Have you always admired interesting and unique jewelry on others, but felt as though you could never make anything like it? Have you kept trinkets such as beloved but broken jewelry from older relatives or friends hoping to use it in a project someday, but just never learning how? Do you simply wish you could thread those pretty vintage or craft-store beads on something a little nicer than sewing thread? If so, this class is for you.

We will learn about some of the different kinds of clasps, jewelry findings, stringing materials, and chains that are used to make jewelry and – depending along how far along we get – will make 1 or more of the following pieces: a simple beaded necklace or bracelet with hemp or linen cord that closes with a hand-made loop and bead closure, a simple beaded bracelet strung on elastic jewelry cord, a pendant to be strung on a chain to which we will attach our own clasps, and/or a pair of French hook earrings.

Basic jewelry assembly need not be intimidating and can be as easy or as complicated as you would like it to be. Using a combination of hands-on learning and printed material, you will learn both simple knotting and more intricate techniques such as attaching clasps to chain with needle nose pliers.

Here are some examples of the types of jewelry you could make in this class. Nothing will be identical to the items pictured here, but you will learn the appropriate techniques required to make similar items: French Hook Earrings, Beaded Bracelets on Elastic Cord, and a chain with clasps to use with a pendant. Please note that we will not be making birds nest pendants in this class, but that opportunity will be available in future advanced jewelry-making classes.

Please bring all three of the following to class: flat-nosed needle-nose pliers, round-nosed needle nose pliers, wire cutter pliers; and any special beads you would like to use or jewelry you have that may need repair.

Needle nose pliers are available at any craft store such as Michael’s, JoAnn’s, or local independent stores. You can also order complete jewelry making plier kits ranging from $12 to $45 from a number of different sites such as Amazon.