What is the Foundations of Jewelry Making Class?

The Foundations of Jewelry Making class is designed for anyone who would like to learn the basics of making jewelry in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

As a self-taught jewelry artist, I've designed this class around many of the things I wish I had known when I first began. You'll have plenty of opportunity to practice new techniques before using them on your final projects, and you'll leave with three pieces of handcrafted jewelry—and, more importantly, the fundamental skills and confidence to continue to make jewelry on your own.  (Currently, classes are only in-person, and will be held in Carlinville, Illinois.)

Practice Without Pressure

Although I began as a self-taught maker, I eventually took classes to strengthen my skills. In many of those classes, we learned new techniques while working directly on the materials intended for our finished pieces. I remember how intimidating that could feel when I was still learning!

That's why the Foundations class includes two kits: a practice kit for learning and experimenting, and a project kit for creating your finished jewelry. Practice the loop. Open the jump ring the wrong way. Make the crimp that isn't quite right. That's what the practice materials are for.

Class size will remain small, with no more than six students, allowing plenty of time for hands-on help and individual instruction when needed.  

Class Structure

Each student will have a set of five basic jewelry-making tools to use during class. Specialty tools will also be available for anyone who would like to experiment a little beyond the basics.  

And because adding your own personality is part of the fun, there will also be a complimentary bead and charm bar, where you can choose a few extras to make your finished pieces more your own.

Students will also receive resources to help continue their jewelry-making journey after class.  One of the hardest things about being a beginner is simply knowing where to start—what tools you actually need, which supplies are worth buying first, and which things can stay on the wish list for later. I hope to take some of that guesswork out of the process.

Class Schedule

Class dates and registration information will be updated as classes are scheduled. Each class is limited to six students. If a particular date fills and there is enough additional interest, I'll be happy to add an overflow class when at least three additional students are available.

The Foundations class is $35, plus a $10 project kit fee, with a value of over $25. Brass will be the primary metal used in the finished projects.  But techniques learned can be used with any metals you prefer, if you continue your creativity at home.

For the Fundamentals class, students may choose from three color families for their bead kits:

Ocean — greens and blues
Woodland — greens and browns
Cottage Garden — pinks and greens

Choosing your own color palette means that while everyone will be learning the same techniques, the finished jewelry will still feel like yours.  Although you may see samples of how your components can be used, your arrangement of beads, any additions from my free community supplies, will make the pieces your own.

Future Classes

While I plan to continue offering the Foundations class indefinitely, I'd also love to offer occasional classes exploring other materials and techniques, depending on community interest. Possibilities include:

Faux Pottery with Polymer Clay
Precious Metal Clay Charms & Pendants
Paints & Patinas on Wood and Metal
Leather Working for Jewelry

I'm looking forward to sharing what I've learned over more than twenty years of making jewelry. What began for me as a quiet, creative way to manage stress grew into something I never expected—a lasting love of making and learning.

Perhaps my favorite thing about jewelry making is that there is room for so many forms of creativity. Metal, beads, leather, clay, color, texture and countless other materials can all find their way into a piece, with personal expression at the center.

But every creative journey has to start somewhere. We'll start with the basics.  🐝