Upcoming Classes
(Please note: The following classes do not have dates yet. When a date is assigned, the class information will be moved into the Current Classes page.)
Crystal Spray Necklace
Instructor: Carolyn Cook
Level 1 Class fee: $25.00
This pretty necklace will look great for the holidays! You'll use bugle beads and 8mm Swarovski crystals, strung on fine sterling SoftFlex for a very sparkly look. Materials: 45 8mm round Swarovski crystals, 1 bag size 2 bugle beads, 1 bag small crimp beads, fine sterling SoftFlex, approximately 2" sterling extender chain, lobster claw clasp and figure 8, 2 2x2 sterling crimp beads, 2 sterling crimp covers. Please note that this project requires a lot of 8mm crystal beads; we think the necklace looks best done with 8mm round beads.
Beaded Dangles Bracelet
Instructor: Carolyn Cook
Beginner Class fee: $25.00
We've created a new bracelet! Join us to make flowers and leaves dangle between decorative Czech glass beads. The leaves and/or flowers are attached using headpins, so you'll learn how to wrap headpins, and we'll show you how to use round nose pliers to achieve a nice, round loop. Expand the length, and make a matching necklace! Materials: 10-12 Czech tube, swirl, or rectangle beads, 20-26 flowers or leaves, 8/0 seed beads in a contrasting color, approximately 30 1.5" headpins, SoftFlex, crimp beads, crimp covers, clasp.
Drips & Drops Necklace and Earrings
Instructor: Carolyn Cook
Level: Beginner Class fee: $30.00
Not sure where or how to start? Learn the basics in this class by making a necklace and matching earrings. You'll get an introduction to materials and tools available to the beader, and then you'll be shown how to make your own necklace and earrings in class using rectangle and drop beads, SoftFlex, and crimp beads. All beads and stringing materials supplied (this class only); pliers and tools are available for use in class.
Introduction to PMC (Precious Metal Clay)
Instructor: Carolyn Cook
Class Fee: $85.00 (Please note this fee includes all the supplies [PMC etc.])
Come and learn the basics of PMC! In this class, we'll show you how to use the PMC tools, including rubber stamps and cutters, to create a pendant and a matching pair of earrings. You'll choose your finish - bright silver (above right) or oxidized with liver of sulpher, we will fire it in the kiln while you are here, and we'll show you how to attach findings and the leather necklace cord.
Crochet Bracelet
Instructor: Evelyn Portrait
Level 3 Class fee: $40.00
Join the Crochet Craze! Have you been wondering how to crochet with beads? This class will show you the ins and outs of crocheting - how to start, and how to finish with a neat join. You'll make a "roll-on" type bracelet. You will need to string your beads before the first class, and, most importantly, to practice crocheting the week between classes. The stringing pattern will be available upon enrollment. Materials: Size 10 Miyuki triangle beads in 3 highly contrasting colors (example: red, black, white) strung on light colored thread (Jean's Stitch, Guterman or Mettler top-stitching thread, or Coats Button Craft Dual Duty Plus thread recommended), and a size 9 or 10 metal crochet hook. Please note: this class consists of 2 sessions.
Byzantine Bracelet
Instructor: Evelyn Portrait
Beginner Class fee: $25.00
You can very easily make this Byzantine Chain Maille Bracelet. We've got all the jump rings you need in lots of great colors! Chain maille is the technique of connecting jump rings of various sizes, and in this project, different colors, into a pattern. Two pairs of pliers, chain nose or flat nose, are used to open and close the jump rings. Kits are available - we've put them together using non-sterling jump rings to offer you a reasonably priced kit. Kits are priced at $8.50 - clasp sold separately.
Intermediate PMC (Precious Metal Clay)
Instructor: Carolyn Cook
Class Fee: $85.00 (includes all supplies)
For students who have some familiarity with PMC and want to progress to the next level, this class will show you how to construct a hollow form.
Decorative Beaded Ornament
Instructor: Carolyn Cook
Level 1 Class fee: $25.00
Have fun decorating a glass ball ornament with a covering of nets and swags of seed beads and accent beads. You'll learn to embellish your ornament with a lacy covering of seed beads, and how to plan your netted pattern. Wonderful to give as gifts or decorate your own home, ornaments can be beaded in many patterns and colors - make a set for yourself! Materials: Glass ornament (approximately 9" diameter), 8/0, 11/0 seed beads, square, drop, or triangle accents beads, C-Lon thread or Nymo D, size 12 beading needle.
Do Drop Bracelet
Instructor: Carolyn Cook
Level 1 Class fee: $25.00
Our favorite bead - a drop! Crisscross drops into a quick and flexible bracelet which will introduce you to a new way of using SoftFlex and crimp beads. This bracelet works up quickly - use all one color or mix it up! Materials: 160-180 Czech 4x6 drop beads, two 3mm round silver or gold filled beads, crimp bead, toggle clasp, .014 SoftFlex.
