There was a great creative vibe at the weekend on my Autumn jewellery making classes and students enjoyed their day spent making bead-strung necklaces and bracelets using leather and cord.  Most students brought along some of their own beads to use in their designs, alongside beads and cord available at the class.

The jewellery making bead stringing with leather and cord has been a popular topic and was chosen by my students as the topic for my Autumn classes (some of the students had been interested in it when I taught it earlier in the year, but couldn’t make it to the April class date).

All my classes include a number of variation design options, which helps my students to personalise the jewellery they make.

“Had great day today Samantha… My sister loved, loved, loved the red and silver necklace I made in class for her. She thinks it really looks professional. Well it’s all in the tuition . Thanks and best wishes,” Norma

“Thanks, Samantha, for another fantastic day at the leather/cord jewellery class yesterday. I agree with Norma, the tuition and relaxed way in which the classes are run make them enjoyable and easy to follow. Thanks again and I look forward to attending more classes in the Spring.” Andrea

Delia’s porcelain hand made pendant and suede necklace (from the April class)

Lara’s beads and cord bracelet with button fastener (from the April class)

Kathleen’s moss agate pendant and beads leather necklace

Barbara’s paua shell pendant and beads cord necklace

Beadstringing is quite therapeutic and its a bit easier than my other wirework classes, so ideal for both beginners or students wanting to add to their existing skills and learn how to work with a variety of cords, leather and suede.  My first foray into knotting and beadstringing began when I taught myself how to make friendship bracelets in the early 1980s and my skills and range of designs have developed further over the past 10 years (or so) of teaching classes.

In order to be able to teach at my studio-workshop I first have to spend a few hours tidying up my studio and putting all my work away, then turn it into a class room; setting up the tables, chairs, work-lights, mats. Check what refreshments I need to buy and bring on the day. There’s also all the class topic items to bring, such as materials, examples and handouts. After the class is over I have to tidy all my teaching stuff away and turn it from a classroom back to a studio-workshop… by which time I’m shattered! Anyone that teaches knows the amount of preparation that goes into teaching. Last year, was my first year in my studio and I was doing monthly classes, but I’ve cut it back now to just one weekend in the Spring, Summer and Autumn.

See more student photos on my BebeadyClasses facebook page.