Beads, Silver, Jewelry and San Diego Bead Store

Basic Beading 101:
Necklace and Bracelet

A great class to launch your beading adventures! You’ll learn the basics of stringing techniques and how to finish it off for a professional look. Lots of design tips and tricks of the trade are shared in this fun packed class. You’ll learn tons as you make your own necklace or bracelet with beads you either pick from the store, or choose one of our ready made kits.
Instructors for this class are Athena Gowton and Ginny Nagy

Complete instructions are handed out during classes. This will allow you to create additional pieces after class.

Materials you need to purchase before the class:
• Two strands of Beads
• Spacer Beads
• Two complete clasps or Toggle, one for the necklace and one for the bracelet.
• Wire- 1 spool of Nylon Coated Wire
• Crimp tubes
• Bead Stoppers

Materials that we will provide for you:
• Tools
• Crimping Tool
• Bead Board

Suggestions for Picking Your Materials:
1. When picking out your beads have in mind whether you would like a pendant or if you would like the necklace to have the same pattern throughout.
2. If you would like a pendant, select the pendant piece first. This is most often the largest piece of your necklace and will be the main focus.
3. After you have picked a centerpiece, pick a strand of beads that compliment the focal bead.
4. After you have picked the strand of complimentary beads, select a few individual beads to add to the design.
5. At this point you are ready to add any silver or gold spacers for accents.
6. After you have picked all of the beads, you will be ready to pick out your clasp. You can pick from magnetic, lobster, hook and eye, spring clasp, toggle, and “s” hook. If you are unsure which would be best for your beads just ask.

Back to Top

Basic Beading 102: 3 Set Earring Class

These three sets of elegant earrings are just a drop in the ocean to the endless designs you can create after learning this easy technique. Join instructor Athena Gowton as she gives you ideas to find your design voice. The possibilities are endless!

Complete instructions are handed out during classes. This will allow you to create additional pieces after class. (Class is equipped with Daylight Lamps and magnifiers for your comfort)

Materials you need to purchase before the class:
• 3 feet of sterling silver beading chain
• 3 sets of ear wires
• Micro crimps or 2mm round sterling silver beads
• Beading chain ends (20 pcs)
• Small/Medium sized beads (this project works well with Swarovski crystals)

We will provide:

Cutters
Flat nose pliers
Bead mats

Back to Top

Basic Beading 103:
Basic Peyote

In this easy class, instructor Athena Gowton will teach you how to make swatches for each of the four basic weaves in a single color. Many seed bead weaving patterns use this age old Native American seed bead weaving technique.

Complete instructions are handed out during classes. This will allow you to create additional pieces after class. (Class is equipped with Daylight Lamps and magnifiers for your comfort)

Materials you will need to buy:

• 1 tube Japanese seed beads size 11
• Nymo thread size D
• Fine beading needles size 11
• Beeswax or Thread Heaven
• Glue – G-S Hypo Cement or super glue
• Scissors
Materials we will provide:

• Beading boards
Tips:

• When choosing seed beads try to find the most uniform in size and shape. You will find it easier to form your stitches when the beads are uniform.
• Make sure you choose a fine needle. If your needle is too thick or the eye is too wide it won’t go through the beads. Keep in mind you are going to lessen the size of the hole of the bead when you put thread through it. You needle will be going through the beads more than once.
• If you can’t find Nymo thread size D, B will do. Don’t use fire line as this will be too thin and make your work “limp”.
• I always use G-S Hypo Cement for the glue. I like the precision tip and it’s less messy. Be careful with super glue. It will fuse your fingers together or to anything else for that matter!
just ask.

Back to Top

Basic Beading 104:
Peyote Stitched Beads

In this class instructor Athena Gowton will teach you how to make a bead with Peyote stitch, using one of the several colorful patterns provided. Once you have made your bead, you can then use it in any bead project you choose… such as putting an eyepin through to make a pendant or just simply stringing one or more on beading wire or chain to make a necklace. You will even have an opportunity to design your very own pattern! (Beading 103 Basic Peyote is recommended as a prerequisite to this class)

Complete instructions are handed out during classes. This will allow you to create additional pieces after class. (Class is equipped with Daylight Lamps and magnifiers for your comfort)

