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I very much appreciated your class today. I raved about you to the Bead Inspirations crew. Thanks for sharing so much valuable information—especially the "whys" / theory of it all. It will really make a difference in my future efforts, and save me so much "pain".
—Karina Foote,
August, 2008
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"Dear Iris — I'm so glad I found you, you have been a great influence on me and my jewelry. I'm not sure if you knew this, but I'm really picky when it comes to teachers, and I think you're one of the best. You make learning fun — I think part of it is because you seem to enjoy when others are learning - how great is that?! Thanks for teaching me about metals, art, music and following your own path!"
—Christine San Francisco, CA
July 2008
Aiko Designs
Jewelry design by Christine Aiko Beck
www.aikojewelry.com |
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I'm interested in booking some time for a phone consultation. I have been busy learning new things and practicing, and have you to thank for getting me started with a torch. I now have an acetylene/air torch, flexshaft and lots of other toys to play with, but I still use my little butane one for fusing.
Here's a link to my Trunkt portfolio - see what you started? I am developing a wholesale line, and have even had an inquiry! www.trunkt.org/lavendercottage
Your distance learning courses are exceptional in quality! I'm getting ready to purchase Introduction to Patination.
Thanks so much!
—Cheryl Van Dyck,
Tennessee
June 22, 2008
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"I am still very jazzed about the private soldering lesson we had on Saturday! Drove home with design possibilities floating in my head. Thank you again for the opportunity to get comfortable with soldering and learning a whole lot more in the process."
—Rosemarie W. Yosemite, CA
June 2, 2008 |
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"I consider you our primo teacher. I wish I could have majored in silversmithing, or jewelry making, or something appropriately related (at least closer than Social Sciences!). I love all of the knowledge you impart to us, and I appreciate it, and I respect you for it. Just thought you should know."
—Rebecca L.F. Magee San Jose, CA May 28, 2008 |
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Hi Iris,
Your distance learning lesson Beach Glass and Pebbles (Making a Traditional Bezel) arrived alive and well! The lesson is VERY thorough...(as usual) and that is why I went through you. I already know how to do a basic bezel, but your instructions are always so clear and concise, it is always worth the money to "relearn" these basic techniques with you. Never stop growing and learning right?
Check out some of my stuff: www.gelsominadesigns.com
—Maui Jasmine
March 2008 |
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Shireen, age 11, has successfully learned to safely play with fire and fuse fine silver in a private lesson at Sandkühler Studio"
"I like taking classes from Iris because it's fun to learn new things and socialize at the same time. Using a torch is my favorite. I also like hammering a lot."
—Shireen
August 2007 |  |
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Just wanted to drop you a note and say how much I enjoyed the two classes I’ve taken from you at the Bead Shop recently. I was actually quite terrified of using a torch when I arrived at the "fusing" class, but by the time I completed the silver rings for the project, I felt comfortable enough that I was able to get them all done in the class. Your teaching skills made me feel that I could get past my initial fear and I really liked the fact that you went over how the torch worked and what could happen if things didn’t go right. It took away some of the fear by understanding the process and how to use it safely.
I also loved the Etruscan Tree of Life bracelet class. What a beautiful design that is! Of course, it will take some practice on my part before I come close to getting a final product that looks like your sample. But I am happy enough with my finished product that I am wearing it. Again, good teaching skills and I definitely would take more classes from you when the opportunity arises.
Thanks and good luck in your many projects. You are one busy woman!
Feel free to use my comments, they are from the heart.
—LeAnn Ritter July 2007 |
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I recently took your Loop-in-Loop Peacock bracelet class while you were in Honolulu and I am having a ball making them! I really enjoyed your class and the way you broke down each step so a novice like me can understand what I’m doing! Mahalo!
—Franceen S.
August 2006 |
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 thebeadgallery.com |
"As a teacher, Iris is so patient and understanding with the students.
It's so easy to learn and enjoy in the presence of kindness and genuine dedication to the craft. As a person, she is always sincere and honest in her communications. We always appreciate her making the time to share her knowledge and love of beading with our customers! Mahalo
Iris!"
—Jamie & Jason Honolulu, Hawaii July 5, 2006 |
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Viking Knit Bracelet |
Your distance learning lesson arrived alive and I've had a quick look through. You give a lot of bang for the buck! My Native-American-Celtic-Viking husband says he's happy!
—Karen,
Tennessee
June 2006
www.woodwindandwire.com |
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So its class sign up day here at The Bead Shop [Palo Alto] and your stackable rings class was the first to sellout! The class only took about 5 minutes from the time sign ups started to fill!
—Kara Burke
Class Director, The Bead Shop
May 2006 |
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I think you are an excellent teacher and your [distance] tutorials are the clearest I have ever seen. I am sure they represent hours of work.
—Sandy Tandler
Menlo Park, CA February 2006
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Iris has an energy that encourages her student's individual creative style. Her calm manner and clear directions underlie how she structures and tailors information for her students. This combination makes a TERRIFIC long distance teacher!
Thank you, Iris!
—Jean Yates
New York
January 2006
prettykittydogmoonjewelry.com/ |
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Aloha Iris,
I wanted to tell you how much I have learned from your internet classes and your personal lessons. Please, please whatever you do, expand on the internet as you had mentioned in your email [newsletter]. It will benefit you as well as others like me who cannot attend classes where one has to be present. Having the flexibility to do the piece at your convenience [and your teaching] is great.
—"Dolphin" Patty on Oahu January 4, 2006 |
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Thanks for allowing David (age 9) and Elle (age 7) take your Sheet Shapes class at your studio. They let me know that they really had fun learning to work with metal and tools, and enjoyed taking your class (they sure lasted a long time!). |
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—Naomi, San Francisco Bay Area August 2005 |
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"[We've] taken a couple of classes since we saw you [at the studio] last summer. We both agree that we have been very spoiled with your excellent teaching skills and truly appreciate your teaching practices. Your 'hands-on' approach is second to none and the couple of classes we have taken elsewhere have been disappointing."
—Donnalene (of The Donna's) April 21, 2005 |
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"I found Iris’ class both challenging and rewarding. The coiled gemstone project is worth the time and effort! The outcome surprised me and the process was one of discovery. I’ve had offers for this necklace, but it’s staying with me! Thank you Iris, for your encouragement and direction."
—Lorabella Designs September 2004
Coiled Gemstone Necklace
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 —Edward Tung September 2004 |
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"...soon she wanted to work with metal and studied metalsmithing with the artist and jeweler Iris Sandkühler, first in classes and then privately. 'I continue to learn so much from Iris, she is a major source of inspiration and very patient!'"
—Nanette Kroupa & daughter Alex, private lessons at Sandkühler Studio May 2004 |
 nankdesigns.com |
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Maryl and Dominic were excited to make their own wedding rings, and the results were — well, gorgeous!
—Maryl and Dominic March 2004
See how they did it at www.puttypeg.com/rings/ |
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Dear Professor Sandkühler:
I have a bit of good news that I would like to share since I know my new found creativity has contributed to this success. I was informed by Academy of Art College that I received a scholarship, 75% of 9 units tuition for summer grant program this year. Thats $3,000.00+ more in value!
The value, perspective, and sculpture projects from your Basic Design class were included in the portfolio. Again, thank you, and you are welcome to share this if it will assist in motivating students to work hard.
Sincerely yours,
Taiko
June 16, 1999
http://www.taikofujimura.com/ |
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