MAMA'S MINERALS INSTRUCTORS

Mama's Minerals^® holds a number of free classes in its Albuquerque store and hosts specially arranged birthday parties as well. Our instructors come from a wide variety of backgrounds, but share a passion for rocks, fossils, minerals, and beads.

Marissa Rodriguez

Marissa Rodriguez has lived with a life long addiction to arts and crafts. Never one to be without a project in hand or an idea in mind, she is always creating. Having worked for Mama's Minerals for four years, Marissa has been the face at the register and the answers to the many jewelry questions posed by our patrons. In her jewelry classes, Marissa uses her knowledge and expertise to impart a vast array of quick tips, easy techniques, and creative sense of design and style.

Marissa teaches our Free Adults' Basic Earring-Making Classs, Free Adults' Basic Necklace-Making Class, Free Adults' Multi-Strand Nacklace-Making Class.

Pascale Waffelaert

Pascale Waffelaert brings a bright smile and a sense of fun to everything she tackles. She has always harbored a deep love for arts and crafts, which is her oasis in a sometimes hectic world. Four years ago Pasclae began working in our Santa Fe store, where a passion for beading was rekindled. Then in 2004, Pascale transferred to Mama's Minerals where her passion took on a life of its own. With a yen for learing, Pascale quickly developed an extensive knowledge of beading materials and techniques. Her know how combined with her outgoing personality makes her a natural choice for our jewelry classes. Pascale gives each student the opportunity for their individuality to shine with patience, guidance and encouragement.

Pascale teaches our Free Adults' Basic Earring-Making Class, Free Adults' Basic Necklace-Making Class, Free Adults' Multi-Strand Nacklace-Making Class.

Heather Larson

Once Heather learned beading and fountain-making, there was no stopping her creative output and display of obvious talent! Her sparkling personality and knack for knowing just what each student needs in the way of instruction make her a popular teacher -- with both adults and children. She's eager to learn new things and enjoys passing on her knowledge, no matter what the setting.

Heather teaches our Kids' Basic Necklace-Making Class.

Sherrie Dick

Sherrie became a Certified Instructor for Precious Metal Clay (PMC) over six years ago, and teaches beginner through advanced PMC classes in Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, and New Mexico. She sells her jewelry designs in stores throughout the Midwest and she and her husband, Gary (a dichroic glass artist), participate in a select number of Art Fairs each year. Sherrie is also the editor of a bi-monthly business-oriented newspaper - Topeka Today! "I love introducing people to PMC," says Sherrie. "It's such an exciting and versatile product, and so easy to work with! I teach students how to manipulate PMC to create beautiful fine silver jewelry that reflects their own personal uniqueness. I like to fan the creative spark that everybody has and help them produce pieces of jewelry they're extremely happy with and proud of."

Sherrie teaches our Precious Metal Clay (PMC) Class.

Delbert ChargingCrow

Delbert ChargingCrow is full-blooded Native American; Oglala Lakota of the Oglala Sioux Tribe (from Wanblee of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation of South Dakota). For him, fetish carving is a deeply spiritual act. "I love what I do. I feel that all human races are related, just as all the Buffalo are related. A carved animal fetish helps guide people spiritually through life."

Delbert was inspired to revive the Lakota style by his grandparents. Big Grandmama and Grandpa Jim, who was one of the last to carry on the Lakota carving tradition before it died out in the early 1900's. Some of Grandpa Jim's carvings can be seen in the Smithsonian Institute today.

Delbert ChargingCrow teaches our 3-day Stone-Carving Workshop.