Did you ever want to learn how to make your own jewelry? We have made it easy to get beading instructions. Each jewelry class has a kit with all the beading supplies that you need to complete your beading project, and clear, detailed instructions with pictures.
We are the Beadtrotters, four experienced beaders who love teaching beading, polymer clay, wirework, and chain maille. We can bring our jewelry, kits and classes to you! You can sponsor a trunk show or private classes, or throw a beading party for your friends.
The class description tells you what skills and tools you will need to bring. Each kit has complete materials and illustrated instructions. You will need to bring your own tools and a fuzzy mat to work on. A task lamp and beading glasses are often very helpful. In some classes, the teacher will have specialty tools that you can use while you are in class. We want all students to be successful, so come prepared with the “right stuff”.
If you love a certain class, but the timing isn't right, you can sponsor a private class for three or more people at your location.
If you love a certain class, but don't have the right skills yet, we would be happy to schedule private instruction for one to three people for an hourly fee of $30 for the group. This allows you to go at your own pace while getting the individual attention you need. Please contact the kit designer for details.
We will bring a party to you! Get together with your team, celebrate a birthday, or just laugh and talk with your friends while you make jewelry. We will bring the tools, beads and findings, you supply the guests and snacks. You can choose one of our special party kits, or design your own bracelet and dangle earrings. We bring sterling silver french hooks and our special “Beadtrotters Blend” of bead mixes for your designing pleasure.
Email us for more information.
Schedule A Home Class
Teacher: Paulette Biedenbender
Class Length: 3 hours
Class Size: 3-8 students
Level: Beginner to Expert (Age 16+)
Using Czech crystals and seed beads, construct a line of little “rosettes” to make a lightweight bracelet. Some experience with bead stitching is helpful. However, don't hesitate to take the class, since this is also a great way to get into bead stitching without knowing any specific stitch. Depending on the speed of your stitching abilities, the bracelet could be finished in class. If not, you will have written instructions in the kit.
Kit includes an ample supply of color coordinated beads to make up to an 8-inch bracelet, beading needle and instructions.
Schedule a Home Class!
Teacher: Paulette Biedenbender
Class Length: 2 hours
Class Size: 3-8 students
Level: Beginner to Expert (Age 16+)
Unlike some ornaments with lacy beaded netting secured around them, this lacy netting of beads and gently swaying beaded dangles can be taken off to adorn another ornament should it break. This design makes an otherwise plain ornament into a work of art.
Kit includes an ample supply of color coordinated beads to make up to an 8-inch bracelet, beading needle and instructions.
Schedule a Home Class!
Teacher: Sue Stachelski
Class Length: 3 hours
Class Size: 3-8 students
Level: All Levels (Age 16+)
Add some elegance to your wrist with this glittery little number made with Swarovski crystals and beads. This class is an excellent first needle-weaving project, as well as satisfying for the experienced beader.
All beads, findings, thread and needle to make one bracelet. Offered in three color combinations; topaz, blue, and multi-color. Choose your kit upon registration. Additional kits will be available for purchase at time of class.
Schedule a Home Class!
Teacher: Judy Menting
Class Length: 3 hours
Class Size: 3-8 students
Level: Intermediate (Age 16+)
You will make a beautiful little angel that you can wear as a pendant on a chain or a pin. You will use peyote stitch to make a V-shape, decorate the edges to make her wings and skirt, then fold and stitch to complete the angel face and halo of this lovely angel pendant. The beaded bail along her back is big enough for any necklace, silk strand or a heavy pin.
You will be most sucessful in this class if you already know peyote stitch or are an experienced stitcher. You will learn to use peyote stitch to make a Russian Leaf shape, then fold it into an angel.If you are a fast stitcher, you will be able to complete this in class. Otherwise, you will leave class with the skills and information to complete it at home.
Kit includes Delicas, size 13/0 charlottes, KO thread, bead needle, lg bead for angel face, a silk strand for hanging your angel, and illustrated instructions.
Pick your color when you get to class.
Schedule a Home Class!
Teacher: Paulette Biedenbender
Class Length: 3 hours
Class Size: 3-8 students
Level: Advanced Beginner to Expert (Age 16+)
Rows of Swarovski crystal pearls accented with crystal chaton montees are the ingredients for this bracelet, which is beautiful for a bride, glamorous for a special evening, or maybe you just want to wear something flashy, because you’re you!
