Class Project Samples
Jewelry Basics Class
This class concentrates on learning two core techniques, stringing and finishing a bead strand, and making a simple wire loop. The official class projects include (1)a long(ish) 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 made as class examples. They feature both bead strings & chains, but in very different ways:
(click photos to enlarge)
There's no hard and fast rule about where the chain might go:
Students also learn to make simple wire loops to create drop earrings like these. The same technique can be used to make a bead pendant for a necklace or bead charms for a bracelet. (More advanced wire loops are taught in the Basic Wirework class.) For long earrings and lots of swing, add in some chain.
What you can do:
After the class, experiment with variations such as multiple strands, pendants, and front clasps.
Or shorten you ideas and make your perfect bracelet:
Jewelry Basics: Wire-Work Class
In jewelry, wire is used for both functional and decorative purposes. Using wire you can turn any bead into a link for a chain or a drop for a charm bracelet or a pendant.
The official class project involves making a bead-link bracelet (or a necklace if you're feeling ambitious). Here are a few samples:
Another option is to create a charm bracelet (or necklace).
We''ll also cover making some simple findings (jump rings, clasp, etc.) and some techniques for decorative wire work.
What you can do:
Here are a few more samples using wire work:.
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Metal Expressions Class
This class is more about techniques than completing a project, but students can expect to go away with several charms on a chain. The techniques we'll learn in this class include:
- simple cutting (no saws)
- texturing
- stamping
- shaping
- finishing
Students are provided with practice metals (copper & brass) and 3 pre-cut charm disks or ovals, as well as jump rings and chain.
Here are some 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.
What you can do:
Here we have some jewelry we've made using our handcrafted metal components:
