Lessons

Through customized lessons, I offer the tips, tricks, and inspiration to help jewelry enthusiasts of any age and skill level develop their own skills to create beautiful pieces. Lessons cover how to set up a productive workspace, the right tools to use for every project, the highlights of using different styles of beads, and guidance through design options for each project. You can become an empowered jeweler in just one lesson.


I offer group classes and private lessons on Zoom. Anything you want to learn about creating your own beautiful beaded jewelry is just a few clicks away.


Check out the catalog below for ideas of what classes you can take, no matter your age. Prices below are quoted for private 1-on-1 lessons; for more information about pricing, including interest in group classes, review the Lessons Q&A's section at the bottom of the page.

101: Wireworking Earrings

101: Wireworking Earrings

This class discusses the ins-and-outs of using different styles of jewelry pliers, including: chain nose, round nose, and flat nose pliers, as well as wire cutters. Students will also learn how to create secure and professional loops on headpins and eyepins, and how to successfully open and close simple jump rings for securing links. In this class, students will have the opportunity to create multiple pairs of earrings as ex explore designs ranging from simple drops to dangly chandeliers.

Approximate Class Time: 1.5 Hour Base Lesson Cost: $45 Suggested Min. Age: 9+
102: Profesionally Beaded Bracelets

102: Profesionally Beaded Bracelets

For sturdier and more professional pieces, knowing how to use steel woven beading wire is an essential skill for creating various styles of necklaces and bracelets. Jewelers in this class will learn how to use crimps, crimp covers, and crimping pliers to create strong and secure bracelets. The class will also review essential design tips for bead usage, measurement, and securing clasps when creating your beautiful bracelets.

Approximate Class Time: 1.5 Hours Base Lesson Cost: $45 Suggested Min. Age: 9+
103: Chain and Dangles Necklaces

103: Chain and Dangles Necklaces

For jewelers who are looking to explore working with chain, this is the class for you. The class will review: how to use professional jewelry pliers and cutters when working with chain segments, the proper techniques for opening and closing split rings to maintain the integrity of your piece, how to combine different styles of chain for unique designs, and finally how to add dangling components to your necklace for a truly stylish piece. Lesson 102 or equivalent skills are recommended for this class, but not required.

Approximate Class Time: 1.5 Hours Base Lesson Cost: $45 Suggested Min. Age: 9+
201: Simple Shaped Copper Earrings Shapes

201: Simple Shaped Copper Earrings Shapes

Copper wire can create gorgeous jewelry pieces simply by shaping and securing it correctly. Jewelers in this class will be able to expand their knowledge of jewelry crafting tools by working with jewelry pliers, files, hammer, dowels, a bench block, and even a Thing-A-Ma-Jig to design creative earrings. Beading 102 is recommended as a prerequisite but not required. Ask about Intro, Intermediate, and Advance levels of this class.

Approximate Class Time: 1.5 Hours Base Lesson Cost: $45 Suggested Min. Age: 9+
202: Completely Crafted Copper Necklaces

202: Completely Crafted Copper Necklaces

This class explores how to combine wires of varying thickness alongside carefully selected beads to create beautiful designs across shaped wire frames. Jewelers in this class will also learn how to make jump rings from scratch and how to make their own hook classes for bracelets and necklaces. This class is a key choice for opening up the possibilities of jewelry design for years to come. Ask about Intro, Intermediate, and Advance levels of this class.

Approximate Class Time: 1.5 Hours Base Lesson Cost: $45 Suggested Min. Age: 10+
203: Crafting Simple Copper Rings

203: Crafting Simple Copper Rings

Making rings from scratch can be a tricky thing, so this class is a great place to start to learn the about the key tools and tips for making comfortable and correctly-sized rings. Jewelers in this class will learn how to use a ring mandrel in conjunction with pliers, a jeweler’s hammer, and a bench block to create lightweight and fun designs.

Approximate Class Time: 1.5 Hours Base Lesson Cost: $45 Suggested Min. Age: 10+
204: Wiring the Tree of Life

204: Wiring the Tree of Life

This popular necklace design is easy to make once you know how it’s done! Jewelers in this class will learn how to create the entire pendant from scratch, starting with forming the wire frame, securing the bail, how to add each beaded branch, and finally how to weave together the trunk and decorative roots. Crafting Tree of Life pendants is an organic - even meditative - process that is a relaxing joy to create.

Approximate Class Time: 1.5 Hours Base Lesson Cost: $45 Suggested Min. Age: 10+
205: Gemstone Wirewrapping

205: Gemstone Wirewrapping

The class will review how to create the wire frame for a custom gemstone pendant including how to shape the frame around each unique gemstone, how to create a "cage" to securely hold the gemstone in place, and how to finish the pendant off with a bail. The class will also review different ideas for how to vary the decorative designs in the pendant's finishing touches and how to make adjustments to your design based on the gemstone. Beading 201 or equivalent skills are strongly recommended as a prerequisite.

Approximate Class Time: 1.5 Hours Base Lesson Cost: $45 Suggested Min. Age: 11+
301: Getting Started with Polymer Clay

301: Getting Started with Polymer Clay

Are you tired of finding the same beads and pendants everywhere you go? Then it’s time to start exploring the expansive world of polymer clay to create your own pieces! Jewelers in this class will learn the basics of shaping and blending of clay to create beads and pendants of different styles, as well as the basic do’s-and-don’ts for successful clay-based jewelry crafting. This class is an excellent choice for young students to get creative with their hands and launch hours of creativity.

Approximate Class Time: 1.25 Hour Base Lesson Cost: $35 Suggested Min. Age: 5+
302: Creative Clay Pendants

302: Creative Clay Pendants

This class takes your clay work to the next level by discussion professional tips for creating elegant and sturdy pendants. Jewelers in this class will learn how to use liquid polymer clay, clay cutters, imprints, and review blending techniques. The class will finish off with extra tips for bringing your piece to life after baking for a beautiful, professional style necklace.

Approximate Class Time: 1.25 Hours Base Lesson Cost: $35 Suggested Min. Age: 6+
303: Canes and Jelly Rolls

303: Canes and Jelly Rolls

It sounds like it’s a class for candy – but learning how to make canes and jelly rolls are actually an empowering technique that allows you to create intricate and beautiful pieces! Jewelers in this class will learn the beginning steps for transforming basic blocks of clay into intricate designs, focusing on making each bead a work of art on its own. Once you start jelly rolling, you won't be able to stop!

Approximate Class Time: 1.25 Hours Base Lesson Cost: $35 Suggested Min. Age: 7+
304: Custom Hair Barrettes

304: Custom Hair Barrettes

Making a beautiful and strong hair barrette takes much more than just sticking clay to a hair clip – it takes balance in design and weight plus proper adhesive to ensure a durable accessory. Jewelers in this class will learn how to craft professional looking hair clips that integrate gorgeous swirls and sparkling accents for a polished look. Making hair barrettes is so much fun, you’ll find yourself hooked in no time!

Approximate Class Time: 1.25 Hours Base Lesson Cost: $35 Suggested Min. Age: 6+
401: Royal Pearl Bracelet with Right Angle Weave

401: Royal Pearl Bracelet with Right Angle Weave

For anyone looking to dive into the expansive world of beadweaving, this class is the perfect place to get started. Jewelers will learn the easy of stitch of the Right Angle Weave to create an elegant pearl bracelet while employing the techniques of clean stitches and proper thread ending. This class will also discuss essential tips for selecting proper needles and thread, weaving with the right type of beads, and establishing a good working environment for successful beadweaving.

Approximate Class Time: 1.5 Hours Base Lesson Cost: $50 Suggested Min. Age: 12+
402: Herringbone Bracelet

402: Herringbone Bracelet

The Herringbone is my personal favorite: this fun stitch is easy to execute and produces gorgeous, feathery designs for some of the most unique pieces you’ll ever create. Jewelers will learn in this class how to combine different types of seed beads with dazzling crystals to create a bracelet full of pizzazz and beauty.