• 3-4 colors of Japanese seed beads size 11 or Delicas
• Nymo thread size D
• Fine beading needles
• Beeswax or Thread Heaven
• Glue – G-S Hypo Cement or super glue
• Scissors
• Paper
• Sticky tape

Materials we will provide:

• Beading boards

Tips:

• When choosing seed beads try to find the most uniform in size and shape. Delicas are known to be the best for this and you will find it easier to form your stitches when the beads are uniform.
• Make sure you choose a fine needle. If your needle is too thick or the eye is too wide it won’t go through the beads. Keep in mind you are going to lessen the size of the hole of the bead when you put thread through it. You needle will be going through the beads more than once.
• If you can’t find Nymo thread size D, B will do. Don’t use fire line as this will be too thin and make your work “limp”.
• I always use G-S Hypo Cement for the glue. I like the precision tip and it’s less messy. Be careful with super glue. It will fuse your fingers together or to anything else for that matter!
The thicker the paper, the less coiling you’ll need. But don’t use card… it’s just too stiff.


Back to Top

Beading 106: Knotted Pearl Necklace

Learn how to knot and string pearls easily, just like a professional jeweler.  You'll be amazed at what you can do, and how your freshwater pearls will turn into beautiful, lasting treasures! 
With 22 years of experience, instructor Athena Gowton will lead you step-by-step through this age-old traditional technique, so you can use the same process for your own treasures.

Complete instructions are handed out during classes. This will allow you to create additional pieces after class.

Materials Students Need to Purchase Separately:

• 16 inch string of pearls
• Gudebrod silk thread size ‘D’ or a card of Griffin silk thread size 3
• Thread Heaven
• Collapsible eye needle (not needed if using the card; needle is already attached)
• Medium French wire
• Clasp
• G-S Hypo Cement
• Knotting tweezers

Tips:

1. When choosing pearls, make sure your thread will go through the holes. If your holes are too small pick a smaller size thread. Thread should be small enough to go through the hole but not too small; the knot needs to be bigger than the hole. Freshwater or glass pearls both work well with this project.

2. Match the color of your thread with the pearls. The knots should not be noticeable.

3. It is better to get a fancy clasp when using pearls. It makes the necklace classier.

Back to Top

Basic Beading 108: Tear Drop Strand Necklace

Materials Students Need to Purchase Separately:

One clasp (6 mm)
2 teardrop shaped crystal beads (approx. 18mm long)
4 crystal beads (6 mm)
16-18 beads in various shapes (round, square, oval, etc.), in matching colors but are not exactly the same, (8mm to 15mm in length)
3 beads with large holes
2 strands of size 11/0 seed beads
One spool of Nylon Coated Wire (.014” - .016”), or Softflex Wire (Fine)
5 sterling silver tube crimps
2 sterling silver 24 gauge 2.5” headpins
2 sterling silver jump rings (6mm)

Back to Top

Basic Beading 109 – Crystal and Silver Flower Bracelet

Materials Students Need to Purchase

• One spool of nylon coated wire (.015”)
• One clasp (6-8mm)
• One 6mm sterling silver jump ring
• 2 sterling silver clam-style crimp covers
• 52 4mm bicone crystal beads in your choice of color
• 63 sterling silver 2mm round beads
• 30 sterling silver 2mm tube crimp beads

Note: If you have a hard time seeing or handling tiny beads you may want to make a larger version of the bracelet. If so, INSTEAD OF THE LAST THREE ITEMS ON THE LIST you will need the following -
• 2 crimp beads
• 36 6mm bicone crystal beads in your choice of color
• 43 3mm silver round beads
• 20 3mm silver tube beads (3mm tube seed beads will work also)

Back to Top

Beading 110
Watch Band Class

Materials Students Need to Purchase For a 7-1/2” to 8” Band:

• Watch Face
• 40 3mm Sterling Silver Corrugated Balls
• 1 pk 4.6mm Sterling Silver Rombo Beads
• 8mm Czech Glass Beads
• 4mm Czech Glass Beads
• 1 pk 8mm Sterling Silver Beads
• Crimp Beads
• 3mm Crimp Covers
• Sterling Silver 2 ring Clasp
• .014 -.015  Nylon Coated Wire
• Crimp Pliers
• Bead Stoppers

