processes she uses for metal etching are so much easier and more fun than what I had been doing on my own. I also learned the art of riveting and making metal book closures/clasps which really has added another dimension to the books I make. I was able to put all the processes together (etching, riveting, metal book clasp) and came out with a beautiful metal book cover (front/back).

I just completed her beginning bookbinding class. My goal was to learn the professional way to cover, bind books, and learn the Coptic Stitch. I came away with a beautifully bound book, covered with a purple Moiré material and completed with the Coptic Stitch.

I have also enrolled in two more classes for the coming years 2005 and 2006. I highly recommend anyone interested in beginning or furthering their knowledge in the areas of metalsmithing, bookbinding etc. sign up for a class from Christine Cox/Volcano Arts.

From: Camille Purpura
I traveled from Virginia to California to attend the bookbinding intensive. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this course. The class was designed to accommodate each of our different levels and Christine was an extremely thorough, knowledgeable, flexible and patient teacher. I definitely accomplished what I came for and more. I plan to travel back to Volcano for many years to come.