What Should First Class Cover for a Simple Jewelry-Making Project?

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What Should First Class Cover for a Simple Jewelry-Making Project?

by Lee
(Bonita Springs, FL)

I have the opportunity to teach a two-hour hands-on demo on making a jewelry project which attendees will wear home. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I basically work with PMC silver, beading and wire- wrapping pendants.

This class, which is free, will hopefully lead to a more structured weekly class for a fee.

This will be held in our community so it is not a real money-making opportunity, but I am using it to:

(1) allow the creative side of people to come out;

(2) provide interest in a gallery in which I am a jewelry designer (hopefully); and

(3) create a good public service project for art in general.

Thanks and hope to hear from those of you who may have started out teaching this way.

Lee

Comments for
What Should First Class Cover for a Simple Jewelry-Making Project?

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Teaching beginning jewelry class
by: Rena

Hi Lee, what a great opportunity!

For project ideas, why not look through some beginner jewelry-making books (from the library, bookstore, or your own bookshelf).

Look through the projects and how they're presented, plus the jewelry-making skills each project teaches (for example - how to use tools, how to make wrapped loops, how to hammer metal, etc.).

Once you've gotten some good beginner project ideas from your book research, brainstorm your own unique project to teach - including all the jewelry skills your students will learn while completing the project.

I've found that first-time jewelry workshop students like projects where there's room for their own creativity and design decisions - and also where a few beginner mistakes don't ruin the outcome of the piece.

Also, once your paid weekly classes start up, you may want to think about having a session that's a jewelry workshop for making holiday gifts - I think a lot of people would be interested in that at this time of year. :o)

Ideas...
by: Janine G.

I always wanted to teach an earring class. I wind up making a pair of earrings for my outfit right before going out (if time permits). It's fun to come up with something quick an perfect for what you're wearing and it always takes me 5 minutes or so. I am thinking of doing a class on teaching people how to make 5 minute or less earrings for themselves so they can do the same before going out and then also including a more complex earring such as a beaded hoop or wrapped loop drops off a chain so they can learn other techniques. This may be something that would take and hour or two to teach. You can come up with a catchy name for the class too such as Earrings in a Pinch". Just and idea. Good luck!

Tips for class for kids & adults
by: Ann Nolen

So great that you are giving to the community! I recently was asked to teach a class for a group of foster kids and their adult mentors (the CASA program). I decided to make it simple and use memory wire to make bracelets. I donated some of my smaller beads, which work best of memory wire. When the day came, I gave them the basic lesson on how to cut the wire to the right length, and bend the end with needle nose pliers to keep beads from coming off. Then I talked a little color theory on picking beads. I then turned them loose to play and create! I was amazed at how everyone was able to find something they loved, and no two bracelets looked alike. There were many group discussion on colors and choices, and everyone seemed to be quite delighted. The ages ranged from 8 to 78, and everyone was able to leave wearing something they made themselves, and were very happy with!
Ann
AnimalCoin.com

Beginner Classes
by: Carolyn

I teach at the local Senior Center and my first class is always an illusion necklace that teaches them how to use crimp beads. The second class is a simple bracelet bead stringing. These two classes help them with the basics of stringing and how to use the tools.

First class...
by: Amber

I teach a beginner's class and an advanced class on jewelry making, and i've found that 3 things work in the beginner class- a bracelet, matching earrings and a keychain. I bagged up lots of cheap beads, regular beads and silver spacers, and let them pick out two bags of each and charge them $10 for those plus supplies (wire, crimps, etc.) My advanced jewelry class features a necklace made with french wire, and a pair of matching chandelier earrings.Hope this helps!!

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