Back to Top

Beading 111
Peyote Link Shell Necklace

Materials you need to purchase before the class:
• 2 tubes size 11 Japanese seed beads or Delicas. Suggested color: metallic brown
• 1X tube 22gm size 11 Japanese seed beads or Delicas. Suggested color: gold
• 10 – 12X 1½ x 1½” square donut shell beads Suggested color: brown
• 1 reel white Nymo thread size B or D
• Fine beading needle
• Small Bamboo skewer
• G – S Hypo Cement
• Scissors
• Tape Measure

Materials that we will provide for you:
• Bead boards

Suggestions for selecting your materials:
1. The amount of beads that you need is dependant upon the length you would like the necklace to be.
2. Bamboo skewers can be found at any supermarket such as VONS or Albertsons
3. Tape measures can be found at WalMart

Back to Top

Beading 112–
Swarovski Jump Ring Pendant and Earring Set

Materials you need to purchase before the class:
• 15 round Swarovski Crystals (6 mm)
• 15 12mm open jump rings (closed is ok if open is not available)
• 24 open jump rings 20 gauge (5 mm)
• 16 to 18-in chain
• 1 pair of lever back or French ear wires
• 1 small clasp
• 1 small bail or 1 extra 5mm jump ring

Materials that we will provide for you

• Tools
• Bead boards

Suggestions for picking your materials:

1. When you pick a chain keep it simple. If the chain is ornate it will detract from the beauty of the pendant.
2. Keep the clasp small. If it is too big the weight will pull the chain down your back.
3. When you pick your crystals, depending on taste, choose a color that will stand out. Clear crystals will simply “disappear” against anything you wear unless they have an AB finish (Aurora Borealis).
4. IMPORTANT: When choosing 12mm jump rings in the 18 gauge size, choose crystals with bigger holes such as the round 6mm or even switching to fire polished Czech beads. The 18gauge will not go through the Bicone hole.


Back to Top

Basic Beading 113 - Pearl and Crystal

Materials list:

Back to Top

Beading 116

This exciting class will take you to another level of inspiration where bead weaving and wire working are combined. Instructor Athena Gowton will help you along as you spiral your way to another stunning piece of art.
Recommended prerequisites for this class are Beading 103 and Wire Working 101.

Complete instructions are handed out during classes. This will allow you to create additional pieces after class. (Class is equipped with Daylight Lamps and magnifiers for your comfort)

Materials you will need to purchase before the class:

• Size 11  Japanese seed beads, 1 tube each of two or three colors
• Fine beading needle
• Nymo thread size B or D
• Memory wire bracelet size
• 3inch medium link plain chain
• 1 toggle
• About 20-25 head pins 2-in long
• A few crystals or glass beads and pearls of various sizes & colors
• Bead caps (optional)
• G-S Hypo Cement
• Thread Heaven

Materials that we will provide for you:

• Tools (wire cutter, round nose pliers, chain nose pliers)
• Bead board

Materials that you’ll have to get:

• A small bamboo skewer or a thin knitting needle (available in many grocery stores)

Suggestions for selecting your materials:

1. When picking your crystals and pearls keep them as close to the colors of the seed bead as you can. Be careful not to pick them too large because the weight may cause tension on the chain and cause it to pull apart. I would go no larger than 8mm but have mostly 4-6mm.
2. When picking your bead caps make sure they are small enough to fit comfortably over your beads. Too large and they may “stick out” and either cause discomfort or even catch on your clothing.

Back to Top

Wire Working 101: Intro to Wire Working

For the earrings:

• Head pins
• 2 feet of 22 gauge round half-hard silver wire
• 2 sets of ear wires
• Beads of your choice

For the clasp:

• 1 foot of 16 gauge round soft silver wire
• Optional but recommended: spool of 22 gauge copper wire for practice

We will provide:

• Cutters
• Pliers
• Chasing hammer and anvil
• Bead mats

Back to Top

Wire Working 106:
Crystal Wrapped Hoop Earrings

• 1 ½ ft SS half hard wire 20g
• 4ft SS half hard wire 26g
• 26 4mm Bicone Swarovski crystals
• 6-in SS beading chain
• 2 6mm Swarovski crystal cubes
• 2 medium SS crimp ends
• 2 SS ear wires
• Thing-A-Ma-Jig

Materials we will provide:

• Tools
• Wire straightening pliers
• Beading boards

Tips:
Use different color crystals for a more dramatic effect. Make sure the colors compliment each other.

