MINI LESSONS

MINI-LESSONS

One or two Saturdays each month, we offer Mini-Lessons. These are 30 minute sessions where we introduce and explain a technique, go over the main choices you will need to make when implementing that technique, and then you get to practice it. We provide brief instruction, a handout, the materials and tools. Most require a materials fee between $2.00 and $5.00.

CURRENT MINI-LESSONS OFFERED:

1. Making Simple and Coiled Wire Loop ($3.00 materials charge)

We learn to make a simple loop, then a coiled loop. We review the different types of tools we need to use and have on hand. We practice making 3 of each type of wire loop.

Downloadable Handout

2. Using Elastic String ($5.00 materials charge)

We learn about elastic string, how to use it correctly, including how to prepare the material before stringing, how to tie the best knot, and what glue is best to use. We make a bracelet using elastic string and practice what we have learned.

Downloadable Handout

3. How To Crimp ($3.00 materials charge)

We learn about selecting the best crimp pliers, cable wires, crimp beads, crimp covers and horseshoe wire protectors. We practice three times using the pliers and crimping a crimp bead onto cable wire.

Downloadable Handout

4. Using Fireline As Your Stringing Material ($3.00 materials fee)

Fireline is a relatively new product we call a cable thread. It is a great substitute for both cable wires and traditional beading thread, when stringing beads to make bracelets and necklaces. Learn the design pros and cons for using Fireline. Learn how to thread it onto a needle. Learn the smart rules for using this as a stringing material. Practice making a bracelet using Fireline.

Downloadable Handout

5. Attaching End Caps and Cones to Ropes, Cords, Kumihimo, Leather Lace, Tassels ($3.00 materials charge)

Learn one major technique for finishing off the ends of those thicker projects -- ropes, braids, leather and leather lace, by attaching end caps or cones in a way that you will also be able to attach a clasp. We are going to practice using strands of leather, leather lace and rattail, end caps/cones, and head pins. You will be introduced to the set of tools you will need to have on hand. We will discuss some things about adhesives, which are sometimes used but not all the time.

Downloadable Handout

6. How to Make Simple and Fancy Slip Knot Connections with Thicker Cords like Leather or Waxed Cotton ($3.00 materials charge)

Sometimes when using thicker cords like leather or waxed cotton, you do not want to use a clasp, but instead, want to make a necklace that can slip over the head, or a bracelet that will go over the wider part of your hand, and then make the necklace or bracelet smaller to fit, or adjustable in size. One way to do this is to make slip knots, so that you can adjust the length. Here we will learn to make a simple slip knot. Then we will learn to make a fancier slip knot. We will discuss pros, cons and alternatives.

Downloadable Handout

7. How to do Flat, Even Count Peyote ($2.00 materials charge)

Peyote Stitch is the most used bead weaving stitch. Learn how to start this technique. Learn how rows are counted. Learn what types of projects this stitch works well in, and what types it does not. In this Mini-Lesson, you will make a 12 row flat stitch sampler, then learn how to zip it up into a tube.

Downloadable Handout

8. How to do Right Angle Weave ($2.00 materials charge)

Right Angle Weave is one of the most popular and versatile bead weaving techiques. Many people find it is an easy technique to do, but difficult to learn because it has an unusual thread path pattern. We spend time learning how best to visualize this pattern. We discuss what projects work well with RAW, and what ones do not. We make a single row of 10 right angle weave units.

Downloadable Handout

9. How to do Brick Stitch ($2.00 materials charge)

Brick Stitch is a lesser used bead weaving technique, most often associated with Native American jewelry. However, it is an especially versatile stitch and is a good substitute for the Peyote Stitch -- especially when you want to create shapes like leaves or butterflies. We learn how to start the brick stitch pattern, and how to start and finish each row. We discuss what projects work well with Brick Stitch, and what ones do not. We make a stitch sampler with a ladder-stitch foundation row, 3 squared off rows, and finished with an 8-row triangle shape.

Downloadable Handout

10.How to apply a pricing formula to price your jewelry (free)

Most people either underprice or overprice their jewelry, when trying to sell it. Often they do not account for all the costs involved, or do not have a consistent way of taking these costs into account. In this Mini Lesson, we learn to apply a formula which interrelates the costs of parts, labor and overhead. The formula is used to create a fair retail price. It can be adapted to create a fair wholesale price, as well. We learn about the different cost components. We learn this simple formula and how to apply it. We use the formula to price 4 different pieces of jewelry.

Downloadable Handout

11. Getting Started With Tubular Peyote ($2.00 materials charge)

Learn how to start the Tubular Peyote stitch. Learn how to "step up" from one row to the next.

Downloadable Handout

12. Getting Started With The Ndebele Stitch ($2.00 materials charge)

Learn how to start the Ndebele Stitch, and move from one row to the next.

Downloadable Handout (coming soon)

13. Getting Started With Petersburg Chain Stitch ($2.00 materials charge)

Learn how to start the Petersburg Chain Stitch, and move from one row to the next.

Downloadable Handout (coming soon)

14. Getting Started With Square Stitch ($2.00 materials fee)
TBA

Mini-Lesson, Jewelry Clinic, or Regular Class?

Mini-Lessons differ from our 1-hour Jewelry Clinics in that they are simple introductions to a technique and a short practice time. In the Jewelry Clinics, we spend more time to master the technique, and explore and practice more things you can do with the technique.

Mini-Lessons differ from our Regular 3- to 5-hour Classes in that our classes focus on teaching you about the wide range of art, design and construction choices you will need to make when implementing a technique(s), and then spend considerable time training you in implementing the technique(s) and learning those choices. We review other similar techniques and go over how to choose which technique to use when.

REGISTRATION

We encourage you to preregister for our Mini-Lessons. You can preregister online, or by phone (615-292-0610) or email us (warren@bedazzledbeads.com).