Comments on: What Should First Class Cover for a Simple Jewelry-Making Project?

By: Betty Salera

Betty Salera — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 02:12:35 +0000

Sande, That’s a smart painless way to really learn, so good things can follow, I’d love to attend!

By: Sande Gene

Sande Gene — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 19:58:51 +0000

I teach a wire wrap class. The first things I teach are the different ways to handle the wire. I have a necklace that has 17 different wire beads made from all of the different ways to manipulate wire. I have since added even more samples of wire beads. This teaches how to handle the tools, what happens when you twist, turn, hammer, braid, etc the wire. From here we begin to add beads to the design and the creativity of the students take off with their own designs. I usually end up learning from my students ways that I had not even thought of. I love my class.

By: Betty Salera

Betty Salera — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 13:22:30 +0000

4 part lesson to Seniors.-stretch bracelets loop practice, earrings, tiger-tail wire bracelets,necklaces, chain bracelets, using charms and skills learned (attached clasps, jump rings etc. ) their creativity, amazes me! supplies from sr. center are provided and Im compensated!!!!

By: Susan

Susan — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 12:40:44 +0000

Classes are fun, Lee, and they’re great to see some real design talent blossom. If you have two hours, you could spend the first hour teaching a few basic things, like a loop, wrapped loop and figure eight. Then the second hour could be used to put the new knowledge together in a bracelet. I don’t know what you’re using for supplies, but perhaps you could put together baggies, with a small selection of beads in each, more than the number of your students, so that each student could choose the selection of beads they liked best for use in their project. By mixing beads and figure eights, everybody will end up with something unique.
You could spend a whole class teaching techniques but it’s so much more fun leaving class with something tangible. (and pretty!) And the basic wire working techniques are needed in almost every method of making jewelry. It’s also a good opportunity to showcase some of your work, too, especially your silver clay!

By: Leslie

Leslie — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 04:13:11 +0000

Regarding tools: I teach at a local craft store and they offer 10% on supplies that night. I keep several on hand that I use in my class and let students use (best tools at home or they get used and broken). I do also keep some upgraded tools on hand that I sell separately from ordering online to keep the prices down. I always teach about tools in the beginning of any lesson if the person has not taken classes from me before, and it’s worth it to give them tool tips and care (what to look for in good tools, what to buy and not buy, how to take care of them, etc.).

By: Beaded Birch

Beaded Birch — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 13:01:18 +0000

What about tools for these classes? Do you buy a set for each one in hopes that they will buy from you?

By: Leslie Schmidt

Leslie Schmidt — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 04:47:13 +0000

I started my first classes teaching students how to design, string, tie the correct knot for stretchy cord bracelets since every time I was in my local craft store people were wanting these supplies and instructions (why give it away for free when I can charge them for my expertise). I teach a lot of basic techniques for simple loops, wrapped loops, earrings, jewelry repair, memory wire bracelets, ribbon bookmarks, bag/backpack charms, and most recently simple wrapping of sea glass, shells or rocks for pendants. I go over tools needed and what they do (current and future possibilities), basic findings used in jewelry, how to open and close jump rings properly, how to design a piece such as warm or cool colors, using a bead board, or bracelet board (that is available on Amazon.com and is amazing), inexpensive things to use (dollar store cookie sheet with sides, vinyl shelf paper instead of a bead mat, small plastic fruit cups for sorting beads, dollar store emery file, small plastic ice cream lid for sorting beads and its scoop for rounding up stray beads, pen as a mandrel, etc.). Everyone’s experience varies and I have to discover their level before I proceed with most classes. I have thus far limited my classes to those over 13 years of age as the bead packages have limitations as to who can use them on their labels. I will teach a younger child if their parent is present and the child wishes to learn the skills involved using jewelry tools. It’s wonderful to start them young, just don’t think a 4-5 year old can handle the tools as adeptly. I try to be adaptable to teach whatever a customer wishes to learn. I do not do pearl stringing as I have not found a reliable cup bead to hold the knot that the end piece of metal does not break from use to hold a clasp attachment.

By: christine hill

christine hill — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:32:10 +0000

I loved Janines share. I, too, make a pair of earrings or even have been known to make a bracelet, as I am running out the door. Funny thing, some of my best designs were created by this method! I find that, sometimes, I spend way too much planning and fluffing and become immobile and dont have a creation that brings me such delight.I think this is a fabulous idea for people who may be intimidated at the first thought of making their own jewelry.Spontanaety is a juicy part of life.

By: Tricia Blair

Tricia Blair — Sun, 05 May 2013 11:02:26 +0000

Hi Lee,
I came to this website via a search for jewelry making classes in Bonita Springs. I didn’t see a date to your post but wanted to ask if you teach classes now and how may I get a schedule. I’m interested in wire wrapping and beading.
Thank you!

