On March 2, 2025, the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) hosted a jewelry-making workshop for Thames students, offering a unique opportunity to explore art beyond traditional painting and drawing. The workshop was facilitated by Inela Kovacevic, a distinguished Siberian art historian, educator, and jewelry designer with over six years of international teaching experience. This initiative aligned with OSA's commitment to supporting creative learning experiences and encouraging students to engage in hands-on artistic expression.
The three-hour intensive session allowed participants to design and craft their own accessories using polymer clay, with each student creating at least two pieces of jewelry. Inela guided them through the fundamentals of clay properties, baking techniques, and the intricate process of assembling a finished piece. What started as a structured workshop soon evolved into a lively and interactive afternoon, filled with laughter, collaboration, and the joy of creating something unique.
Here are a few testimonies from those that participated in this session:
I was already involved in jewelry making but with a completely different material. This is my first time using polymer clay to make charms and jewelry pieces. It was a very fun experience. I would love to participate again.
This was my very first time making jewelry so I was excited to attend this workshop. As I expected, it was not only informative, but I got a chance to learn a new skill that might come in handy, maybe! I think the facilitator was an extremely encouraging and jolly person to be around.
