Turn Handmade Glass Beads into Wearable Art
You've created beautiful beads—now it's time to transform them into stunning, wearable jewelry. In this hands-on workshop, professional glass and metal jeweler Amanda will guide students through the process of designing and assembling finished jewelry using lampworked glass beads.
Whether you've spent the past few months filling your bead collection in our flameworking classes or you're completely new to lampworked beads, this class is for you. You do not need to have made your own beads to participate. Students are welcome to bring beads they've created, use beads they've collected elsewhere, or purchase handmade lampworked beads from the studio on the day of class.
Throughout the workshop, students will learn how to thoughtfully combine glass beads with metal findings, accent beads, and wire elements to create balanced, professional-quality jewelry. Amanda will demonstrate a variety of finishing techniques while discussing design, proportion, color balance, and the hardware that transforms individual beads into elegant necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
Some larger-hole beads may be fitted with sterling silver cores for a refined, finished appearance, while others can be ground and prepared for assembly using head pins, eye pins, wire wrapping, and decorative metal accents. Students will also explore simple wire embellishments that add both beauty and structural support to their finished pieces.
By the end of class, you'll leave wearing—or ready to gift—a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry featuring handcrafted glass beads assembled with professional techniques.
Students Will Learn
- Basic jewelry design principles and composition
- Selecting complementary beads and metal findings
- Using head pins, eye pins, jump rings, and wire components
- Creating balanced necklaces, bracelets, or earrings
- Incorporating decorative wire details
- When and how to use sterling silver bead cores
- Preparing lampworked beads for jewelry assembly
- Professional finishing techniques for durable, wearable jewelry
No Previous Beadmaking Experience Required
This class is open to everyone! While it's the perfect follow-up for students who have completed our lampworking bead classes, you do not need to have made your own beads to participate.
We offer a beautiful selection of handmade lampworked glass beads available for purchase during class, making it easy to create a unique piece of jewelry even if this is your very first visit.
Studio-made beads are available for $3 each and may be purchased on the day of class. Students are also welcome to bring their own handmade beads or favorite specialty beads from home.
Whether you're preserving memories from your beadmaking journey or simply looking for a fun introduction to jewelry design, this class is a wonderful way to transform beautiful glass into finished pieces you'll treasure for years to come.
This is a 5 hour class. It is for students 12 and up. Max 8 students per class.