Approximate Class Time: 1.5 Hours Base Lesson Cost: $50 Suggested Min. Age: 12+
403: Peyote Stitch Band

403: Peyote Stitch Band

The Peyote stitch is a staple stitch in beadweaving, but also a challenging one given its meticulous nature. Jewelers in this class will learn the beginning steps for successful peyote stitch to create a simple but beautiful bracelet. This class designed to get you started on your bracelet that you can finish at home to continue practicing your skill. The class will also review additional tips for peyote stitch weaving with different sized beads.

Approximate Class Time: 1.5 Hours Base Lesson Cost: $50 Suggested Min. Age: 12+
404: Fringe and Organic Beading

404: Fringe and Organic Beading

One of the most beautiful ways to embellish your work is to lavish it up with organic fringe! Jewelers in this class will learn the very easy steps needed to create organic, fringed works of art employing seed beads and crystals. This technique can also be used for decorating household items like pillows and candle holders, making it an essential technique for creating all sorts of fun and beautiful accessories!

Approximate Class Time: 1.5 Hours Base Lesson Cost: $50 Suggested Min. Age: 12+
405: A Little of Everything

405: A Little of Everything

There are a lot of different stitches in the world of beadweaving, such as Peyote, Brick Stitch, Square Stitch, Ladder Stitch, Right Angle Weave, Herringbone, St. Petersburg, and Chevron Chain. Some stitches are very unique, while others – like the Peyote and Brick Stitch – seem so similar, how do you know which stitch to do when you’re designing? This class is meant to slow down and focus on each technique - one stitch at a time - to help jewelers gain a deep, intuitive understanding of every style of stitching and how to use different types of seed beads to achieve their goals. Rather than working towards a single project, jewelers will create samples of each stitch to create their own physical library of reference to help them expand their world of beading in future projects.

Approximate Class Time: 2 Hours Base Lesson Cost: $60 Suggested Min. Age: 12+

Q: What does Base Lesson Cost mean?
A: Each lesson is priced for one student (adult or child) for the time duration included in the class description. Class costs are adjusted for group lessons, depending on the desired number of attendance. Some class times are adjusted as well for larger groups. Contact me for a quote if you are interested in a group lesson for 2 or more individuals.

Q: Are your classes for kids, teens, or adults?
A: These classes are for everyone! Each class has a suggested minimum age based on the difficulty of the class, but no matter the age of the student, each class is customized to support the student's age and previous skill set.

Q: I don't have any of the materials I need for a class. What do I do?
A: For in-person lessons, I will provide all of the materials you need. For a Zoom lesson, I will provide a list of necessary materials which you can purchase offline or at your local craft store.

Q: My child is interested in one of your classes but doesn't meet the suggested age. Can my child still sign up?
A: Yes, as long as there is an older individual (adult, sibling, etc.) available for assistance during your child's lesson. The suggested age is based on the technical difficulty of the class, such as using pliers to make tight loops. To ensure a positive learning experience for your child, arrange to have an aid in with your child during the class to help however needed.

Q: Where do you offer in-person lessons?
A: Anyone who lives within a 20 mile radius of Ithaca, NY can request an in-person lesson or group class. Materials are provided for all in-person meetings. Travel costs may be added for lessons further than 10 miles outside of Ithaca. Contact me to inquire about in-person lessons.

Q: Do you teach anywhere else?
A: Yes! I also teach on Outschool, an incredible learning platform for children all around the world ages 3-18 to learn anything from inspiring teachers. If your child is already on Outschool and would like to take a jewelry class with fellow Outschool students, check out my class offerings there!

Q: Do you offer more than what you list here?
A: Yes! If you have an idea in mind and you don't see what you're looking for, contact me to ask if your topic of interest is available.

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