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....

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...

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.

Students will Learn: The basic pattern for the flat spiral stitch How to follow a bead weaving pattern How to identify which bead(s) their needle passes through for each step How to hold the work as they stitch How to add thread How to finish and attach (or make) a clasp By the end of class students will have completed: Students new to seed...

Knotting is all about spacing and finishing, making snug knots and choosing the right materials for the design. You'll learn all about it in this class, with written instructions and helpful tips to take home. This class is for you if:  You have never worked with knotting cord or an awl  You want to learn about design techniques for...

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 of...

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...

The popular Leather & Bead Wrap Bracelet uses cord to securely wrap beads between two lengths of leather. Students will Learn: Students select beads and learn how to measure the correct amount of leather for their desired bracelet.  Students will attach the button and use the Griffin bead cord to add beads and wrap the bead cord...

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. Students will learn:  Elements of necklace and bracelet design  Features of different clasps and closures ...

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...

This class is for you if:  You are experienced with Peyote stitch  You want a new challenge using Peyote stitch  You like things that sparkle  Students will Learn:  How to create a strip of flat peyote that is the correct length for the rivoli  How to stitch the peyote strip around a rivoli so it creates a secure...

Most beaders find they need to work with wire at some point, however dedicated they may be to bead weaving or basic stringing techniques.  Even if wire is not your primary medium it helps to know how to make basic components. This class will round out your jewelry making skills.   Students will Learn: This class is for wire work beginners...

Customize your Shoulder Sweepers to be short, long or longer! The top can be wildly colorful or subtle neutrals, with as many colors and strands as long as you want. Materials for Shoulder Sweepers: ​Bead In Hand carries all of the materials recommended for this project and includes time during the class for shopping. Tools are also available...

If you know how to thread a needle and follow a basic sewing pattern, off-loom bead weaving will have familiar techniques. But don't worry--these classes are designed to get you started regardless of prior experience with a needle! Students will Learn: This class teaches the basics of seed beading and students will learn about the different types...

Taking Jewelry Making to the next step with Seeds Center's Wire wrapping at Level 2. Students will learn how to create wire wrapped rings and how to embellish with crystals and precious stones. You will also learn how to create designs, learn gemology, and color theory.  Depending on your skill level and timing while learning, more than one or...