Classes
From beginner to advanced we have the jewelry making classes you're looking for!
Here are a few of our favorites:
Stringing Basics
Our Weekend Basics Class Series starts with Stringing Basics. This is an introduction to simple jewelry construction and is a great entry point for new beaders to get a feel for jewelry making.
This Basics Class focuses on STRINGING - methods and tools for putting together basic bracelets or necklaces. There are many stringing materials available, and we'll discuss several in class. One of the easiest to use and most durable is 'beading wire', which is really a tiny steel cable.
Students will string beads on flexible miniature cable and learn to finish a small sample bracelet with a clasp and folded crimps. This simple technique works for necklaces, bracelets and pretty much any other flexible beaded project. This is a foundation technique and worth knowing if you want to construct beaded jewelry!
Please note that while we'll be making sample pieces throughout, students will not be making any finished jewelry - this is purely a techniques class. Loaner tools and practice materials are provided.
Depending on how quickly the group progresses, we may be able to discuss more advanced techniques. If you've got questions, please ask away!
Wireworks Basics
Our Weekend Basics Class Series continues with Wireworks Basics. This is an introduction to simple jewelry construction and is a great entry point for new beaders to get a feel for jewelry making.
This Basics Class focuses on WIREWORKING, learning about the tools and techniques used to manipulate wire for jewelry making.
Students start with simple wire wrap technique, working with copper wire, round-nosed and chain-nose pliers to create wired links. This basic link is the foundation for dozens of beading projects, particularly earrings.
Please note that while we'll be making sample pieces throughout, students will not be making any finished jewelry - this is purely a techniques class. Loaner tools and practice materials are provided.
Depending on how quickly the group progresses, we may be able to discuss more advanced techniques. If you've got questions, please ask away!
Basic Beaded Earrings
This is a morning session starting at 11am.
Basic wire technique shines in this project. Using headpins and an assortment of fun and funky glass beads from Nomad's collection, we'll assemble a series of lightweight dangle earrings and finish them off with wrapped wire loops.
The wrapped wire loop is a foundational beading technique - students will learn about tools, findings and wire as we work through the process.
Class fee includes materials for three pairs of earrings.
Gemstone Briolette Earrings
This is an afternoon class starting at 12pm.
Prerequisite - You need to take Wireworks Basics, Basic Beaded Earrings or have previous wire working experience before taking this class.
Have you ever looked at a briolette, those sparkly teardrop-shaped stones with the hole drilled at the tip, and wondered what to do with it? This class offers an introduction to using these tricky-yet-exquisite beads.
Simple yet glamorous, briolette earrings are a perennial favorite. Dip into an assortment of glass and gemstone jewels and learn this endlessly adaptable wirework technique. Materials for two pairs are included.
Tree Of Life Pendant
This is a morning session starting at 10am! Wan Norby will be teaching this class.
Prerequisite - You need to take Wireworks Basics or have previous wire working experience before taking this class.
The 'tree of life' pendant is one of the enduring classics of wirework. Students will shape and hammer the frames, then anchor, twist and finish roots and branches made of fine wire. Choose from a collection of tiny gemstone chips to finish off the leaves.
Every one of these is unique! Organic wire wrapping is a challenge and this is a fantastic introduction.
Briolette Tassel Station Necklace
This is a morning session starting at 10am. Wan Norby will be teaching.
Prerequisite - You need to take Wireworks Basics or have previous wire working experience before taking this class.
Every jeweler finds themselves with interesting remnants - a few quality gemstone rondelles from some completed project, mismatched briolettes too small to make into pendants, short bits of chain.
This project takes full advantage of these gourmet leftovers to create delicate 'station chain' necklaces. Learn to precision-wrap briolettes and links, choosing from among Wan's collection of sparkling gemstones and a variety of textured (or simple!) chain styles.
This is a beginner-to-intermediate wire project. Bring reading glasses if you need them!
Knotted Mala Workshop
This is an afternoon session starting at 12pm. Beads are not included in the class price - please see below!
108-bead malas are rooted in Buddhist tradition and are used for meditation, counting mantras and simply as adornment. These long, knotted necklaces have become popular as a fashion statement and are a great way to pick up this intermediate beading skill.
Students will learn to knot snugly and accurately between beads using Griffin beading thread and knotting tweezers. This project calls for a lot of patience, but no other technique flows like a knotted piece - and the knots will prevent loss of multiple beads should the thread give way under wear.
Nomad's malas are simply finished, using a single center bead and a tassel or charm. Choose from among our vast selection of centerpieces!
Beads are not included in the class price! Students will need to bring their own or purchase beads at Nomad. We suggest that class attendees come in on a prior day to choose beads if not bringing their own. Both 8mm and 6mm beads work well for this project.
Woven Tile Bracelet
This style has rapidly become a popular standard at Nomad! Tilas and the 15/0 seed beads used in this project are available in a broad selection of colors and finishes, offering endless possibilities for design variations. Class fee includes a follow-up session with Wan to get the last bits of the bracelet completed