Discover the Best Beading Classes Near Me
From unique jewelry to elaborately decorated apparel, beading has endured since prehistoric times. Early examples of naturally punctured stones, seeds, and shells date to as early as 300,000 B.C.E. in Kenya and Turkey.
Contemporary beads can be made from materials like semi-precious gems, glass, pearls and shells, wood, plastic, metal, and stone. They range from tiny seed beads to distinctive larger shapes and designs. Beading is a popular form of jewelry making, where beads are strung together on a cord or wire to create necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other accessories. Clothing, shoes, bags, and other fashion items can also be decorated with stitched beads.
In many cultures beading is functional. Native American tribes have a long history of using beads to create symbolic patterns on clothing and other items that are used to convey important messages. Beading is a versatile and creative craft that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.
Why You Should Learn Beading
Beading is a creative outlet that is accessible to anyone. You can work on projects and store your materials in the smallest of spaces, and you need only a simple set of skills to create something truly original.
Focusing on the intricate patterns and delicate movements required for beading is relaxing and meditative, and it can help you let go of the worries and pressures of everyday life. Beading improves your hand-eye coordination and is often used to help children develop essential fine motor skills and gripping techniques.
Completing a beading project gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment, and unique beaded jewelry and accessories are an expression of your personal style or a treasured gift. Plus, you’ll connect with newfound friends who share a passion for the craft. You can join beading groups, attend workshops, or participate in online forums to connect with other beading enthusiasts and learn new skills.
Beading artisans sell their work at craft fairs, boutiques, and online shops. You can also teach beadwork to others, or create designs for others to follow. Join a national association like The Bead Society to learn about educational opportunities and connect with other beading enthusiasts.
5 Ways to Learn Beading
It’s not hard to learn the basics of beading, but once you have started you may want to pursue advanced techniques or even create your own unique designs. You can pick up some beads and thread and start beading, but having an experienced instructor makes the process easier. Try one of these avenues to become a master at beading:
- Take an in-person class. You can learn from an expert instructor, share your beading journey with other students, and take advantage of having tools and materials on hand.
- Enroll in a live online class. You’ll get real-time feedback from an experienced instructor and enjoy the company of remote classmates. Some classes ship beading materials to you, but you may need to provide your own materials.
- Watch self-paced, on-demand classes using online videos or tutorials. These are free and widely available, but you won’t have anyone to answer your questions.
- Read a book from a library or bookstore. It’s great to have printed instructions to follow and a book is a great resource no matter where you learn beading. But it can be harder to learn from static photos and printed words, and many people grasp new techniques better when they can watch them being done.
- Ask a local bead crafter to show you how. You can connect with beading enthusiasts at boutiques and craft markets, or ask at a bead store. You may even be able to gain experience as an apprentice in their workshop.
In-Person Beading Classes
When you take an in-person beading class, you enjoy all the benefits of in-person instruction and other makers to enhance and inspire your beading journey. Explore these in-person classes for beading.
Creative Beadwork and Beyond at 92nd Street Y in NYC explores techniques and stitch combinations to create unique bead, fiber, and wire jewelry. Students should know basic bead stringing and knotting techniques for this class. The instructor will provide projects for beginners, but intermediate students are encouraged to explore their own designs. 92nd Street Y is a cultural and community center for the arts and ideas in NYC. They offer programs, events, and concerts, plus over 4,000 classes taught by talented professionals.
Die Forming Beads at Jewelry Arts Inc in NYC teaches you the ancient art of die-making
hollow beads. All tools and materials are provided for the class, except for the die which you will need to purchase. Jewelry Arts Inc believes students learn best at their own pace, so they have a team of teachers and no more than five students per teacher. You can advance through your project as you are ready, whether you are a beginner or a more advanced student. All instructors are experienced jewelers and teachers.
Seed Beads at UrbanGlass in Brooklyn, New York is a weekend workshop that will get you started on your own beaded journey. You’ll learn five different beginner techniques for beaded applique and create a small beaded accessory like a hair clip, brooch, or small sculpture. You’ll develop skills, styles, and tools to use in continued projects beyond the workshop. Class discussion will also touch on cultural appropriation and appreciation within the vast, international history of beadwork.
