Class Project Samples

We teach classes through the City of Shoreline, and offer private instruction in our Shoreline studios. Our scheduled classes are limited to 12 people max, so you get lots of hands-on instruction. See our updated class schedule. Our private instruction can follow class topics or we can design a custom curriculum. Private instuction can cover more advanced topics such as sawing, silver fusing, soldering, applying patinas, etc.

Jewelry Basics Class

This class concentrates on learning two core techniques: stringing /finishing a bead strand and making a simple wire loop. The official class projects are (1) a necklace that incorporates at least one length of strung beads with some chain and a clasp; and (2) a pair of short drop earrings.

Here are some necklaces we've made as class examples. They feature both bead strings & chains, but in very different ways:

(click photos to enlarge)

Students also learn to make wire loops to create drop earrings like these. The same wire-loop technique is used to make a bead pendant for a necklace or bead charms for a bracelet. For long earrings and lots of swing, add some chain.

 

 


What you can do:

After the class, experiment with variations such as multiple strands, pendants, and front clasps.

Or abbreviate you ideas and make your new favorite bracelet:

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Jewelry Basics: Wire-Work Class

In jewelry, wire is used for functional and decorative purposes. Using wire, you can turn any bead into a link for a chain, embellish beads, or create new beads.

In this class, you'll create a bead-link bracelet, with each link featuring decorative wirework and charms. You'll also learn how to make basic findings, including jump rings, connectors, and a handmade clasp. See these class samples featuring some terrific "sea" glass nuggets. (The class supplies include these beads in a range of colors, as well as other bead types.)

What you can do:

Here are a few more samples illustrating what can be done with the techniques taught in this class:

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Bead Charm Bracelet Class

This class is pure fun. Take a length of chain and attach charms and bead drops. In this class, you learn the techniques for using jump rings and wire to connect pieces.

Here are a few examples of what you might make in class:

 

 

 


What you can do:

Here are a few more samples illustrating what can be done with the techniques taught in this class:

 

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Earrings Galore! Class

This class covers three styles of earrings, which involve techniques used in a wide variety of designs. The three styles include the bead drop (simple & multi-drop), the waterfall, and the chandelier. In this class we'll use commercial earring wires (see the wire work class to learn to make your own earring wires).

Bead Drops

 

 

 

 

 

Waterfall

 

 

 

 

 

Chandelier

 

 

 

 

 

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Floating Necklace Class

The classic float necklace is made of several clear or silver strands of beading wire with beads positioned strategically on the wire. The effect is that the beads are "floating" around your neck. There's a huge range of possible variations with this style. It's a great project to experiment with combinations of colors and shapes.

Here are just a few examples of what you can make in class:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Metal Expressions Class

This class focuses more on introducing techniques and getting comfortable with metal work, but but students can expect to go away with several charms on a chain, a set of earrings, or a custom ornament. The techniques we'll learn in this class include:

Students are are given practice metals (copper & brass) and three pre-cut blanks for charm, as well as wire, chain, and jump rings.

Here are a few charms we've made with these techniques. On the left are stamping variations, showing letters and shapes, as well as one example of using stamping to texture. On the right are some charms for a bracelet. Each piece has been cut, textured, stamped, and shaped from metal sheet.

What you can do:

Here we have some jewelry we've made using our handcrafted metal components:

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