Simple Jewelry Techniques

In this introductory workshop, you will learn techniques to make professional-quality necklaces and bracelets. Make a practice piece using these techniques, then design your own project out of materials that you select. Class is designed so that you will leave with at least one gorgeous finished necklace or bracelet. We provide the tools, guidance, and encouragement. You'll be amazed by what you can make!

What you will learn:
• String bracelet or necklace on Soft Flex beading wire
• Attach clasps and rings
• Make crimps
• Make design decisions
• Choosing materials & tools

Materials: Everything you need is available in the class. Choosing your materials and designing your jewelry is part of the class. You may bring your own materials or choose from our large selection. At the end of class you will pay for the materials you used for your project. All necessary tools will be provided in the class by the instructor.

Class fee: $45, plus materials. (Cost of materials varies depending on the materials you choose. The materials for a necklace range typically from $15 to $30. Bracelet materials are typically $4 to $20. )

Class size: 2 student minimum- 7 student maximum

Visit How To Enroll for class registration policy and sign-up options, then click on Date/Time below to go to online registration page.

Sun., Mar. 9, 12:30-4:30pm
Tues., Mar. 25, 6:45-9:30pm
Sat., Apr. 12, 10:30am-2:30pm
Tues., Apr. 22, 6:45-9:30pm
Sat., May 10, 2:30-6:30pm
Mon., May 25, 10:30am-2:30pm
Sat., June 7, 3:30-7:30pm
Wed., June 25, 6:45-9:30pm

Instructor: Vicki Lapp or Lydia Chapman

You'll learn techniques to make professional-quality earrings. The wire wrap is a basic component of many different types of wire jewelry, including earrings, as well as pendants. We break down the steps so that you are guaranteed to succeed! There is plenty of opportunity to practice in class with caring, supportive feedback from the instructor. This is a technique that we recommend you take a class to really learn it well. You'll design your earrings out of materials that you select and leave with them finished. Most people take home 2-4 pairs of earrings. We provide the tools, guidance, and encouragement. You will love to show off your gorgeous earrings that you designed and made!

What you will learn:
• Make wire wraps
• Design earrings
• Choose materials & tools
• Assemble earrings

Materials: Everything you need is available in the class. Choosing your materials and designing your jewelry is part of the class. You may bring your own materials or choose from our large selection. At the end of class you will pay for the materials you used for your project. All necessary tools will be provided in the class by the instructor.

Class Fee: $45, plus materials. (Cost of materials varies depending on the materials you choose. The materials for a pair of earrings range typically from $4 to $12.)

Class size: 2 student minimum- 7 student maximum

Visit How To Enroll for class registration policy and sign-up options, then click on Date/Time below to go to online registration page.

Sat., Mar. 8, 10:30am-1:30pm
Fri., Mar. 28, 6:45-9:30pm
Sat., Apr. 12, 3:30-6:30pm
Mon., Apr. 21, 6:45-9:30pm
Sat., May 10, 10:30am-1:30pm
Wed., May 21, 6:45-9:30pm
Tues., June 10, 6:45-9:30pm
Sat., June 28, 6:45-9:30pm

Instructor: Vicki Lapp or Lydia Chapman

Learn one of the oldest and most elegant chain maille weaves in the world! Learn the steps of jump ring manipulation and how to inter-link the rings to form this classic pattern. The Byzantine style of chain maille is a key weave found in many other chain maille variations. The weave can easily be worn casually or dressed up, by either men or women.

Prerequisite: None

Materials & Tools: Materials kit includes everything you need to make a sterling silver bracelet. Although tools are provided, the number is limited. Please bring 2 pairs of flat nose pliers if you have them. Beadsmith and Lindstrom tools are available for purchase in the store prior to or during class.

Class fee: $45, plus $43 kit (sterling silver). In addition, students will need to purchase or bring a clasp for the bracelet. Several styles are available in class to choose from.

Class size: 2 student minimum- 7 student maximum

Visit How To Enroll for class registration policy and sign-up options, then click on Date/Time below to go to online registration page.

