About our classes - class length given in the listings is approximate. We anticipate every student will leave class with a finished project. Our classes take as long as necessary to complete a project - we do NOT end a class simply because "time's up". If a class requires a follow-up session (or several sessions) to complete a project, we do not charge for that session. Our goal is to have our students learn a new skill and have fun while doing it.

Students are allowed and encouraged to bring a bottle of water or a beverage for the class, if desired. The coffee pot is always on, or we have herbal and decaffeinated tea or hot chocolate available, too. For full day classes, students may bring a lunch (fridge and microwave available) or there are several restaurants nearby or with delivery service to the store.

We give a discount for supplies at registration and on the day of class. Class discounts cannot be applied toward class fees, Swarovski crystals, sterling silver or gold filled findings. We appreciate students purchasing class supplies here at the store, but do not require it. Whenever possible, we will supply a list of items needed and are happy to make suggestions to help achieve the desired finished project. HOWEVER, if a student purchases materials elsewhere, we are not responsible for disappointing results.

CLASS INFORMATION - dates and times are TBA - please call for specific dates and times

WIRE WRAPPING - Free form wire wrap your own stones or cabochons. Pam teaches basic free form wire wrapping  techniques once a month. Once you've mastered the basics, the next step is "Wire Wrapping -  Now What Can I Do?" also taught by Pam - which expands wire wrapping skills to "caging" a bead and incorporating it as a focal bead in a chain. Classes are approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours and students will leave with at least 1 finished item. Class fee is $35 and includes silver plated and gold plated or colored wire and use of our tools.

CLASS DATES - (all classes start at 1pm) Saturday - July 12, July 26, August 9 and August 23.

BEADWEAVING - Sandy teaches several off loom beadweaving techniques. Classes range from a few hours in length to several days. Past projects have been a beaded angel with fringe, dragonfly earrings or a beaded Victorian rose necklace. Other possibilities include students using a pattern they've found. Class fees range from $35 - $75, depending on the project and DO NOT include materials. Call for more specific information. Classes July 19 and August 16 at 10 am.

KUMIHIMO - this Japanese weaving technique has become increasingly popular with beaders over the last few years. This class takes 2 1/2 to 3 hours from start to finish, including the time to string approximately 9' of seed beads using bead spinners. Class includes use of our loom and bead spinner in the store. Class discount does not apply to purchase price of a loom.  Call Deb for information on dates and class fee.

BASIC STRINGING AND OTHER BEADING TECHNIQUES - cost of this class is FREE!! Learn how to do a crimp correctly or master that pesky wrapped loop to finish your earrings with a professional look. Learn the difference between .018 flex wire and 18 gauge wire and which one is best for your project.  When are the classes scheduled? Whenever you have an hour or two to play with beads - just stop in and say, "How do I make a ... (fill in the blank)?" or "Will you help me ...?". No reservations necessary, as long as there isn't a class using the worktable. Beginners are our specialty!

JEWELRY MAKEOVER - gather up your old, outdated or even broken beaded jewelry, chains, etc. Get a few friends to do the came and come in prepared to create new wardrobes of updated and one of a kind jewelry - made by YOU! No charge, except for materials used. Call Deb to reserve workspace. Class discounts may apply.

OPEN BEADING - EVERY DAY - ALL DAY - FREE!!! (Unless classes are scheduled,of course.) You are always welcome to bring in your project and work on it, get feedback from other beaders and have fun. Spend as little as a few minutes, or hang out for an hour or two! Deb's even been known to share popcorn or ice cream bars or call out for pizza during open beading sessions.

STARTING IN MAY (probably on Sundays and Mondays) - we'll be playing Bead Trade, a cool game that's really catching on all over the country. Best described as a combination of bingo and poker with a little "Jeopardy" thrown in, Bead Trade is a fun way to find homes for those orphan beads in your stash and to bring some new ones home! Game seating is limited to 6 persons and is open to ages from 12 to adult.

FUTURE CLASSES

CHAIN MAKING - we are planning a chain making class for the near future. If you are interested, please call and let us know. If you have a preferred day or time of day, let us know that also, so we can plan the class to be as convenient as possible.

JUMP RING MAKING - if you are making chains or chain maille, or even just using a large amount of jump rings in your projects or have need for a special size or gauge of jump rings, this is a class you should take. Making large quantities of jump rings almost always works out to be more cost effective than buying the pre-made jump rings. Watch the class listings for further information.

SOLDERING SILVER (especially jump rings) - soldering is a skill that every silversmith should acquire, and beaders sometimes find this skill handy, too.