Bead Master Strategies

Beginning to intermediate bead stringers will delight in this comprehensive class. From design layout options, to proper finishing techniques, create single and multi-strand projects. Learn 3 methods and the benefits of each: soft flex, silk/nylon string and memory wire. Bring: 3 strands of beads in various sizes, shapes, materials and color, pendant with bail, 4 clasps any style, needle nose, side cutter and round nose pliers, and two matching bead cones. Materials Fee-$7.00

Connectors and Clasps - Basic Wire Work

Explore the tools and techniques to make one-of-a-kind wire bracelets. The first workshop will emphasize making jewelry findings (single-eye pins, double-eye pins, jump rings, wire-wrapped beads, dangles, and a simple clasp. The second workshop will focus on several connector components and clasps to add wire-working skills. You may bring your own supplies and tools (needle noose, chain nose, and wire cutting pliers). Materials fee-$20 to $50 depending on project kit.

Crochet and Weave with Wire

Learn to apply fiber techniques using fine gage silver or copper wire. You will learn about tools, findings, and how to finish the wire “fabric” you create in class, and then fashion them into necklaces and bracelets. Bring your own tools and supplies or class kits will be available for purchase. Materials fee - $25-$45

Jewelry Fabrication Techniques

Weekly classes focus on at least one of the following: soldering, texturing, chainmaking, cold connections, stone setting and finishing techniques.

Knotting Like a Pro

Learn to string pearls or beads with unmatched fluidity, and insure precise knot placement. Create one floating bead necklace, and one continuously knotted necklace. Bring three strands of beads, knotting tweezers, beading awl and preneedled silk thread appropriate for bead hole. You may purchase beads, string, and findings in class for $8. Materials fee $10..

Tool Stamping and Joining Metals

Poems, lyrics, prose, affirmations, names: what do you want to say? Using steel letter tool stamps we will hammer letters and numbers onto sheet metal. Then we will explore joining different layers of sheet metal with tiny nuts and bolts to create several beautiful jewelry projects. We will also learn basic metalsmithing techniques such as filing, sanding, hammering, oxidizing and wire wrapping. Think of what you want to say and let's create it! Materials fee - $20

Precious Metal Clay

The course is an introduction to working and creating jewelry in Fine Silver using an exciting new process called Precious Metal Clay (PMC). PMC is rapidly becoming a very popular new medium for artists and others for creating unique new forms of jewelry, mainly because of its ease of use and relatively inexpensive price tag. Unlike traditional metal-based jewelry-making, PMC does not require soldering or special-purpose tools and well-practiced skills for working with metals. Instead, the PMC process begins with the shaping of a compound clay material, created from a mix of a water based binder with a microscopic silver powder. It is more similar to working with delicate pottery clay, Fimo or Sculpey. Once fired, the clay piece hardens and evaporates to leave behind a beautiful piece of fine precious metal in silver or gold. PMC materials and processes are also non-toxic and non-hazardous.

The course will teach the students all stages of jewelry-making with PMC, from designing the piece to modelling it, firing and finishing the final, wearable or displayed piece of jewelry. The course will include six class meetings of 3 hours duration each. Students will be supplied in class or directed to retailers for purchase of the tools and materials needed.

Wires and Hammers and Pliers....Oh My!

From basic wire wrapped loops and links to wire coiled beads, this class will round out any jewelry makers skill set. Learn to wire wrap beads and objects without holes. For the first class bring 15 feet of each-20 and 22 gauge dead soft wire or pay a $5 material fee for copper wire purchased directly from the instructor. Materials fee will be discussed during the first class. Please bring round nose pliers, chain nose pliers and side cutters.

Wire Rings and Earrings

First week focus is making four types of rings using sterling sliver and copper wire. Second week covers four styles of earrings, spirals, head pins, and basic ear wires, and includes a demonstration of how to “age” completed projects. Materials fee is $20-30.

Wire Work Chain Bracelets

Using your choice of 18, 16 or 14 gage sterling silver round wire, create an intricate linked bracelet and clasp. Learn how this technique can have several looks depending upon the gage of wire selected. Other variations of this versatile chain will be demonstrated in class using beads and crystals. Create a simple, yet complex looking chain, with no soldering required! Bring your own tools and supplies or class kits will be available for purchase. Materials fees $20 - $50 depending on project or bring your own supplies.