All beads, findings, thread and needle to make one bracelet, and illustrated instructions. Offered in three color combinations; off-white, deep navy blue, or peachy pink. Choose your kit upon registration. Other kits will be available for purchase at time of class.
Schedule a Home Class!
Teacher: Sue Stachelski
Class Length: 3 hours
Class Size: 3-8 students
Level: All Levels (Age 16+)
Type your color choice (light gold, blue, amethyst)
in the comment box on the shopping cart.
Learn to do the flat spiral stitch by making this stunning bracelet using Swarovski crystals, pearls, and seed beads. Use your imagination for future combinations of beads for another look.
All supplies for one bracelet, and illustrated instructions. The bracelet is offered in 3 color combinations: light gold, blue, and amethyst. Choose your kit color when you register. The instructor will have additional kits available for purchase.
This bracelet reminds me so much of summer due to the use of shell charms for embellishment. The color of the shell and the copper rings of the bracelet make for a fun and beautful match. You will learn the basic techniques required to make Chain Maille with focus on how to use the tools, open and close jumprings, and to embellish using charms. You will make a 3-in-2 chain bracelet custom fit to you or as a gift. The project will be completed in class.
Copper jumprings, shell charms for embellishment, copper toggle clasp, and illustrated instructions.
The Byzantine maille form has been around for centuries. It's beauty continues to be very popular and used for necklaces, bracelets and earrings. This versatile weave is considered a beginning weave. You will learn the basics of how to work with multiple jump rings and multiple pliers, which will allow you to perform a basic speed weave. Many design possibilities will be available to you after mastering this weave including the use of different size rings, different materials and the introduction of color into your work.
Jump rings, toggle clasp and illustrated instructions. Additional kits including material and color variations will be available from the instructor.
European 4-in-1 maille originated as a form of armor centuries ago. It has evolved into a very popular pattern for jewelry artists. It's beauty continues to be very popular and used for necklaces and bracelets. European 4in1 is very flexible and almost feels like fabric. It is a beautiful weave without any adornment but lends itself well to surface embellishment as well. This weave is considered a beginning weave. You will learn the basics of how to work with multiple jump rings and multiple pliers, which will allow you to perform a basic speed weave. Many design possibilities will be available to you after mastering this weave including the use of different size rings, different materials and the introduction of color into your work.
Jump rings, toggle clasp and illustrated instructions Additional kits including material and color variations will be available from the instructor.
Home Classes: AvailableLearn a tight weave known as the dragon scale by utilizing jump rings of two sizes. This beautifully nested pattern is not only striking, but it's one of those weaves, that not only feels good in your hands, it feels good wrapped around your wrist. This project will not be completed in class, but you will know the technique well enough to finish it at home.
Jump rings, S-clasp, and illustrated instructions.
Learn some basics of working with polymer clay with focus on the basic tools used, how to make a two color Skinner blend, layering to frame a focal piece, stamping on clay, and how to attach a bail. The focal pendant has a multi-colored background with a stamped image. Project will be completed in class.
Kato polymer clay, tile work surface, baking tile, acrylic roller, cutting blade and bail.
Learn to combine standard and liquid polymer clay to make faux lampwork beads. Because these beads are so easy (and fun) to make, you'll always have the right focal bead to complement any project. You will complete three beads in class.
Kato polymer and liquid clay, tile work surface, baking tile, acrylic rod, bamboo skewer, piercing needle, paint brush, and illustrated instructions.
This bracelet consists of beads, coils of wire, and jump rings embellished with dangles. Learn to make the simple loops for the dangles, jump rings, and coil wire to make bracelet components. String the components all together for a fun bracelet.
Practice wire and all supplies for one bracelet, and illustrated instructions. Choose copper or silver tone when you register. Beads will vary. The instructor will have additional kits available for purchase.
Make a freeform cuff with copper wire and beads. This is good for beaders who are intimidated by wire. You can't make design mistakes because you make it up as you go along!! This is a simple wire rectangle of thicker wire, secured with thinner wire and wrapped with beads in a freeform manner. Once you get the beads secured to the thicker wire, you shape it into a cuff, and make a simple hook clasp to keep it closed. You will learn how wire responds to your attempts to wrap it and manipulate it. Don't be afraid of it –it is lumpy, bumpy and handcrafted, just like people.
