Discover the Best Beading Classes in NYC
Beading is both an ancient art and a trend-setting modern craft. Beading enthusiasts incorporate both innovative techniques and designs that have existed for thousands of years. The earliest beading dates back to prehistoric times. Naturally punctured stones, seeds, and shells from Kenya and Turkey date to as early as 300,000 B.C.E..
You can easily find beads made from a wide variety of materials, like semi-precious gems, glass, pearls and shells, wood, plastic, metal, and stone. Beading can be used for jewelry making, where beads are strung together on a cord or wire to create necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other accessories, or you can decorate clothing, shoes, bags, and other fashion items with stitched beads. Your palette ranges from tiny seed beads to distinctive larger shapes and designs.
Beading has served a function in many cultures. Native American tribes have long used beads to create symbolic patterns or convey important messages on clothing and other items. Beading is a versatile and creative craft that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.
Why You Should Learn Beading in NYC
Beading is fun and creative, and it’s as easy or complex as you’d like it to be. This creative outlet is accessible to anyone and fits into the smallest of spaces in NYC. Master a few basic skills and you’ll be ready to create something truly original.
When you focus on intricate beading patterns and delicate techniques, your mind is focused on the present moment and you can let go of the worries and pressures of everyday life. Beading is also therapeutic for hand function and hand-eye coordination; it’s often used to help children develop essential fine motor skills and gripping techniques.
When you complete your beading project you’ll feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. Your unique beaded jewelry and accessories are an expression of your personal style or a treasured gift. Plus, you’ll connect with new friends who share your passion for the craft. Beading groups, workshops, and online forums offer a chance to connect with other beading enthusiasts and learn new skills.
Join an association like the Bead Society of Greater New York to learn about educational opportunities and connect with other beading enthusiasts. You can also explore beads and beading designs and learn about the latest in beading at bead shows in New York, like The Whole Bead Show New York. Beading artisans sell their work at craft fairs, boutiques, and online shops. You can also teach beadwork to others, or create designs for others to follow.
In-Person Beading Classes & Schools in NYC
In-person beading classes in NYC offer instruction from beading experts, and a chance to connect with other makers who inspire your beading journey. When you take an in-person class, you have the benefit of real-time instruction, demonstrations, and assistance as you build your skills and learn more about beading. Many people learn best with hands-on practice. If your class is taught in a bead store, you’ll have the added benefit of a huge selection of beads to choose from as you work on your class projects. Explore these in-person classes for beading.
Creative Beadwork and Beyond at 92nd Street Y in NYC will teach you the techniques and stitch combinations you need to create unique bead, fiber, and wire jewelry. You should already know basic bead stringing and knotting techniques before you take this class. Projects for beginners are provided, while intermediate students may want to explore their own designs. 92nd Street Y is a cultural and community center for the arts and ideas in NYC. They offer programs, events, and concerts, plus over 4,000 classes taught by talented professionals.
Die Forming Beads at Jewelry Arts Inc in NYC explores the ancient art of die-making
hollow beads. This method produces unique metal beads in a wide range of designs.You’ll learn how to use them to make gorgeous hollow beads, just as the ancient goldsmiths did. There isn't any complicated equipment required, just a leather mallet, a dye, annealing, and 30-26 gauge sheet in either copper, fine silver or 22k gold. All tools and materials are provided for the class, except for the die which you will need to purchase. Jewelry Arts Inc supports students to learn at their own pace with a team of teachers and no more than five students per teacher. Both beginner and more advanced students advance through their projects when they are ready. Class instructors are experienced jewelers and teachers.
Seed Beads at UrbanGlass in Brooklyn, New York teaches you five different beginner techniques for beaded applique and lets students create a small beaded accessory like a hair clip, brooch, or small sculpture. In this weekend workshop you’ll learn about skills, styles, and tools you can use in your own projects after the workshop. Class discussions explore cultural appropriation and appreciation within the vast, international history of beadwork.
In Intro to Beads at Urban Glass in Brooklyn, New York, you’ll learn the process of melting colorful glass rods at the torch and how to use a basic set of tools to shape the molten material into their own beads. This class will have you creating their very own wearable beads blown in glass, even if you’re a beginner. UrbanGlass offers classes, workshops, and intensives for students at every skill level. They were the first artist access glass center in the United States and are now the largest, serving as the primary studio of over 150 artists each year.
