State park to host hands-on wire crafting workshop

MURFREESBORO — Crater of Diamonds State Park will host a hands-on wire crafting workshop from 2-4 p.m. May 13. Guests will discuss the art of wire sculpture and will make a 6-inch wire tree out of copper or brass, beads, and a rock base from the park. Attendees may also bring their own beads or other decorations to add to their creations.

People often like to keep the rocks and minerals they find at the park and display them at home. There are many creative ways to show off these natural souvenirs, and one option is to use them in a decorative project such as wire crafting.

Wire crafting is the ancient practice of making ornamental figures and sculptures of wire and other components. Many crafters incorporate outdoor elements — rocks, crystals, sticks, and more — into their designs. The process may seem complicated, but through practice and patience, almost anyone can make beautiful creations inspired by nature.

Workshop cost is $30 per tree, including a non-refundable $15 registration fee due by May 5. The remaining $15 will be due on the day of the workshop. Participants may also bring a guest, free of charge, to help with crafting and assembling the tree.

Supplies are limited, and a minimum of three participants is required.

Call Crater of Diamonds State Park at 870-285-3113 or email CraterofDiamonds@arkansas.com by May

5 for more information or to register. Diamond finds for the week of April 9 (100 points equals 1 carat):

• April 9 — Preston Speakman, Dallas, 11 -point white.

April 11 — Martha McAdams, Mountain View, Mo., 6-point yellow; Michael Green, Rapid City, S.D.,

9-point white; James Green, Memphis, Tenn., 2-point white.

April 12 — Amy Jackson, Greer, S.C., 17-point white.

April 13 — Piper Hall, Palmyra, Mo., 23 -point brown, 27-point white; Kevin McGarey, Witchita, Kan., 18-point brown; Scott Deshotel, Elta, La., 75-point yellow.

April 14 — Camille Danna, Haynesville, La., 3-point white,

4-point white.

April 15 — Janet Breitigam, Chattanooga, Tenn., 5-point white.

Submitted photo WORKSHOP: Crater of Diamonds State Park will host a hands-on wire crafting workshop from 2-4 p.m. May 13. Guests will discuss the art of wire sculpture and will make a 6-inch wire tree out of copper or brass, beads, and a rock base from the park. Attendees may also bring their own beads or other decorations to add to their creations.