Fri., Mar. 7, 6:00-9:00pm
Fri., June 20, 6:00-9:00pm

Instructor: Lydia Chapman

PMC (Precious Metal Clay) is an exciting material that was developed in the 1990s. Microscopic particles of silver are mixed with a moist binder to create a material that has the feel and working properties of modeling clay. Objects can be formed, molded or stamped with simple tools & textures. After air-drying or drying in a toaster oven, the objects are fired with a torch or in a kiln to temperatures approaching the melting point of the metal, where the particles fuse together to make a dense, fully metallic object. Fired PMC work can be polished, soldered, enameled, oxidized and enjoyed like any other silver item.

In this class, students will learn to manipulate, mold, cut & texturize PMC into earring and/or necklace components. After firing with a small torch, students may embellish their fired pieces by burnishing, buffing, sanding, or tumbling. You may oxidize your piece(s) using liver of sulfur, although this is not required. You will leave class with a finished PMC project!

Although there are always inherent risks in working with fire and molten metal, there are no acids involved, making this course comparably safe, as well as clean and affordable. Every attempt is made for your safety; we expect you to pay attention and listen to the instructor. By registering for this class, you are agreeing to hold harmless Bead Inspirations, its owner and staff from any claim for injury, loss, or damage.

Please refrain from wearing fragrances to this class. This includes colognes, perfumes, or scented lotions. Thank you!

What you will learn:
• Key steps of working with PMC+
• Cut shapes
• Make bails for pendants
• Details about the firing process
• Details about the oxidization process

Prerequisite: None

Materials & Tools: All necessary materials are included in the $65 materials kit. Tools will be provided by instructor.

Class fee: $90, plus $65 materials kit (includes all of the tools and PMC clay you will need to complete several silver jewelry components.)

Class size: 3 student minimum- 7 student maximum

Visit How To Enroll for class registration policy and sign-up options, then click on Date/Time below to go to online registration page.

Sat., Apr. 26, 10:30am-5:30pm
Sat., May 31, 10:30am-5:30pm

Instructor: Lynn Cobb

Learn the 4-in-1 Flatmail Chain weave and make a beautiful and dramatic bracelet. This technique makes a bold and sensuous sterling silver chain that is a delight to wear. The finished project is guaranteed to draw admiring looks and then expressions of amazement when you tell them you made it yourself!

Prerequisite: None

Materials: Materials kit includes everything you need to make a sterling silver bracelet. Although tools are provided, the number is limited. Please bring 2 pairs of flat nose pliers if you have them. Beadsmith and Lindstrom tools are available for purchase in the store prior to or during class.

Class fee: $50, plus $91 kit (sterling silver)

Class size: 3 student minimum - 7 student maximum

Visit How To Enroll for class registration policy and sign-up options, then click on Date/Time below to go to online registration page.

Sat., April 19, 10:30am-1:30pm

Instructor: Tom Colson

There are some super simple techniques for making jewelry that don't require special tools or advanced skills and can be easily learned. Make fun and elegant earrings without bending wire into wire wraps or loops. Make a matching necklace in almost no time at all! You can also make bracelets, ankelts, or badge holders with ease. This is a great class for people who like instant gratification, with or without good hand-eye coordination.

Ages 7-11 may attend with an adult supervising. Ages 12 and up may attend with no supervision.

What you will learn:
• How to assemble simple earrings using charms, jump rings and ear threads
• How to use sterling silver beading chain to make necklaces and earrings
• How to assemble components with jump rings to make bracelets, necklace & earrings
• How to finish off leather and beading chain with crimp ends
• How to add a clasp to necklaces and bracelets
• Which metals are best for sensitive skin

Prerequisite: None

Materials: Everything you need is available in the class. Choosing your materials and designing your jewelry is part of the class. You may bring your own materials or choose from our large selection. At the end of class you will pay for the materials you used for your project. All necessary tools will be provided in the class by the instructor.

All necessary tools will be provided.

Class fee: $25, plus materials. (Cost of materials varies depending on the materials you choose.)

Class size: 2 student minimum- 7 student maximum

Visit How To Enroll for class registration policy and sign-up options, then click on Date/Time below to go to online registration page.

Sat., May 3, 10:30am-12:30pm

Instructor: Lydia Chapman