Chandelier Earrings

Earrings are so much fun to make.  Once you learn the basic technique of wire wrapping you can make all kinds of earrings and pendants.  It’s a great skill to have for many future projects as well as for repairing jewelry.

You will learn basic wire work which is the foundation for many jewelry projects. I’ll teach you how to use various types of findings including bulk wire, head pins, eye pins, chandelier and other earring types.  This class is absolutely designed with the beginner in mind.  You’ll learn basic terms, types of findings, appropriate material and tool use as well as basic design strategy.  All this in 2 hours for only $25 (excluding materials).

Flat Herringbone bracelet with hexagonal beads. Instructor's work.

I’ve often heard that this is a difficult stitch to learn from a book.   In this beginner’s class it’s very easy.  Herringbone stitch is originally an African stitch called Ndebele.  If you’ve ever seen pictures of African women (and men) wearing big, beautiful beaded collars chances are that they were made with this stitch.  Like many other off-loom stitches, Herringbone can be flat or tubular.  In this beginning class we will be working with the flat stitch variation and using large beads.  Large beads make the learning process easier and clearer and also results in a bracelet that works up quickly.  Once you’re comfortable with this stitch you can start using smaller beads and working on some variations.  I also offer a tubular herringbone class.

Flat Herringbone cuff with delica beads. Instructor's work

The class is 3 hours long and cost $38 (not including materials).  When you sign up for the class you will receive a materials list.

Peyote Stitch is one of the most versatile off-loom beading stitches.   This stitch can be flat, tubular or spiral.  Traditionally, Peyote Stitch is a Native American stitch and can be seen in much native beadwork.   Once you learn this flat stitch bracelet you’ll be set to move on to other variations.

In my Flat Peyote Stitch class we start with the even count beginning, which is the easiest to learn, and use large sized beads to make the project work up quickly.  Larger beads also help the student to recognize the pattern much easier than working with small beads.  Once the student learns this stitch with large beads it is so easy to move on to using smaller beads or other bead shapes.  Here’s a sample of the same pattern and stitch but made with triangle shaped beads.  This variation creates a complicated and sophisticated look.

I specialize in teaching beginners and have had a lot of positive feedback from my students.  If you’re interested in learning this stitch and leaving class with a finished project, sign up right away.  You can come to my home studio or I can come to your house and teach you and a few of your friends.   Think of it as a girl’s night out or a beading party.  Either way I promise you will love this project.  This class is 3 hours long and cost $38 (materials not included)

Glass Beads made by Julie Rose

Beginner Bead Making

Learn the basics of glass bead making during this day-long class.

• Basic skills covered: stringers, bi-colors, lines, dots, textures and frit.
• Basic shapes covered: droplets, round, tube, barrel, cone, bi-cone, tab, simple buttons and hearts.
• Safety discussion: torch safety guidelines and studio rules.
• Basic Art Glass overview: types of glass, torches, COE, variety of glass art techniques and their uses.
• Work with soft glass rods which come in a fabulous range of colors.  Cost of glass included in tuition.
• Make 4 – 8 finished beads during class.

Tuition includes 2 hours of guided studio time on the torch – post class.

Beads will need to cool down slowly….so plan to come in the next time our studio is open to retrieve them.

Suggested reading: The Complete Book of Glass Beadmaking, by Kimberley Adams.    Time: 5 hours (w/lunch break)

Tuition: $135 for individual study, or $115 for two students

Always wanted to learn how to make your own jewelry??? Well, here’s the place to start!  There is no beading experience require for this class.

You will learn how to design beaded necklaces or bracelets for balance & beauty. This is a great class for restringing vintage or heirloom pieces. You may also choose to use hand made glass beads, Swarovski crystals, or Czech glass. The possibilities are endless.

You will learn about appropriate stringing materials and how to properly attach clasps for a professional finish.  This class is great for a private party, girl’s night out or a children’s class.  Once you’ve learned the basic of bead stringing you can make your own gifts as well as repair your own jewelry.  The class runs for 2 hours and only costs $25.  You supply your own materials and can get expert help in that selection from the staff of Beadweavers Bead and Gift Shop in Santa Fe.

In this class we will be making a single strand bracelet.  We also offer a class in multiple strand bead stringing.  Check out our class listings and calendar for more information.  Feel free to call Julie with any questions.

Student's work - basic bead stringing

Embellished beadwoven cuffs

Gia Rosa Creativity Studio and Beadweaver have joined forces in offering a complete line of beading technique classes. The classes are created and taught by Julie Rose, owner of Gia Rosa, in her Santa Fe home studio.  Beadweaver bead store has samples available and complete class schedule and materials lists.

The current class offerings are basic stringing and beadweaving classes for beginners.  These classes are being offered throughout December with gift giving in mind.  All of the current classes for December are designed with the beginner in mind….no previous beading experience required!  Just bring your beads and your creative enthusiasm to class.

Beadweaver bead and gift store offers a great selection of seed beads, Czech glass, Swarovski crystal, pearls and semi-precious stones.  The staff is very friendly and will help you get completely set up for class.

Feel free to call Julie with any questions about the classes.  Gift certificates are available and make a great holiday gift.