Spiny Knotted Necklace Class
Instructor: Stephanie Sersich
Class fee: $90.00 Prerequisite: Spiny Knotted Bracelet Class
Take your spiny knotting skills to the next level! This workshop is for students who have already learned how to make a spiny knotted bracelet and are ready to apply the technique to create necklaces with centerpieces, and more complex textures, and can put their own necklace bead kits together. You'll use floss and waxed linen to bind beads and other treasures into a necklace. To see Spiny Knotted Necklace examples, visit Stephanie's website at www.sssbeads.com. Materials: Please bring to class (before the class starts) 400-500 assorted beads, 6-8 shapes and sizes, 2 skeins of size 5 perle cotton, 15 yards of waxed linen, a button, darning needle, corkboard and t-pin, scissors. At Albion Beads, we have lots of shapes and colors available that will work well for the necklace. If you don't want to make your own kit, Stephanie will have bracelet kits available. While she doesn't make a necklace kit, two bracelet kits will make one "collar" length necklace.
Leaf and Flower Macrame Bracelet
Instructor: Carolyn Cook
Level 1 Class fee: $25.00
Create a colorful bracelet from The All New Micro Macrame book by Kris Buchanan. This class will teach the basic square knot used in macrame - it's easier than you think! You will use an assortment of glass leaves, seed beads, and glass flowers or Swarovski crystal, on C-Lon macrame cord which is available in 58 different colors! Think of the possibilities!! Materials: C-Lon cord, twelve 6mm glass flowers (or twelve 6mm Swarovski bicones), size 11 seed beads and size 8 seed beads (one package each), button for clasp. All supplies are available at Albion Beads. Available for use in class - macrame boards, pins, and hypo cement (to work at home you will need your own supplies). Please note: In order to teach this class, by arrangement with Kris Buchanan, each student must own her own copy of the macrame book. Copies are available at Albion Beads.
One-of-a-Kind Necklace
Instructor: Carolyn Cook
Level 1 Class fee: $25.00
Combine your favorite one-of-a-kind beads with some chain and accent beads to create a unique piece of jewelry. We all have one or two special beads in our collections that we just don't know what to do with - now is your chance! In this class, you'll learn how to use beads of different shapes, textures, styles, and color, putting them together in one project - different, but coordinating. You will learn how to twist wire to make links out of the larger beads, attach chain in sections, and dangle small accent beads from the chain. Materials: Approximately 15 large (12-30mm) focal beads, 6" open-link sterling chain, approx. thirty 4 and 5mm daisy spacers, 3' (minimum) 22 ga. silver wire, thirty sterling 1" headpins, twenty 4mm accent beads (can be Swarovski bicones, small pearls, etc.) and ten 6mm accent beads (Swarovski, pearls, etc.), clasp. Please note: Kits are available for this class. Each kit includes enough materials to complete one necklace, and the cost per kit is $48.00 (not including class fee). If you don't finish this project in class time, you will leave with enough skills to finish at home.
Peyote Even-Weave Bracelet
Instructor: Evelyn Portrait
Level 1 Class fee: $25.00
Learn even-weave, flat peyote in this class. You'll learn how to follow a chart to create a simple pattern consisting of the signs of the zodiac, and attach findings to each end to make a bracelet. Materials: Delica beads in two contrasting colors, Fireline 6 lb. test, end findings and clasp, size 10 beading needle, and a yellow highlighter.
Macrame Bracelet
Instructor: Evelyn Portrait
Level 2 Class fee: $25.00
An original design by our instructor! Using 4-ply waxed linen, macrame your beads in a pretty lace pattern. Choose a glass or pewter button for the center, and match your beads to the color of the linen you choose for a really unique project! Materials: 4-ply waxed linen, button for centerpiece, clasp.
Pewter Charm Bracelet
Instructor: Carolyn Cook
Level 1 Class fee: $25.00
Have some fun with pewter charms and Swarovski crystals. Learn how to make wire wrapped loops and create your one-of-a kind bracelet. Purchase beads in advance, during class - or bring some from your stash. Materials: 22 gauge silver wire, pewter charms/beads/connectors/beadcaps, Swarovski crystal beads or beads of your choice, headpins, clasp, and crimps.
Spiral Pearl Bracelet
Instructor: Carolyn Cook
Level 2 Class fee: $25.00
Keshi pearls and firepolish gem shapes are attached to this chain bracelet with 24 ga. sterling silver wire with a neat spiral on one end to keep them in place! Materials: sterling silver round link chain, pearls and firepolish gem beads, 24 ga. sterling half hard wire, clasp.
Art to Wear Necklace
Instructor: Carolyn Cook
Level 2 Class fee: $35.00
Utilize our great selection of raku and pottery beads and be creative with hand-dyed silk and SoftFlex! This class will show you how to do a multi-strand necklace and answer your questions about attaching a centerpiece to create one-of-a-kind Art to Wear! Materials: Pendant centerpiece, 6+ pottery beads, about 100 coordinating smaller beads, silk strand, SoftFlex, clasp, crimp beads. The accent beads may be picked our during class as you create your necklace. The raku and pottery beads and the silk strands are available at Albion Beads.
