BEGINNING WIRE WORKING: First in the wire-working series - $25

Level: Beginner
PREREQUISITE: None

Learn the fundamentals of working with wire, findings and tools. We’ll cover everything you need to know about tools and the different kinds of wire. You’ll learn to form the simple loop that is the start of all wire working and make as many earrings as time allows. You can bring your own beads and 2 sets of ear wires or purchase supplies during the break on class day. Tools and wire are provided.

SEATTLE Instructor: Christina
Limit: 8 students

KIRKLAND Instructor: Christina
Limit: 6 students

WIRE WRAPPING: Second in the wire-working series-$25

Level: Intermediate
PREREQUISITE: Beginning Wire Working or equivalent

Using the fundamentals of Beginning Wire Working, you’ll advance to wire wrapped loops. This class covers wiring teardrop and briolette shapes as well as making a bail for a larger stone or pendant. Tools and practice wire are provided.  

SEATTLE Instructor: Christina
Limit: 8 students

KIRKLAND Instructor: Christina
Limit: 6 students

advanced wire working - $45

Level: advanced
PREREQUISITE: Wire wrapping or equivalent

In this class you will utilize all of your wire skills so far and build new ones including forming, bending, braiding, twisting and coiling. We will cover working with heavier gauges of wire, texturing techniques, hammers, jigs, files, mandrels and other wire working tools. You'll begin work on an advanced project of your choice, utilizing your new skills. Feel free yo bring any unfinished wire projects that have you stumped or wire design problems you need help with. Bring any stones, wire, or beads you'd like to incorporate into a project and your imagination.

SEATTLE Instructor: Christina
Limit: 6 students

KIRKLAND Instructor: Christina
Limit: 6 students

the easiest hoop earrings in the universe - $20

Level: beginning
PREREQUISITE: Beginning wire working or equivalent

Hoop earrings continue to be one of the most popular earrings styles known to us. In this class you will learn to create the easiest hoop earrings ever. Students will learn to work with heavier gauges of wire, mandrels and hammers to make as many hoops as time allows. Tools and practice wire are provided.

SEATTLE Instructor: Christina
Limit: 8 students

Introduction to wire weaving - $35

Level: advanced
PREREQUISITE: wire wrapping or equivalent

This advanced level class will further your wire working with a fundamental wire weaving technique. This is the first in a series of the vast and varied "Wire Weaving" skill set. In class you will learn to make a distinctive and unique pair of earrings just in time to launch your fall wardrobe.

SEATTLE Instructor: Christina
Limit: 6 students

the easiest clasp in the universe - $20

LEVEL: beginning
PREREQUISITE: beginning wire working or equivalent

Clasps are fundamental findings for both bracelets and necklaces. Making your own is an extremely simple and inexpensive way to customize the look of your bracelet or necklace and cut findings costs. In this class students will learn the easiest way to form a fish hook clasp using heavier gauges of wire. Students will also learn to use hammers and mandrels to make as many clasps as time allows. Tools and practice wire are provided.

SEATTLE Instructor: Christina
Limit: 8 students

the easiest earwires in the universe - $20

Level: Beginning
PREREQUISITE: Beginning Wire Working or equivalent

Ear hooks are one of the most often used findings and one of the simplest to make. You'll be amazed at how easy and inexpensive it really is to create a variety of custom ear wires in a short period of time. In class, students will learn to use hammers, mandrels and files and create as many ear wires as time allows. Tools and wire are provided.

SEATTLE Instructor: Christina
Limit: 8 students

wire wrapped rings - $35

Level: intermediate
PREREQUISITE: wire wrapping or equivalent

In this class you will learn the mechanics of creating finger rings with wire, beads and a few simple hand tools. This technique uses heavier gauges of wire to create a substantial piece of jewelry. Once you've mastered the basic form, the possibilities are endless. Feel free to bring any beads, stones and/or wire in 20, 18, or 16 gauge that you'd like to work with. (Your beads must have holes that will accommodate 20, 18 or 16 gauge wire.) Tools and practice wire/beads are provided.

SEATTLE Instructor: Christina
Limit: 8 students

sticks and stones - $40

Level: advanced
PREREQUISITE: Wire wrapping or equivalent

In this advanced wire working class, students will first form textured sticks of thicker gauge metal. A thinner gauge of wire will be used to embellish the sticks with small stones, pearls and/or glass beads. Students will also learn a woven bezel technique for framing beads.

SEATTLE Instructor: Christina
Limit: 6 students

wire wrapped beach glass components - $45

Level: advanced
PREREQUISITE: wire wrapping or equivalent

Beach glass (or sea glass) are pieces of broken glass that have been smoothed by the action of water and sand in this class. Students will learn freeform wire wrapping to create alternative focal elements with un drilled glass or stones.The finished pieces can be as simple or intricate as you desire. This is a great class to make a pendant out of that cool rock or beach glass you found on the shore. Practice glass and wire are provided. Feel free to bring any un-drilled rocks or stones you'd like to work with. tools and practice wire are provided.

SEATTLE Instructor: Christina
Limit: 6 students

Making headpins using a torch I - $25 (fine silver only)

Level: beginning
PREREQUISITE: none

If you make jewelry with wire, it's likely you use plenty of headpins. This class is designed for those who want to reduce their costs on findings and add another personal element to their work. Students will learn the most basic metalsmithing technique for creating balled headpins with fine silver and a butane torch. This class covers safety and use of a butane torch, basic tools and equipment and pertinent information about working with fine silver. *Please note the only metal covered in this class is fine silver. Tools and practice wire are provided. Please do not wear loose clothing or open toed shoes.

SEATTLE Instructor: Christina
Limit: 6 students

making headpins using a torch II - $35 (sterling & copper)

Level: intermediate
PREREQUISITE: "making headpins I" or prior experience using a butane torch

In this class you will learn to create headpins using sterling silver and copper wire. This class covers safety and use of a butane torch, basic equipment and the least toxic chemicals needed for working with these metals. (some of them, simple household products) along with pertinent chemical safety considerations. We will also learn some variations on the balled headpins and some new applications for an old finding. Tools and practice wire are provided. Please do not wear very loose clothing or open toed shoes.

SEATTLE Instructor: Christina
Limit: 6 students

the business of jewelry- $45

Level: any
PREREQUISITE: None

You've been making great jewelry and given a ton of it away. People are asking for more and they want to pay for it. What now? This is an intensive class for people who are ready to create a business selling their work. In class you will begin developing a basic business plan including, mission statement, objectives, marketing, promotion, financial outline and strategies for increasing profitability. We'll cover a simple system for pricing your pieces, business licenses, record keeping and numerous small business resources. This is not a lecture class. Come prepared to write, interact and stretch your imagination. In this class we will not cover in detail, business taxes or e-commerce. (Please bring a few pieces of jewelry you've made, pen and paper and all of your ideas and enthusiasm.

SEATTLE Instructor: Christina
Limit: 8 students

wire wrapping refresher - $25

Level: intermediate
PREREQUISITE: previous wire wrapping experience

This two hour "quickie" class is for those who have previously taken a wire wrapping class and have either forgotten or don't feel confident with their skills. In this class students will refresh basic wire wrapping techniques as well as top-drilled briolette, teardrop and pendant wraps. Tools and practice wire are provided.

SEATTLE Instructor: Christina
Limit: 8 students