Intro to Beads at Urban Glass in Brooklyn, New York will have you creating their very own wearable beads blown in glass, even if you’re a beginner. Students learn the process of melting colorful glass rods at the torch and how to use a basic set of tools to shape the molten material into their own beads. UrbanGlass was the first artist access glass center in the United States and is now the largest, serving as the primary studio of over 150 artists each year. In addition to the artist access studio, UrbanGlass offers classes, workshops, and intensives for students at every skill level.
DIY Workshop Wire Wrap Earrings at EatMetal, Inc. in Hoboken, New Jersey teaches you how to form and wire wrap beads. You’ll make simple wire forms from sterling silver round wire to create structures to adorn your ears and add semi-precious beads for more sparkle. All tools and materials are included and you get to bring home the bling. EatMetal, Inc offers classes and one-day workshops for small groups, which create an intimate and dynamic learning experience. Students use traditional techniques and contemporary ideas to handcraft precious metals, sterling silver, 18k gold, and combinations of 18k gold with patinated sterling silver. Plus, incorporate colored gemstones and diamonds in various shapes.
Basic Beading at Jewel City Beads in Montrose, California teaches you the skills to make bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. You’ll learn the proper use of jewelry tools and work with your choice of beads. Jewel City Beads carries all kinds of jewelry-making supplies and specializes in high-quality semi-precious gemstone beads, pearls, crystals, bone, and shell beads. If you like making jewelry or want to learn how then this is your place.
Bracelet with Felted Beads at Chicago Botanic Garden in Chicago, Illinois teaches you to design your own one-of-a-kind bracelet with woolen felt beads you create. You’ll use needle and wet felting techniques to make felt beads, choose accent beads, and string them into a bracelet. All supplies and tools are provided. Chicago Botanic Garden is a living museum and conservation science center uniquely situated on 385 acres on and around nine islands, with six miles of lake shoreline. It offers classes on a wide variety of topics.
Beaded Hoop Earrings at Multiplicity in Katy, Texas will show you how to create color patterns and weave wire to create a braided effect for beautiful hoop earrings. In Pearl and Tourmaline Choker at Multiplicity in Katy, Texas you’ll create a show-stopping statement piece with this pearl and tourmaline choker. You’ll learn how to string beadalon wire and how to add a focal bead or charm. Multiplicity offers classes and workshops led by experienced bead and jewelry/metals instructors. They love to inspire students’ creative sides and instill confidence in their ability to learn in a multitude of artistic mediums.
Glass Bead Making at Juggernaut Glass in Houston, Texas is a perfect class for beginners because no experience is needed. You’ll learn to make glass beads by coiling molten glass around stainless steel mandrels. All materials are included. Juggernaut Glass is a community of glass artists and instructors who specialize in lampworking or flameworking, a type of glassblowing. You can learn to work with glass in private or group lessons in a fun and safe environment.
Virtual Beading Classes
If there are no in-person beading classes in your area, online classes are a great alternative. You can learn from expert instructors no matter where you are, and you can work on your projects from the comfort of home. Plus, the time you save on commuting is more time for beading.
You’ll often need to provide tools and materials when taking online beading classes. These are available from many local stores and online suppliers. You’ll need a reliable internet connection and a computer or device with a microphone where you can access your class.
Hammered Earring by EatMetal, Inc. is a live demonstration of how to make hammered metal earrings. You’ll learn how to make a jump ring, forge, solder, make findings, and finish your earrings. There will be an open forum for questions and answers and the instructor will discuss materials and techniques.
Are you ready to take your jewelry creations to market? Brainstorm Your Fashion Business for Adults by M SHOP is a think tank to brainstorm your business ideas with a premier fashion expert. It’s a jam session to flush out whether your ideas make sense and then fine-tune them. Figure out your next move, how much it will cost to start, how to reach consumers, and the best strategies for success. You’ll have fun with your ideas.
Private Group Beading Classes
If you don’t see exactly the class you’re looking for, Coursehorse can create a live online group class for you wherever you are. Private group beading classes are a fun team-building event for your business or a great way to spend time with friends. Making crafts together is an easy icebreaker and a way to get your brain engaged and your creativity flowing.
