Jewelry Classes in Chicago, IL

Inspired by the little treasures you save and love, we will cleverly combine old and new elements to create spectacular jewelry. Bring your special and sentimental keepsakes, single earrings, buttons, charms, chains, family photos, and found objects and let Bonnie Arkin inspire your creativity.  You will learn to solder, wire wrap, and string....

This class is for those students who have participated in Rejuvenated Jewelry and are ready to learn more techniques and explore many creative ideas. We create spectacular jewelry from vintage broken jewelry, watches, tin, and china.  Bring your grandma’s jewelry box and collected treasures.  Prerequisite: Rejuvenated Jewelry or consent...

Make a beautiful forged hammer ring or two, working with brass, copper or silver and different hammers for shaping and texture. Use a torch, solder and polish to wear all in one session.  Copper, brass or silver can be purchased from instructor.

Basic Stringing will show you the nitty-gritty of beading wires and crimp beads, with plenty of practice making secure finishes using a crimp tool. Written instructions, diagrams and helpful tips are included with your finished project. This class is for you if:  You've never had a jewelry making class  You want to learn more about necklace...

Using metal stamps is the perfect way to create a personalized piece of jewelry with words, textures and creative designs. Learn how to create one-of-a-kind pendants for everyday wear – perfect for gifts or yourself!  We will cover the basics of metal stamping, texturing, filing, sanding and adding a patina. You’ll walk away with at...

Always wanted to learn jewelry, but didn’t know where to start? Get introduced to basic techniques and safety procedures to get to work creating simple and elegant jewelry! Learn and complete a new project a week, ranging from rings, bracelet, earrings and more.

Jewelry basics we will cover sawing, filing, soldering, stone setting as well as finishing and patinas. We will move on to design basics, learning to find inspiration and create ideas that you will then produce with your newly-acquired skills. Take home a piece you can be proud to create!

Learn the basics of working with clay while creating your own one-of-a-kind pendant! Students will learn: Basic information about working with clay The 3 basic hand-building techniques Features and designs specific to pendants How to select glaze By the end of class students will have completed: One clay pendant ready for the kiln! Finished...

Students must be experienced with flat, even count peyote stitch, but they do not have to take any of the previous Geometric Beadwork classes before taking another. Class Topics: TRIANGLES | Feb 23 or Aug 17:  This class will focus on making triangles using circular peyote with herringbone increases. Students will also learn how to connect...

This class is designed to familiarize students with the basics of lost wax casting process. Depending on the project students will learn wax casting and working technique, gating and venting, ceramic shell and investment molding techniques. Students will be required to complete at least 3 finished projects. Repetition of this class will provide more...

This is an advanced off-loom weaving pattern that creates a sturdy, multi-sided rope similar to African helix in technique. Previous seed beading experience is required.  This class is for you if:  You're an experienced seed beader looking for a new challenge  You like beaded ropes  You like experimenting with color changes...

Learn the basics for this new bead weaving stitch by Heather Kingsley-Heath.  Once you understand the fundamentals for albion stitch you'll realize there are countless ways to vary the simplest pattern and create stunning results. This class is for you if: You're new to seed beading and ready to get started (could be a little challenging...

Full Course Name: "Handcrafted Beginners Jewelry Making w/ Gemology and Color Theory" In this class, you will learn the basics in jewelry making. The lessons include learning how to use jewelry tools, some gemology facts, the meaning of color, and tips on color combination. Tools and materials will be provided. Nickel and Copper sensitivity welcome....

Learn the basics of silicone mold making, creating 1-part molds and 2-part molds from a variety of different silicones and rubbers. Cast plastic or wax into your mold, and manipulate it further through carving, heat, or paint, which can then be hand-painted. Mold making is a key technique for those interested in production. All molds created can be...

Basic Earring Design is a great way to start working with wire. Learn how to make simple loops, wrapped loops, and dangles -- techniques that can be used in a wide variety of jewelry designs. You'll also get written instructions with diagrams to take home so you'll always have refresher information handy. Students will learn:  The elements...