Kali Rocha [photo credit: Bead & Design Shows]
The tarnished silver bracelet gathered dust in a jewelry box for decades.
By weekend’s end, both will be transformed into contemporary wearable art under the guidance of actress-turned-jewelry designer Kali Rocha, who treats each piece like a character requiring reimagining.
“In the same way that I create a character as an actress, I reimagine these special pieces into distilled, accessible and wearable jewelry that honors its unique history,” says Rocha, known for roles in “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Liv and Maddie,” who will lead “Heirlooms Reimagined” workshops at the Pasadena Bead & Design Show July 25-27.
She is one of several master artisans offering intensive hands-on instruction at what organizers call Southern California’s premier artisan education event.
Now in its 17th year, the show brings together more than 300 carefully juried exhibitors across 30,000 square feet of the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena.
Brazilian-born metalsmith Marissol Martins represents the show’s international expertise.
Her journey from a business degree focus to master silversmith embodies the very artisan spirit the event celebrates.
“I was the kid who spent, I spent all my allowances on beads instead of toys,” recalls Martins, who immigrated to the United States at age 12.
Training at institutions including Florence, Italy, Martins now owns Sol Search Jewelry and will teach sterling silver bangle-making classes all three days.
“In our screen, heavy world hands-on creativity is like a breath of fresh air,” Martins explains. “There’s something powerful about shaping metals, using fire, and watching a simple wire transforming into something personal and lasting.”
The workshop program runs daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., spanning skill levels from complete beginner to advanced practitioner.
Show Manager Casey Kennerson oversees programming designed to accommodate anyone.
“We have a range of workshops. We have ones that you can take just you could pop in there and know nothing about what you’re working on,” Kennerson explains.
Intensive classes include Martins’ sterling silver bangle-making ($100 plus $70 materials) and Rocha’s heirloom transformation workshops ($120-$150).
Expert Vilina Hutter offers advanced metalsmithing classes with fees ranging from $50 to $245 for materials.
The Pasadena Bead & Design Show will run Friday through Sunday, July 25-27, at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green Street, in Pasadena. For more call (888) 747-1123 or visit: https://www.