By: Cherry Chick

Cherry Chick — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 21:49:54 +0000

Another thought is to check out what they teach at Michaels Crafts. Their Bead Corner Academy link here beadcornerdesignacademy.com/index.jsp should give you some visuals on what kind of things they offer in their classes. Plus if you aren’t selling materials they would have the stuff needed (hopefully) for your students to purchase. For a brief time I taught some classes there but it was a nightmare. 🙂 There are varying degrees of skills in the classes.
Best of Luck to you!

By: Robin Thompson

Robin Thompson — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 03:17:59 +0000

I did a beginning class by telling people they could bring their broken beaded pieces and I would show how to restring, crimp, measure, etc. I charged $25 per person, the cost the would pay (at least) for someone to repair the item. For those who wanted to learn and didn’t have a piece that needed repair I had materials to make a bracelet. Two hours was just right. We did it at a local art gallery where I have jewelry as part of the collection. It was so much fun!

By: Christie M

Christie M — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 00:06:45 +0000

I approached our local library about classes there, but was told it was available only to non-profit groups. A wonderful lady with a consignment store offered me space there, and I have both beginner and intermediate jewelry classes. I was blessed to be an instructor at Michael’s for several months, and that was a great learning experience. I stress wire wrapping and crimping as the 2 fundamentals, and go from there. We’ve gone on to chain maille, right angle weave, wire crochet among others, and I love seeing what my ladies come up with!

By: Patricia Schlottman

Patricia Schlottman — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 01:36:00 +0000

I would suggest a very basic beginning, teaching what the various tools are they will use and what they are used for. Then some basic techniques such as opening and closing jump rings, using crimp beads and crimp covers, and info about beading wire.

You can either come up with a basic design utilizing those techniques or research a design that would use these techniques. If you teach a second class you can build on this information by teaching some basic wire wrap techniques such a using a head pin with a wrapped loop, using wire to create a wrapped loop on either end of a bead as well as stringing a few of these together of these together. You can then include a design that utilizes those techniques.

By then they should be hooked as myself and other beaders were in the beginning and then you can offer some classes that build on these techniques and you can charge a nominal fee. As the skill level goes up, the fees can be raised accordingly.

By: Fran Selinger

Fran Selinger — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 20:03:58 +0000

Don’t forget beadweaving! I’ve taught the spiral rope to eight year olds and teens and ahem, older folks, like myself. The great thing about this is that few tools are required to get them started. There are lots of little lessons built in too like use of colour, size of beads, texture, thread tension and learning to make your own clasp.

By: Colleen

Colleen — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 16:10:45 +0000

These are great ideas. I for one would love to teach making jewelry to people in my area, and you have given me so many ideas. Thank you so much.

By: Kathleen Bennett

Kathleen Bennett — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 22:35:29 +0000

What a timely subject. I was interested in Jean Foggo Simon’s letter about working in the library. As i already have weekly classes for knitting at two libraries it makes me think of asking for space for a jewellery class.
All of the other ideas are great too and even about opening a junp ring.
Should I buy some more cheaper tools to the ones i already have and extra beads and findings.

By: Pauline

Pauline — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 07:31:00 +0000

I did one jewelery class with a craft group. Whether your group makes a bracelet or a necklace, the best thing to show is to how to put the clasp on! Clasp, crimps and general finishing. After that the jewelery world is open to exploration.
Also, opening a jump ring. That leads to putting anything onto an earring hook!

Pauline

By: Jean Foggo Simon

Jean Foggo Simon — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 22:57:07 +0000

My 2 classes are held, with permission, at the public library. I provide a lesson plan and take only 10 students (children, adults).

In a 20 minute tutorial they are taught to use the tools and all essential loops to make earrings. I give them 5 designs to choose from and provide all necessary beads. spacers, earwires, headpins, etc. They pick whatever design they fancy.

I move on to a wire-wrapped heart pendant if there is time to match their earrings.

My classes are always full and have extended to a local upscale flea market for customers who purchase my loose beads. I also give my classes a theme – sea/ocean treasures, valentine, Mother’s Day, etc. So far, so good.

When I see my students wearing their treasures, my compliments bring wide grins/pride because they know they have made their own jewelry.

By: Sheila Davis

Sheila Davis — Tue, 01 May 2012 14:40:08 +0000

The first thing I learned to make was a bracelet with strung beads, wire guards, crimps and crimp covers. I think it’s a good basic project and lets people design with color and balance, and how to use the tools. Add some dangles so they learn wire wrapping. You coulkd also cover the different types of clasps like toggle and lobster with an extender chain.