In Virtual Polymer Clay Jewelry, you’ll learn the basic techniques to create jewelry out of polymer clay. Your unique jewelry designs can be as simple or as complicated as you want and customized to your taste. This class covers a variety of clay techniques, like rolling out slabs for minimalist-style earrings or crafting beautiful flowers for a keychain or brooch. Each participant will receive a polymer clay jewelry kit that includes 42 vibrant bars of oven-bake molding clay, five sculpting tools, and accessories for making earrings and keychains.
Prepare to craft your own clay beads in Virtual Clay Hand Building. You’ll learn simple pottery hand-building techniques to create a planter or candleholder using air-dry clay that doesn’t require a kiln. This workshop is perfect for a group that likes to be hands-on. Participants will receive all materials needed, including two pounds of professional-grade, air-drying clay and a set of ceramic clay tools that includes a modeling tool, a ribbon tool, a loop tool, a potter's rib, a wire clay cutter, a metal scraper, a needle tool, and a sponge.
Virtual Dot Mandala Painting teaches you how to create your very own dot mandala designs. Dot painting originated from aboriginal Australia and a mandala in Sanskrit means a circle representing the universe. Dot mandalas are an easy way to get started on the ancient art form. It's relaxing and meditative, which helps to awaken your intuition and creativity. Your instructor will guide you step-by-step through the process so that even novice painters will gain new skills and a beautiful piece of art. This private, interactive workshop led by a professional artist and instructor includes a dot mandala tool set, craft acrylic paints, and four-by-four-inch canvas boards. You can add a bottle of wine for each participant for an additional $30.
If you don’t see the course you’re looking for, Coursehorse can create a beading class just for you. Contact them through the Contact Us button on their website. Booking a class with Coursehorse is easy. Just estimate your group size, pay the minimum deposit, and secure your date. You can let them know your final group size up to one week before your class date. You can customize your event further for a $150 fee by adding games, requesting specific questions or a themed game, or adding another event with materials included.
CourseHorse recommends using the Zoom platform for your class, but they can accommodate Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, and WebEx. Many courses can even come to your office or home space if you’d like.
What Will I Need to Learn Beading?
You just need a basic set of tools to get started beading, but if you try to make do with tools you have around the house it will probably lead to frustration. Invest in a few good quality tools to make your beading experience easier and more fun. The must-have tools you need to get started creating your own beautiful jewelry and beading projects include:
- A Beading Needle
- Wire Cutters
- Round-Nose Pliers
- Flat-Nose Pliers
- Crimping Pliers
- A Ruler/Tape Measure
- A Bead Organizer
- Adhesive, such as the E-6000
Next, you need materials to hold your beads together. You’ll probably want a variety of options to suit the project you are making, whether that’s earrings, a necklace, or a decorated pouch. Some of the beading materials you’ll need include:
- Beading Cord
- Memory Wire
- Beading Wire
- Beading Thread
- Earwires
- Clasps and toggles
- Headpins and Eyepins
Finally, the part you’re waiting for. Not only is it necessary to have the right beading materials and tools, you are going to need some beads. Picking out beads is part of the fun of jewelry-making and developing your unique style. Beads can be grouped based on different criteria, like material, shape, production, process or treatment, origin, smooth or faceted surface pattern, or grade. As you gain experience working with beads you’ll probably develop a preference for certain styles. Some of the types of beads include:
- Crimp Beads
- Glass Beads that are matte, glossy, pressed, crystal, crackled, and more
- Ceramic Beads
- Firepolish Beads
- Gemstones
- Crystalove Crystals
- Matubo Beads
- Natural Pearls and Shells
- Seed Beads and Bugle Beads
- Wooden Beads
- Cabochons
- Lampwork Beads
Is it Difficult to Learn Beading?
Beading is both simple enough for a child to learn and complex enough to create fine works of art. If you struggle with finger dexterity or fine motor coordination you might find beading difficult. Working with very small elements like seed beads also requires good vision. Some people like to work with a lighted magnifier to make the close-up work easier on their eyes. With practice, almost anyone can enjoy beading and express their creativity in beautiful jewelry and accessories.
