Our incredible classes have something for everyone: off-loom beading, wire-work, bead embroidery, metalwork and unique bead stringing projects. Our instructors teach all over the world, including at the biggest beading events in the country. Our cruise focuses on quality classes with innovative designers!
Please read carefully:
One full-day class and one 1/2 day workshop are included in the Bead Cruise Registration. Classes are held at the same time, so you may only choose one for each category.
Optional kits available, kit prices are subject to change. Kits are purchased directly from instructors. Supply lists and purchasing information will be sent out in January 2012.
Bonus Classes - Our instructors are offering an bonus class during the last day at sea. You can purchase an extra class for $55.00. Classes are held at the same time, so one per participant. You must be registered as a Bead Cruise Participant to sign-up for the optional class.
Skill levels:
Intermediate - means you have taken other classes to learn the technique or have completed several projects on your own using the required technique.
Advanced Beginner, experience with seed beads required - this means you know how to use a needle and thread to do basic beading stitches.
Beginner/All skill levels - Whether this is your first class or you've been making jewelry for years, you'll enjoy these classes.
Some projects are time-intensive and will not be finished during class. Students are given detailed instructions and taught the skills needed to complete a project.
*Click on the images for a larger view and to see design alternatives.
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Full Day Classes (6 hours)- Pick one
Wire working is one of the hottest techniques around in jewelry making today. At the heart of every bangle design is strong wire core and in this class, we'll explore the art of bangle creation! Students will have the opportunity to create 3 unique wire bangles, first with copper wire and then with sterling silver. We'll talk about designing wearable pieces that combine bold color and a fun sense of playability. Who better to learn from than the author of Totally Twisted: Innovative Wire Work + Art Glass Jewelry, Kerry Bogert. Each student will have a one-of-a-kind set of lampwork glass beads to use in their finished bangle designs, including a limited edition color combination for your class kit design specifically for Bead Cruise students. This class is going to be a BLAST!
Speciality tools needed: flush cutters, chasing hammer, nylon mallet, steel bench block, files.
A limited number of student grade tools will be available if you don't have one of these items.
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Become your own Queen of paradise with white sandy beaches and ocean breezes! Capture the Queen with peyote and netting stitches. Explore surface embellishment techniques to dress up this design.
This project will not be finished in class.
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Let’s collage! Come to this class and you can tell your own story using metal texturing, stamping, sawing and riveting techniques. Using these skills you will create a 3-D framed collage. Each one of these pieces turns out so unique! This is a great project for those with or without metal working experience.
Speciality tools needed: chasing hammer, block, household hammer, riveting hammer and 2 hole punch.
Tracy offers a $10 tool rental for her classes and has a limited selection of tools to share.
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Once you've learned to make these fascinating little Pitaya beaded beads, you'll never want to stop. Peyote increases and decreases form a self-supporting hollow bead, but you'll also see how you can use the technique to make bead caps too. They are set off by a glamorous necklace design that can be customized to fit your preferred length, as well as your choice of embellishment.
This project will not be finished in class.
__________________ Half Day Classes (3 hours)- Pick one
The art of creating intricately wrapped coil wire frames for beads is so much easier than it looks and you'll learn just how easy it is in this choose-your-own-adventure class. Students can create a pair a unique boldly colored earrings or a fantastic bracelet. This truly is a cross over technique that complements many jewelry mediums. Once you have added this technique to your repertory of skills, you'll be wanting to add frameworks to all your jewelry projects.
Speciality tools needed: flush cutters, chasing hammer, files.
A limited number of student grade tools will be available if you don't have one of these items
This project may not be finished during class, depending on your skill level.
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SOLD-OUT
Capture your favorite caribbean sunset with a peyote bezel surrounded by waves of sparkling crystals. Learn how to bead a chain with gold accents to complete this elegant design. You will never look at chain the same way again!
This project will not be finished during class.
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Calling all beach combers! Discover how to create faux glass pendants from shells, urchins, keys and more using resin. During this fun class we'll make flexible molds of found objects, learn how to work with 2-part resin, tips for adding colorant and other tricks to create these beach-inspired pieces.
A materials fee is required for this class, all supplies are provided by the instructor.
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In this class we will use metal texturing, stamping and riveting to create a fun band. Then attach a cluster of yummy pearls, crystals and beads to top it all off! This is a fun class for those students new to metal and wirework or those with experience. Students can choose to make either the bracelet or earrings during the class.
Speciality tools needed: chasing hammer, block, household hammer, riveting hammer and 2 hole punch.
Tracy offers a $10 tool rental for her classes and has a limited selection of tools to share.
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The magic of tiny crystals brings the look of fine jewelry to your wrist. Multiple techniques are combined in a bracelet anyone would treasure. Students will be planning their second bracelet before they are halfway through the first one. We will spend most of our time in class making the 3-dimensional square toggle clasp, and students will leave knowing how to finish their bracelet. __________________
Optional Classes (3 hours) - $55 Additonal
In this fast paced digital age and highly competitive market, beautiful photos are a must if you are looking to sell your jewelry. If you have been struggling with your digital camera, and just can't seem to achieve the images you are hoping for, then this is the class for you. Jewelry designing, bead making, book writing, photo-taking blogger, Kerry Bogert will share her knowledge of jewelry photography in a way that is fun and informative. She'll share with you how to set up an inexpensive photo booth in your home studio, give tips and tricks on taking unique shots that grab attention, talk about props and product styling, walk you through the various settings on your camera for getting the types of images you are looking for, and the class will finish with instruction on photo editing in both free and professional grade programs. It is time to stop taking photos on your kitchen counter! This is truly a must-take class for jewelers looking to take their digital presence to the next level.
Materials needed: Any style digital camera (helpful if it includes the flower icon) and your own jewelry.
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Create a Garden by the Sea bracelet with a Humblebead cuff bead surrounded by herringbone bone with surface embellishments. Herringbone and ladder stitches are used to create this stunning bracelet. Learn how to incorporate Art Beads in your designs.
This project will be not finished during class.
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Are you afraid of seed beads? If you can sew a button, you can create this eclectic bracelet! A row of art beads plays off a sundry of seed beads and accent in stones, crystals and glass in a simple fringe technique. Learn how to make your own wire clasp to finish of this artistic piece. We’ll discuss color and textural elements as we consider design choices to create a bracelet that uniquely yours.
This project may not be complete by the end of class, depending on your skill level.
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Come to class and make some fun charms that can remind you of our fun trip or something else meaning full in your life! These personalized charms go great on a charm bracelet or can be added to your beadwork pieces. A class for everyone that wants to have fun!
Speciality tools needed: chasing hammer, block and household hammer.
Tracy offers a $10 tool rental for her classes and has a limited selection of tools to share.
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Jill's most popular class, which has been selling out at bead shows across the country! You'll discover how to make a beautiful beaded rope with the Japanese braiding technique, Kumihimo. We'll use a simple foam loom, some fibers, and beads to recreate the look of bead crochet. Jill will show you many different variations and ways to use your new skills.
This class may not be completed in class, depending on your skill level.
