WIRE I - BEGINNING WIRE WORKING: the basic loop - $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 ii - WIRE WRAPPING: WRAPPING STANDARD AND TOP DRILLED BEADS - $25

Level: Intermediate
PREREQUISITE: Beginning Wire i 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

dome earrings & pendants - $45

Level: intermediate
PREREQUISITE: Wire ii or equivalent

Learn some great new metal skills while creating a pendant and pair of earrings in this intermediate metals class. We will cover a variety of new tools and techniques including: dapping, texturing, piercing, patination and assembly. These are versatile skills that you can apply in a variety of ways to your metal and wire work. Tools and practice metals are provided.

SEATTLE ONLY Instructor: Christina
Limit: 6 students

wire iii - advanced wire working - $45

Level: advanced
PREREQUISITE: wire Ii 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 to 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 ONLY: Instructor: Christina
Limit: 6 students

the easiest earwires in the universe - $20

Level: INTERMEDIATE
PREREQUISITE: Wire I 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: 6 students

KIRKLAND Instructor: Christina
Limit: 6 students

intermediate/advanced ear wires - $35

Level: Intermediate/advanced
PREREQUISITE: wire II or equivalent

In this intermediate/advanced class students will venture beyond "the easiest ear wires in the universe" and the basic french hook. You will incorporate beads, coils and spirals with a variety of embellishment techniques to create more intricate and unusual ear wires. If you prefer to work with sterling silver or gold filled wire, bring some to class in 20 gauge. In class you will create as many ear wires as time allows. Tools and practice wire are provided.

SEATTLE ONLY: Instructor: Christina
Limit: 6 students

making headpins using a torch intensive - $40

Level: any
PREREQUISITE: None

If you make jewelry with wire, it's likely you use plenty of headpins. This intensive 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, thai silver, copper with a butane torch. 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'll also learn some variations on the balled headpin and some new applications for an old finding. Please do not wear loose clothing or open toed shoes to class. Tools and practice wire are provided.

SEATTLE Instructor: Christina
Limit: 6 students

KIRKLAND Instructor: Christina
Limit: 6 students

sticks & stones (wire woven components) - $40

Level: advanced
PREREQUISITE: wire ii 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 smaller stones, pearls and/or glass beads. Students will also learn a woven bezel technique for framing beads.

SEATTLE ONLY Instructor: Christina
Limit: 6 students

wire wrapped beach glass components - $45

Level: advanced
PREREQUISITE: wire ii or equivalent

In this class students will learn freeform wire wrapping to create focal elements with undrilled glass or stones. The finished pieces can be as simple or intricate as you desire. This is a great class for making a pendant out of that cool rock or beach glass you found on the shore. Feel free to bring any undrilled rocks or stones you'd like to work with.

SEATTLE ONLY Instructor: Christina
Limit: 6 students

WIRE WOVEN BEZELS - $45

Level: ADVANCED
PREREQUISITE: WIRE II OR EQUIVALENT

In this advanced wire class students will learn to create a unique woven bezel for undrilled glass or stones with pointed backs*. This is an intricate focal element that can be combined with other skills to create a truly one of a kind piece of jewelry.

*Pointed back stone/glass provided in class.

SEATTLE ONLY Instructor: Christina
Limit: 6 students