Back to Top

Wire Working 107: Coiled Wire Necklace

Materials you need to purchase before the class:

• 12-22 4-6mm Swarovski Crystals
• 5ft 16-gauge copper wire or 18-gauge soft round sterling sliver wire
• 3ft 24-gauge copper of half hard round sterling silver wire
• 6ft 26-gauge copper or half round half hard sterling silver wire
• Coiling Gismo or a knitting needle
• Thing-A-Ma-Jig
• Straight ruler
• Felt tip pen

Materials we will be providing:

• Bead boards
• Tools (Wire cutter, round nose pliers, chain nose pliers)
• Anvil
• Hammer

Tips:

1. When choosing crystals, have them compliment the color of your wire.

Back to Top

Wire Working 108:
Crystal Links Set

Materials you will need to buy:

• 5ft 20 gauge half hard SS wire
• 38 4mm Swarovski Round crystals
• 38 6mm 20g open jump rings
• 2 Ear wire

Materials we will provide:..

• Tools
• Bead boards

Tips:

Choose crystals in blending colors. This gives the set a classy look

Back to Top

Wire Working 110 -Memory Wire Necklace & Bracelet

Back to Top

Wire Working 111 –Crystal Lanterns Chained Necklace

Instructor: Kim Yang

Materials:

• (14) 4mm or 5mm bicone Swarovski (makes (1) bead. (112 bicone makes 8 beads)
• FireLine 8lb
• 5ft 24-gage Sterling Silver wire (half-hard or dead-soft)
• Chain (determine the length of necklace desired)
• 3mm SS daisy spacers
• 4mm Swarovski roundels (optional)
• 18 – 8mm Swarovski crystals (optional)
• Pendant (optional)
• Toggle or Lobster claw
• (2) SS crimps, crimp covers, and wire guards (French wire can be used instead of wire guards)
• (2) Earring wires

Tools:

Scissors
Cutters
Round Nose Pliers
Needle Nose Pliers
Crimper

Back to Top

Wire Working 117:
Egyptian Coil Link Chain

Materials you will need to buy:

Materials we will be providing:

Tips:

Back to Top

Back to Top

Back to Top

Back to Top

Back to Top

Back to Top

Back to Top

Wire Working 118

Materials you will need to buy:

Back to Top

Wire Working 119

Prerequisites

Beading 101 and Wire Working 101

Materials:
One strand of 6mm beads in your choice of stone
6 beads - 3mm in gold, silver or copper; round, corrugated or filigree

4 beads – 5 or 6 mm in gold, silver, or copper; round, corrugated, or filigree.
Crimp beads
Crimp covers
Clasp – your choice of type
Jump ring or closed ring if you need it for the clasp
Beading wire - .018 diameter
20 gauge wire in gold, silver or copper
Coiling gismo

Tools:
Chain nose pliers
Flush cutters
Round nose pliers
Wire Straighteners

Back to Top

Wire Working 120: Cosmic Flower Ring

Materials:

Tools:
Chain nose pliers
Flush cutters
Round nose pliers
Wire Straightener

Back to Top

Wire Working 121: Wire Wrapped Pendant

Materials:

• 3 feet 18g soft SS wire
• 2 feet 24g half hard SS wire
• 1 large cabochon
• Masking tape
• Tape measure

Tools:
Chain nose pliers
Flush cutters
Round nose pliers
Wire Straightener

Back to Top

Wire Working 122:Personalized Pendants

These days personalized pendants are all the rage! Having your initial hanging round your neck or perhaps as a bracelet charm is a great way to express yourself. They are also great for gifts!
Join instructor Athena Gowton in this fun and easy class as she shows you how to form the letter of your choice from sterling silver wire and Swarovski Crystals.

Complete instructions are handed out during classes. This will allow you to create additional pieces after class.

Materials:

• 7 feet 18g soft sterling silver wire
• 26 Rondelle Swarovski Crystals

We will Provide:
Tools ( Wire cutter, chain nose pliers, round nose pliers, bent nose pliers, flat nose pliers)
Anvil
Hammer
Tape Measure

Back to Top