Beading can be fun... if you use trash! Ha!
Crash course on beaded jewelry. All the basics to begin to make long-lasting and beautiful jewelry from a variety of materials. Emphasis on recycled and natural materials and tips for how to fix or convert broken or unusable jewelry.
details
- when: saturday, april 18th, 2009, from 3:45 pm - 5:15 pm
- to attend: Please see the info page for more information on attending any of the workshops at the 2009 Boston Skillshare.
- facilitated by: Libby Mahaffy
lesson plan
I. Introduction to beaded jewelry – what it is and what it isn’t
II. Wire
a) Types and gauges
b) Tools
c) Loops
d) Jump rings, split rings
e) Using a jig
III. Flexible Beading Wire
a) Types, brands (tigertail, Softflex, Beadalon), strand number
b) Tools
c) Crimp beads and finishing with a clasp
IV. String and Cord
a) Types – stretchy, hemp, nymo
b) Uses – in what kinds of projects
c) Finishing
V. Findings – what they are and why they’re necessary
VI. Beads from recycled and natural materials
a) "trash" -- anything as long as it's not perishable (paper, plastic, etc.)
b) seeds, nuts
VI. Fixing broken jewelry and/or giving new life to boring old jewelry
Setting Up Your Space at Home
* well lit * Supportive chair or balance ball * sorting trays * posture
* towel/rug under chair if not on carpet * easy to see packaging, labeled * bead board
* places for half-finished projects * container for tools * folder for information, tips, inspiration, etc.
Additional Information, Inspiration, and Resources
• Creative Bead Jewelry by Carol Taylor
• The Bead Directory by Elise Mann
• Beadwork Magazine; Bead & Button Magazine – ads in both of these publications
• Local bead shops: Harvard Square
• about.com – search “jewelry making” or “beading projects”
• www. ebay.com
• www.firemountaingems.com
• The Sundance catalog
• The local library in the 745 section
• www.etsy.com
facilitator experience
I have been doing miscellaneous crafts my whole life and doing beaded jewelry instruction for the last 5 years. I started the first beaded jewelry class for beginners (both adults and kids) at Northwestern MI College's Extended Education Services department and have some of my original pieces in a gallery in northern Michigan. Beading is a great outlet for creative expression and I love introducing people to it!
intended audience
Anyone can learn the basics of beaded jewelry! It helps to have some level of dexterity. Kids are welcome, but it's better if they're over the age of 8.
pictures
