Like jewelry? Learn to craft your own gems
Jewelrymaker Eric Messin, right, helps student Amanda Grove Holmen during a jewelry making class at the Pelletreau Silver Shop in Southampton. (September 11, 2010) Credit: Gordon M. Grant
If you've admired the necklaces, earrings and other custom-crafted pieces of jewelry for sale at arts-and-crafts fairs on Long Island, consider taking a creative leap and learning how to design your own wearable art.
Many adult ed programs offer make-your-own jewelry courses, as do several area libraries and museums. Following is a sampling of classes geared to beginners - and some for those who already know the basics.
BEAD, CRYSTAL AND WIRED JEWELRY
WHEN | WHERE Ongoing two- to four-hour classes, Beads n' Stitches, 153 Broadway, Hicksville (516-396-9893) and 2330 Merrick Rd., Merrick (516-783-1124). Call Hicksville store for information.
INFO beadsnstitches.com
COST $20-$25 plus materials (up to $150 for advanced workshops)
WHAT YOU'LL MAKE Necklaces, bracelets, pins, earrings or pendants.
ABOUT Students work with Swarovski crystals, pearls, semiprecious stones and precious metal clay. "Every class is technique-specific," says owner Maryann Olson. Special workshops teach metal smithing and soldering; another focuses on Dichroic glass fusing. A taste of what's coming in October: "Knotting with Silk," creating an original beaded lariat (10 a.m. Oct. 5); "Suspended Briolette," (7:30 p.m. Oct. 8), a quick and simple wire necklace that's good for newbies; and "Diagonal Peyote Bracelet" using cube beads and Swarovski crystals (10 a.m. Oct. 18).
WHEN | WHERE Ongoing, Island Bead & Jewelry, 510-C Montauk Highway, Eastport
INFO 631-325-2323, islandbeadandjewelry.com
COST $25-$35 (plus materials)
WHAT YOU'LL MAKE Lariat necklaces, pendants, bracelets, earrings
ABOUT Classes here run the gamut from basic bead stringing to more intricate woven pearl, crystal necklaces. Coming up: "Pearls & Leather Lariat" (noon Thursday), where you'll learn knotting techniques while making a triple-strand lariat; and "The Mermaid Necklace," when students will use a shell or beach glass as the focal point of the design (noon Sunday). Private instruction costs $50 per hour.
WHEN | WHERE Ongoing, Park Ave Beads 3341 Park Ave., Wantagh
INFO 516-221-7167, parkavebeads.com
COST $20-$25 (plus materials)
WHAT YOU'LL MAKE Lariat necklaces, pendants, bracelets, earrings
ABOUT The bead and jewelry-making supply store offers a few two-hour classes each month, with students learning basic stringing, pendants or earring design. Of note: Rosary (7-9 p.m. Oct. 19) and wired dangling bead bracelet (7-9 p.m. Oct. 27).
WHEN | WHERE Ongoing, The Cupcake Corner, 61 New Hyde Park Rd., Garden City
INFO 516-328-2253, thecupcakecornergc.com
COST $25-$75 (includes materials and food)
WHAT YOU'LL MAKE Bracelets, earrings
ABOUT With classes for kids, teens and adults, The Cupcake Corner focuses on fun and creativity, says owner Laura Graney - and yes, students snack on cupcakes (and other treats). Upcoming classes include "Swarovski Teardrop Earrings" (7-8 p.m. Oct. 14) and "Byzantine Chain Maille Bracelet" (7-8:30 p.m. Nov 12). Good to know: Groups of up to 12 women can host a two-hour "Ladies Night Out" gathering to make a project ($19.99-$29.99).
