Jewelry Classes in Chicago, IL

Inspired by the little treasures you save and love, we will cleverly combine old and new elements to create spectacular jewelry. Bring your special and sentimental keepsakes, single earrings, buttons, charms, chains, family photos, and found objects and let Bonnie Arkin inspire your creativity.  You will learn to solder, wire wrap, and string....

The basic spiral rope is classic.  It works well on its own as a bracelet or necklace, is easy to dress up or down with bead choices and offers numerous variations. This class is for you if: You've done a little seed beading and you're ready to expand You're new to seed beading and ready to get started You want to learn a simple seed bead...

Knotting is all about spacing and finishing, making snug knots and choosing the right materials for the design. You'll learn all about it in this class, with written instructions and helpful tips to take home. Students will Learn: How to choose the right size bead cord for their beads How to use an awl and tweezers to make snug knots around the...

Basic Earring Design is a great way to start working with wire. Learn how to make simple loops, wrapped loops, and dangles -- techniques that can be used in a wide variety of jewelry designs. You'll also get written instructions with diagrams to take home so you'll always have refresher information handy. Students will learn:  The elements...

After you’ve taken Rejuvenated Jewelry, are you ready to delve deeper, learn more techniques, and explore many creative ideas? Create spectacular jewelry from vintage broken jewelry, watches, tin, and china.  Bring your collected treasures. Prerequisite: Rejuvenated Jewelry or consent of the instructor.

A personalized rosary is a special gift. Learn the skills and supplies you’ll need for a rosary made with chain and bead links, or using basic stringing materials. This class is for you if:  You've never had a jewelry making class  You're experienced with beading wire and bead links, but want some direction for designing a rosary ...

Basic Stringing will show you the nitty-gritty of beading wires and crimp beads, with plenty of practice making secure finishes using a crimp tool. Written instructions, diagrams and helpful tips are included with your finished project. Students will learn:  Elements of necklace and bracelet design  Features of different clasps and closures ...

Immerse yourself in glass and fire! Apply glass to metal and see it transform in a hot kiln. Learning the basics is easy - spend the class exploring a large and fascinating array of techniques to create your beautiful and durable pieces of jewelry or sculpture.

Kumihimo is a great travel project. Everything gets prepared in advance so you have a neat package that doesn't require extra tools and doesn't take a lot of space. Students will Learn: How to place their cords on the kumihimo disk How to add weights for proper tension The basic pattern for moving the cords and adding beads to create a beaded...

If you know how to thread a needle and follow a basic sewing pattern, off-loom bead weaving will have familiar techniques. But don't worry--these classes are designed to get you started regardless of prior experience with a needle! Students will Learn: This class teaches the basics of seed beading and students will learn about the different types...

Designed to allow intermediate and advanced artists to build skills and challenge themselves to perfect techniques and learn new ones, build a body of work, or finish a special project. Individual attention will be focused on each student as needed. This is a fun and nurturing place to take your skills and art to the next level. Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced...

First uncover the jewelry basics: sawing, filing, soldering, as well as finishing and patinas. Then, we'll build on your design skills, learning to find inspiration and create ideas that you will then produce with your newly acquired talents. Take home a piece you can be proud of!

The popular Leather & Bead Wrap Bracelet uses cord to securely wrap beads between two lengths of leather. Students will Learn: Students select beads and learn how to measure the correct amount of leather for their desired bracelet.  Students will attach the button and use the Griffin bead cord to add beads and wrap the bead cord...

Multiple methods will be explored in this class from shaping and forming metal, achieving textures, soldering and cold connections, and finishing techniques. The instructor will guide you to take your metalsmithing to the next level, whether you are band-new or a more experienced student.

Create and design new work combining metals techniques taught in weekly demonstrations. Use silver, copper and brass in projects that are suggested to challenge and inspire creativity. Research, examine and discuss in class the work of various metal artists. Continue to learn soldering, forging and enameling techniques incorporating new acquired skills....