In our Jewellery Making Workshop participants learn how to use a wide variety of tools and techniques to create their own jewellery. In the beginners class we teach the basics of beading (or stringing as it is sometimes known). For more advanced students we have wireworking and stitching classes. With these skills our students are able to accessorize any of their outfits with unique, hand-made creations.

All of our would-be jewellers start off in the beading class. The beading class covers:

• The different tools that are used,
• The components that are used in beading,
• The types of beads and their uses,
• How to use a beading board, and
• How to use the equipment safely.

Once participants understand the basics we move on to the creation of a simple single strand necklace. This piece is used to teach about beading wire, spacer beads, crimping beads, decorative beads, and clasps. From there we move on to teaching about different accessories such as earrings, bracelets, chokers, watch bands, and so on. Then we look at some advanced beading techniques such as how to make drops and multi-stranded items.

In the wireworking class we teach participants how to:

• Use a wireworking jig,
• Use a coiling jig,
• Thread beads onto wire,
• Make a head pin,
• Make spirals,
• Make jump rings,
• Twist and plait wire, and
• Make a variety of clasps.

 With all of these techniques at their disposal participants can then put them into practice creating their own pieces. We have dozens of designs available that can be used for inspiration.

In the stitching class we teach participants how to:

• Do the square stitch,
• Do the brick stitch,
• Do the peyote stitch,
• Do the Ndebele herringbone stitch, and
• Do the right-angle weave.

 With these techniques at their disposal participants are then encouraged to put them into practice creating a bracelet, collar, choker, or earrings.

Participants in our Jewellery Making Workshop will learn how to make jewellery that looks professional. They will get a good appreciation of what jewellery really costs to make and therefore what it is worth. They will also get exposure to a hobby that is a lot of fun yet also very practical.