Dangle Drop Earrings
Instructor: Evelyn Portrait
Level 2 Class fee: $25.00
Create these fun earrings using drop beads and jump rings! This class will give you lots of practice with your chain nose pliers, opening and closing the jump rings. Have fun using multiple colors of drops, and you can make your earrings any length you wish. Please bring to class a selection of drop beads, jump rings, earwires, and anything you might like to dangle at the bottom - a Swarovski bicone or a charm! Materials: earwires, jump rings, drop beads.
Crystal Clusters Bracelet
Instructor: Carolyn Cook
Level 1 Class fee: $25.00
Get lots of practice twisting headpins to create this jingly-jangly bracelet. This project uses lots of Swarovski pearls and crystal, attached to your sterling chain link bracelet with headpins. The fun is in using lots of colors of pearls and crystal. Materials: 7-8" sterling link chain, eighty 6mm Swarovski pearls, twenty 6mm Swarovski crystal rounds, 100 1" 24 gauge sterling headpins, 24 ga. round sterling wire, toggle clasp, chain nose and round nose pliers, wire side cutters. Please note: you will not finish this project in class, but you will get enough practice during class to be able to finish on your own.
One Session Crochet Class: How to Finish Your Bracelets
Instructor: Ann Feeley
Level: Advanced Class fee: $20.00
This class is for beaders who have completed the crochet bracelet class and would like additional instruction on ending their bracelets. Please bring to class several un-joined bracelets that you've crocheted - the more bracelets you bring, the more practice you will get in joining them.
Radial Bead & Button Brooch Class
Instructor: Stephanie Sersich
Class Fee: $65.00
Stephanie's newest creation! In this class, she'll show you her latest design - a brooch made from beads, waxed linen and a button. The colors and motifs will be of your choosing and each brooch will look different from your classmates'! The class will focus on using waxed linen, a marvelous fiber, to make jewelry from beads and buttons. Students will use waxed linen and threads to bind together their beads and treasures into a truely unique brooch. Materials: Very large rondell, 3-5cm. in diameter with a very large hole, 2cm. diameter button with shank, 2-3 yards of 4-ply waxed linen, 30-40 4-6mm Czech glass rondells, 15-20 8-12mm rondells, pin backing, 1" circle of leather, 2 part epoxy, toothpicks and a cotton swab. Note: Stephanie does not have kits available for this class, however, since some of the materials are hard to find, she will have rondells and other items on hand for sale; and our inventory at Albion Beads will be available for the balance of the supplies.
Spiny Knotted Bracelet Class
Instructor: Stephanie Sersich
Class Fee: $65.00
In this class, you'll use floss and waxed linen to bind beads and other treasures into a bracelet. The materials and methods provide an opportunity for self-expression - there is no pattern to follow, and the beads can vary in size, color, and shape. Every bracelet is unique! The unusual materials and larger bead sizes seem to level the playing field for beginners and long-time beaders. Most students will complete the bracelet in class. Materials: 150 assorted beads in 6-8 shapes and sizes, 1 skein perle cotton or embroidery thread, 5-6 yards of waxed linen, a button, and scissors. When selecting beads, keep in mind that all the bead holes need to be large enough for the waxed linen to go through. Using a variety of bead shapes and sizes creates a rich texture. Choose beads that range in size from a few millimeters to 10 millimeters. Beads that dangle, like charms or shells, work well for this project. Stephanie will have bracelet kits available on the day of the class, for $60.00, in addition to the class fee.
Funky Earrings
Instructor: Stephanie Sersich
Class fee: $65.00
Stephanie's earring class is lots of fun! In this workshop, you'll work with wire, beads, shells, charms, waxed linen and other fibers to create wild earrings. She'll demonstrate several useful knots and wire-working techniques. Then, you'll combine the ideas and materials in your own way. You will leave with several pairs of earrings and inspiration to make a zillion more! Materials: 8 pairs of earwires, French or leverback style; 20 1.5" headpins; 2' of 20 ga. wire; 2-3 colors of 4 ply waxed linen - 6" of each color; fuzzy or sparkly fibers, like the ones that are sold on cards at craft stores; 8 types of focal beads; 2 types of charms (with a loop at the top); 6-10 types of end-drilled beads, like daggers or teeth (we have plenty of these at the shop); size 6 seed beads; a little mix of 4-6 mm Czech glass discs. Optional materials: glittery thread, sequins, small shells or other beads with holes, small Bali or Thai silver accent beads, a little mix of 3-6 mm beads.
Floating Necklace
Instructor: Carolyn Cook
Level 1 Class fee: $25.00
Using the sterling SoftFlex, add Swarovski pearls and bicones that appear to "float." You'll learn how to use tiny crimp beads to keep the beads in place, making an attractive, multi-strand necklace. Materials: five 10mm, five 8mm, five 6mm Swarovski pearls, thirty 4mm Swarovski bicones, 65 mini-crimps, 2x2 crimps, toggle, and SoftFlex.