16 gauge &24 gauge copper wire and assorted porcelain and glass beads to decorate it with, and illustrated instructions.
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Make a pair of earrings for every day of the week. This is a great class to learn wrapped loops, the most secure kind of connection. You will use assorted beads and chain to make seven pairs of earrings: long and short, with and without chain, single and multiple drop styles. This class is for adults only, ages 16+.
Base metal earwires, headpins, assorted beads and chain to make seven pair of earrings, and illustrated instructions. If you have sensitive ears, the instructor will have sterling silver earwires available for purchase in class.
This class is adults only. If your young beader wants to make earrings also, sign up for
J004K: Mom & Me Earring Extravaganza.
Have fun making a casual bracelet and earrings from hardware store supplies! Texture copper washers, coil and cut wire into jump rings, and shape your own clasp.
Practice wire and all supplies for one bracelet, earring wires, 2 beads, and illustrated instructions. The instructor will have additional kits available for purchase.
Chasing hammer, bench block, chain nose pliers, flush cutter, task lamp, and magnifiers if needed. Be sure that your pliers are smooth inside; if they have ridges, you will put marks on your metal! The instructor will have a metal punches available for class use.
Younger beaders, ages 8 and up, who love earrings will enjoy this class. This class is designed for an adult and child to make earrings together. Each team will share assorted beads and chain to make seven pair of earrings: long and short, with and without chain, single and multiple drop styles.
Sterling silver earwires, headpins, assorted beads and chain to make seven pair of earrings, and illustrated instructions. Multiple color choices will be available in class. Choose between pearl, crystal, gemstone, glass, or mixed media kits when you get to class. Remember, each kit makes seven pair of earrings, for the team to share.
Chain necklaces, bracelets and earrings are the latest in fashion. Make a combination wire and chain necklace and matching earrings. In the process you'll learn the basics of wire wrapping. Before jumping in and using good wire, you'll practice with scrap wire
Silver chain and wire, beads and findings to make necklace and earrings, and illustrated instructions. Kit colors will vary. Additional kits will be sold at class.
Have fun making a casual necklace and earrings from hardware store supplies! Texture copper washers, fill with resin and beads, and coil and cut wire into jump rings. You will even make your own earring wires.
Practice wire and all supplies for one necklace and earrings, beads for embellishment, and illustrated instructions. The instructor will have additional kits available for purchase. Resin will be supplied by the instructor.
Chasing hammer, bench block, chain nose pliers, flush cutter, beading mat, and task lamp. Be sure that your pliers are smooth inside; if they have ridges, you will put marks on your wire. The instructor will have metal punches available for class use.
Make four pair of earring dangles, using different techniques, that can be interchanged on one pair of earring wires. Once you have the skills, you'll be able to design more for your collection.
Supplies for earring dangles, one pair of handmade interchangeable earring wires, and illustrated instructions. Kit colors will vary. Choose your kit when you arrive for class. Additional kits and earring wires will be available for purchase.
Have fun making a casual bracelet from hardware store supplies and ceramic beads! Learn to make your own clasp and bracelet components using simple wire loops, linking them together with pizzazz.
Practice wire and all supplies for one bracelet, including ceramic beads, embellishments, and illustrated instructions. Ceramic bead styles and colors will vary.
Make a necklace that not only looks beautiful, but tells about the seven days of creation using handcrafted beads signifying each day 's events. Learn wrapped loops to connect chain for an over-your-head style necklace. The beads are created by the women of Kazahkstan and Tibet, or the women of Kenya, using traditional patterns. Perfect for people who like beautiful beads and God's stories. The kit comes with a set of laminated cards telling the Creation Story, and tidbits about the artisans who created the beads.
Copper chain and wire, artist beads, and Swarovski crystals to make one necklace, and illustrated instructions. Beads vary to match the theme. Copper or silver tone chain are available.
Learn all the basics of bead stringing, beading terminology, the various components used in bead stringing, design and color ideas, and step-by-step techniques to make plain and wrapped loops for earring construction.
All necessary beads and findings to make a necklace, bracelet, and earrings.
Now that you've mastered basic stringing, learn how to finish a multi-strand bracelet, using a bead cone, and attaching a clasp. This particular bracelet is created by using seed beads in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes to give you a very supple bracelet.
All necessary beads and findings to make one bracelet, and illustrated instructions. A select variety of kit colors will be available.
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