DIY Workshop Wire Wrap Earrings at EatMetal, Inc. in Hoboken, New Jersey will have you making simple wire forms from sterling silver round wire. You’ll learn to form and wire wrap beads to create structures to adorn your ears, and you can add semi-precious beads for more sparkle. EatMetal, Inc offers an intimate and dynamic learning experience in classes and one-day workshops for small groups. Students use traditional techniques and contemporary ideas to handcraft precious metals, sterling silver, 18k gold, and combinations of 18k gold with patinated sterling silver. Plus, incorporate colored gemstones and diamonds in various shapes.
Virtual Beading Classes & Schools
Online classes are a terrific alternative when there are no in-person beading classes in your community. Classes are taught by expert instructors who provide real-time demonstrations and answer your questions as you learn. No matter where you are, you can learn beading from the comfort of home to save time on commuting.
Many online beading classes require you to provide your own materials and tools, which you can purchase from local stores and online suppliers. You’ll need a reliable internet connection and a computer or device with a microphone where you can access your class.
Hammered Earring by EatMetal, Inc. offers a live online demonstration of making hammered metal earrings. You’ll learn how to make a jump ring, forge, solder, make findings, and finish your earrings. The instructor will discuss materials and techniques and there will be an open forum for questions.
Are your beading skills market ready? In Brainstorm Your Fashion Business for Adults by M SHOP you can brainstorm your business ideas in a think tank with a premier fashion expert. This class is a jam session to flush out whether your ideas make sense and then fine-tune them. You’ll have fun with your ideas and go from the start of an idea to a business plan - figure out your next move, how much it will cost to start, how to reach consumers, and the best strategies for success.
Private Group Beading Classes in NYC
If you don’t see exactly the class you’re looking for, Coursehorse can create beading classes for private groups in NYC. Private beading classes are a fun team-building event for your business or organization or a way to enliven a weekend with friends. When you make crafts together your brain is energized and the creativity is flowing.
Virtual Polymer Clay Jewelry covers the basic techniques for creating jewelry from polymer clay. Your unique jewelry designs can be as simple or as complicated as you want and customized to your taste. This class covers a variety of clay techniques, like rolling out slabs for minimalist-style earrings or crafting beautiful flowers for a keychain or brooch. Each participant will receive a polymer clay jewelry kit that includes 42 vibrant bars of oven-bake molding clay, five sculpting tools, and accessories for making earrings and keychains.
Craft your own clay beads for the most original and unique beaded jewelry in Virtual Clay Hand Building. This class covers basic pottery hand-building techniques and you’ll create a planter or candle holder using air-dry clay that doesn’t require a kiln. This is the perfect workshop for a group that likes hands-on projects. Participants will receive all materials needed for the class, including two pounds of professional-grade, air-drying clay and a set of ceramic clay tools that includes a modeling tool, a ribbon tool, a loop tool, a potter's rib, a wire clay cutter, a metal scraper, a needle tool, and a sponge.
In Virtual Dot Mandala Painting, you’ll learn how to create dot mandala designs. Dot mandalas are an easy way to get started on the ancient art form that originated from aboriginal Australia and Sanskrit mandalas, a circle representing the universe. Painting mandalas is relaxing and meditative and awakens your intuition and creativity. Your instructor will guide you through each step of the process so that even novice painters will complete a beautiful piece of art. This private, interactive workshop is led by a professional artist and instructor. It includes a dot mandala tool set, craft acrylic paints, and four-by-four-inch canvas boards. You can add a bottle of wine for each participant for an additional $30.
If you don’t see the course you’re looking for, just ask Coursehorse to create a beading class for you. Use the Contact Us button on their website to get your class planning started. It’s easy to book a class with Coursehorse. Estimate your group size, pay the minimum deposit, and your date is secured. You can let them know your final group size up to one week before your class date. You can customize your event further for a $150 fee by adding games, requesting specific questions or a themed game, or adding another event with materials included.
CourseHorse recommends using the Zoom platform for your class, but they can accommodate Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, and WebEx. Many courses can even come to your office or home space if you’d like.
