Wraptastic!

Sara Pedersen taught her first class here at Bead Inspirations, teaching students how to make the Wrap Bracelet in our Alameda bead shop.  The class was full of jewelry making enthusiasts and people made really cool bracelets!  Here’s some samples.

Janice used all components from Bead Inspirations.

Janice is regularly in our shop looking for beading supplies.  Her project included the Tierracast copper plated leaf button, 2mm brown leather cord, and 8mm round jade beads (only available in our Alameda bead store).

Diane used 1.5mm brown leather with water agate beads.

Diane from San Francisco used 1.5mm brown leather with 6mm faceted water agate beads (only available in our Alameda bead store).

Maureen is using this adorable chihuahua button as her clasp.

Maureen from Walnut Creek let me know today that she has a chihuahua and has bought some of our chihuahua charms.

It was so fun to see everyone’s projects, unique and beautiful.  Sara will teach the Wrap Bracelet Class again on Saturday, November 2, for those who didn’t make it today.  Sign up and reserve your spot before it fills up!

New Simple Soldering Class Added

Simple Soldering New class added! Sun, Feb. 3, 2012 10:30am-5:30pm This class teaches the basics of simple soldering techniques that will start you on your way to making your own metal jewelry designs. Using a simple set up that can be easily duplicated at home, students will learn to fabricate three jewelry basics: a set of stack rings, a pendant and a pair of earrings. Kate Richbourg teaches all levels. Sign up now! Sign up online at www.BeadInspirations.com Call Bead Inspirations at (510) 337-1203 during business hours (see below) and give your credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express) information to our staff on the phone. Come into the store at 1544 Park Street in Alameda, CA, and pay with check, cash, or credit card. Below are some of our upcoming classes, or take a look at our full calendar HERE! Class Schedule now available through March.

Fused Pendants and Stackable Rings Sat, Feb 2, 11:00-3:00pm Learn or further your fire-manipulation skills to make two different styles of rings… those that can be worn on your fingers and those that can be multi-layered as pendants. In class Iris Sandkuhler will teach you to add embellishments, including hammering, surface texturing, stamping, polishing, and wire-wrapping beads. You will also learn to size finger rings for proper fit. Simple Jewelry Techniques Sunday, Feb. 10, 1:00-3:00pm Only $20 + materials. Great for the young & the seasoned! Design & make gorgeous jewelry and other gifts for the special people in your life, guys or gals! There are some super simple techniques that don’t require special tools or advanced skills and can be easily learned. Make fun and elegant earrings without bending wire into wire wraps or loops. Make a matching necklace or bracelet easily in almost no time at all! Make custom cell phone charms and bookmarks. This is a great class for people who like instant gratification, with or without good hand-eye coordination. You’ll design your own jewelry in class (with the help of the instructor, if needed) and leave with it finished. Ages 7-11 may attend with an adult supervising. Ages 12 and up may attend with no supervision. Jewelry Recycling Sun, Feb. 17, 1:00-4:30pm Bring your out-of-style and/or broken jewelry and turn them into new creations! In this jewelry designing class, JR Nuerge will guide you in refashioning your old jewelry into new, gorgeous pieces! (Pre-requisite: Basic Necklace & Bracelet and Basic Earring & Wire, or equivalent.) Watch the video above to see the possibilities! Beaded Cabochon Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, 1:00-5:00pm Learn to create a beaded bezel around a cabochon! Embellish your favorite gemstone, shell or glass cabochon using an elegant seed bead weave. Marilyn Peters will show you the ins and outs of weaving with seed beads, then how to create a beaded bezel around cabochons.

Moonbeam Bracelet Sat, Jan 12, 2012 11am-3pm Simple, elegant and so easy to make! This bracelet combines ancient handwrought techniques with modern technology. Iris Sandkuhler teaches metalsmithing techniques include wire manipulation, hammering, filing and polishing. Create shimmering “moonbeam” segments out of wire and keep it simply silver or copper, or embellish with beads. Intermediate Wire Class: Lariats, Briolettes, Cages, Herringbone Sun., Jan. 27, 1:00-5:00pm Go beyond the basic wire-wrapped loop! Learn the briolette wrap to work with beads that are top-drilled, and wire cages to add an extra piazazz! Explore concepts of design, while using of the wire for linking & dangling in necklaces, bracelets, earrings & lariats. In this 4-hour class, Carol Bernau will show you how and give you time to practice the techniques, but you will also master the techniques and leave with finished pieces! Learn to create beautiful components for bracelets, necklaces, or earrings. You can create organic or sleek designs, depending on beads used. Metal Works of Art Sat, Feb 16, 11:00-4:00pm Only $69 for a 5-hour class! Create treasures using four metalsmithing techniques: riveting, punching, stamping, and texturing. Iris Sandkuhler will also show you how to emboss metal, then use alcohol inks to add splashes of color to your pieces! See the “More Samples” page for inspiration. Students also need to purchase a $6 kit. All levels.

Basic Necklace & Bracelet Saturday, Jan. 26 Take this class with a friend & save 20%! In this introductory workshop, you will learn techniques to make professional-quality necklaces and bracelets. Make a practice piece using these techniques, then design your own project out of beads and materials that you select. Class is designed so that you will leave with at least one gorgeous finished necklace or bracelet. We provide the tools, guidance, and encouragement. You’ll be amazed by what you can create!

Basic Earring & Wire Saturday, Jan. 19 Take this class with a friend & save 20%! You’ll learn techniques to make professional-quality earrings. The wire wrap is a basic component of many different types of wire jewelry, including earrings, as well as pendants. We break down the steps so that you are guaranteed to succeed! There is plenty of opportunity to practice in class with caring, supportive feedback from the instructor. This is a technique that we recommend you take a class to really learn it well. You’ll design your earrings out of beads and materials that you select and leave with them finished. Most people take home 2-4 pairs of earrings. We provide the tools, guidance, and encouragement. You will love to show off your gorgeous earrings that you designed and made!