Discover the Best Beading Classes Online
Beading has a long history of enhancing beauty and expressing cultural traditions. In face, the earliest known examples of beads formed from naturally punctured stones, seeds, and shells date to 300,000 B.C.E. in Kenya and Turkey.
Beads are still a much-loved expression of style and personal history. They can be made from semi-precious gems, glass, pearls and shells, wood, plastic, metal, and stone, and they range in size from tiny seed beads to distinctive accent beads in a wide range of shapes and designs. You can string beads together to create necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other accessories, or stitch and weave beads into fashion items like clothing, shoes, and bags.
Native American tribes have a rich history of using beads to create symbolic patterns on clothing and other items. Beads are a cultural staple and a means of sharing important messages. In many cultures beading is functional. People of all ages and skill levels can enjoy beading as a versatile and creative craft.
Why You Should Learn Beading Online
If you are looking for a relaxing hobby that is easy to learn and can be enjoyed in even the smallest spaces, beading might be the perfect fit. It’s a satisfying creative outlet and a way to create something truly original for yourself or for a special gift.
When you focus your mind on the intricate patterns and delicate techniques of beading, it helps you let go of the worries and pressures of your everyday life. The gentle attention is relaxing and meditative. Beading also improves hand-eye coordination and is therapeutic if you have difficulty using your hands, or for children learning essential fine motor skills and gripping techniques.
When you learn new skills and complete a beading project, you’ll enjoy a sense of pride and accomplishment. 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 when you join beading groups, attend workshops, or participate in online forums. 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.
Virtual Beading Classes
Online classes are a great opportunity to hone your beading and connect with other makers. You can learn from expert instructors no matter where you live and save yourself the time of commuting. Beading doesn’t take much space, so you can create your personal studio in the comfort of your home.
When you take online beading classes you may need to provide your own tools and materials. You can purchase what you need from local stores and online suppliers. To access your class, you’ll need a reliable internet connection and a computer or device with a microphone.
Hammered Earring by EatMetal, Inc. demonstrates making hammered metal earrings live and online. The class will cover how to make a jump ring, forge, solder, make findings, and finish your earrings. You’ll have a chance to ask the instructor questions in an open forum and there will be a discussion of the best materials and techniques.
Are you ready to start a fashion business with your jewelry creations? Brainstorm Your Fashion Business for Adults by M SHOP is an expert-led think tank to brainstorm your fashion business ideas. Join this jam session to explore whether your ideas make sense and fine-tune them. Once you know your next move, you’ll work out how much it will cost to start, how you’ll reach your ideal customer, and your best strategies for success. This is an opportunity to have fun with your jewelry business ideas.
Private Online Group Beading Classes
If you don’t see the online beading class you’re looking for, Coursehorse can create a live group class for you. Private online group beading classes for businesses are a great team-building event for your business or organization, and a fun way to spend time with friends. When you make crafts together, conversations flow, your brain is engaged, and your creativity is cranked up.
Virtual Polymer Clay Jewelry will teach you the basic techniques for creating jewelry out of polymer clay. This class covers clay techniques like slab rolling for minimalist-style earrings or crafting beautiful flowers for a keychain or brooch. You can make your unique jewelry designs as simple or as complicated as you want and customize them to your personal taste. Each participant will receive a polymer clay starter jewelry kit with 42 bars of vibrant oven-bake molding clay, five sculpting tools, and accessories for making earrings and keychains.
In Virtual Clay Hand Building you’ll use simple pottery hand-building techniques to create a planter or candleholder. The air-dry clay for this class doesn’t require a kiln, so you can finish your project at home. Use your new skills to craft one-of-a-kind clay beads for your next beading project. This workshop is perfect for a group that likes to be hands-on. You’ll receive all materials needed for this class, including two pounds of professional-grade, air-drying clay and a tool set 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.
Enroll in Virtual Dot Mandala Painting 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 explore this ancient art form. Making dot mandalas is relaxing and meditative and awakens your intuition and creativity. With step-by-step guidance from your instructor, even beginners will gain new skills and finish with a beautiful piece of art. This private, interactive workshop is led by a professional artist. Materials are provided, including a 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. It’s easy to book a class with Coursehorse. Register with your estimated group size and the minimum deposit to secure your date, and let them know your final number of participants up to one week before your class date. For a $150 fee, you can customize your event even further 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.
Online vs. In-Person Beading Classes
There are advantages to both online and in-person beading classes. When you have access to a local in-person beading class you can share your journey with other beading students in your community. Plus, you’ll learn faster with a hands-on instructor who can demonstrate each step and answer your questions along the way.
You might not have access to in-person beading classes near where you live. Online classes are a great option with live, expert teachers who support your learning every step of the way. Plus, you’ll get to know other beading students both near and far.
When you choose a beading class, look at the experience level and artistic style of the instructor, whether materials are provided, and if the time fits your schedule. Think about where you can set up a space for your class beading projects so you won’t be disturbed by children or pets. Equally essential, make sure you have internet service and a web-connected device with a microphone to join a class online.
Can I Learn Beading for Free Online?
There are many options for learning beading online for free. You can find free resources like tutorials and videos that will help you get started and lead you through a variety of projects. But if you want help along the way and someone to demonstrate techniques for you and answer your questions, a live online class with an expert teacher will speed up your learning and ensure that you don’t have gaps in your skills. Plus, you’ll become part of a dispersed online community of other beaders who are learning along with you.
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