create@beadinspirations.com 
1544 Park Street 
Alameda, CA 94501 
510.337.1203 

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Mon-Thurs 11-7, Fri 11-9, Sat 10-6, Sun 12-6

 
 
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Winter 2008 - Beginner Beading and Jewelry-Making Classes
 

Byzantine
Chain


Seed Bead
Chains


Circular Ladder
Chain

Basic Necklace/Bracelet

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.


Sat., Dec. 15; 10:30am-2:30pm
Thurs., Dec. 27; 3:30-7:30pm
Sat., Jan. 5, 10:30am-2:30pm
Wed., Jan. 23, 6:45-9:30pm
Sat., Feb. 9, 10:30am-2:30pm
Thurs., Feb. 28, 6:45-9:30pm
Sun., Mar. 9, 12:30-4:30pm
Tues., Mar. 25, 6:45-9:30pm - Please click here to register through our webstore.

Instructor: Vicki Lapp, Carol Bernau or Lydia Chapman


Basic Earring & Wire

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., Dec. 15; 3:30-6:30pm
Wed., Dec. 26; 12:30-3:30pm
Fri., Jan. 11, 6:45-9:30pm
Sun., Jan. 27, 12:30-3:30pm
Sat., Feb. 9, 3:30-6:30pm
Tues., Feb. 19, 6:45-9:30pm
Sat., Mar. 8, 10:30am-1:30pm
Fri., Mar. 28, 6:45-9:30pm - Please click here to register through our webstore.

Instructor: Vicki Lapp, Carol Bernau or Lydia Chapman



Byzantine Chain

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). Kit includes a sterling silver clasp for the bracelet.

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., Feb. 23, 5:30-8:30pm
Fri., Mar. 7, 6:00-9:00pm

Instructor: Lydia Chapman


Introduction to PMC

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., Jan. 19, 10:30am-5:30pm
Sat., Feb. 2, 10:30am-5:30pm
Sat., Mar. 1, 10:30am-5:30pm
Sat., Mar. 29, 10:30am-5:30pm - Please click here to register through our webstore.

Instructor: Lynn Cobb or Mary D'Agostino


Seed Bead Chains

In this introductory seed bead workshop, you will learn how to create simple but elegant seed bead chains that can be woven into either necklaces or bracelets. Three kinds of stitches will be covered, helping add to your arsenal of beading knowledge!

What you will learn:

• How to string seed beads on Nymo, Silamide or Fireline beading thread
• Chevron weave
• Right-angle weave
• Daisy Chain weave

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: $45, plus materials

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., Dec. 30; 12:30pm-4:30pm

Instructor: Carol Bernau



Circular Ladder Chain

Learn the Circular Ladder Chain weave and make a beautiful and dramatic bracelet. This technique makes a slinky and sensuous 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. (Gold-filled version is pictured, and gold-filled kits are available for purchase during class.) 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 $36 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., Mar. 22, 10:30am-1:30pm - Sorry, registration is closed.

Instructor: Tom Colson