jewelry retreat Indulge yourself in the opportunity to learn to make your own jewelry! Classes and parties are available at different levels to help and encourage you to make gorgeous gemstone-packed, precious metal accessories. Level One classes introduce the tools and materials needed to begin making your own jewelry. Learn crimping and stringing to create bracelets, necklaces and beaded bangles. Fun, simple projects that can be completed in an hour or less! (90 minute class yields a necklace and bracelet or two and is $30 pp.) Level Two classes polish your stringing techniques and introduce wire wrapping. Projects can include double-strand bracelets, layered necklaces, charm bracelets and simple earrings. Create pieces that can be completed in about an hour. (90 minute class yields a necklace or bracelet and 2 pairs of earrings and is $35 pp.) Level Three classes will demonstrate and build on advanced wire wrapping techniques. Working more with round-nose pliers and heavier gauges of wire, learn to make chandelier earrings, beaded rings and beaded link necklaces. Projects will be more complex and can be finished at home if necessary. (90 minute class will allow you to start and probably finish a necklace or complete 2 pairs or earrings and a ring. This class is $40 pp.) Finishes and Findings. This class will teach the techniques that will allow you to completely customize your jewelry. Make headpins and earwires, learn decorative chainmaking with or without a jig, and create your own clasps. (90 minute class is geared entirely toward the host's interests and starts at $40 pp.) Meet in the comfort of your own home or ask about options to “escape.” Please inquire about larger groups and fundraisers.

fun for kids Watch as 8-12 kids learn to make fun, funky crafts from zipper pulls to princess wands to tribal amulets! Projects can be geared to either younger or older children and all parties are sure to include both boys and girls. Birthday parties start at $150 for 90 minutes and are $35 per additional half hour. The Cloud Forest Party introduces the idea that jewelry-making can have strong symbolism! Learn a creation story and see what beads can represent while we make a necklace that retells the story each time it is worn. Choose a totem animal and create a spirit amulet. Then, be inspired by the day and create a mask with paint, feathers, beads and more! The Magical Party for girls includes sparkly, beaded hair combs and a fairy necklace to hold secret wishes. Magic wands are a must — younger children will paint their wands and bead ribbons to tie on as dangly decorations while an older crowd will make a more detailed version with wire and ribbon. Wizards and warlocks welcome! Boys will make jeweled crowns, magical amulets and wands that would make even Mr. Potter jealous. The Art-Part Party will be a messy one! We will make homemade clay and shape beads. We’ll paint wooden beads of all sizes and shapes. Finally, we’ll use magazine clippings to roll paper tube beads. All projects will need to dry and strung at a later date. Be sure to dress for the mess! The Sporty Party honors you favorite team and teammates. Using colored beads, cords and findings we’ll begin by making zipper pulls — choose from a template or make your own. Then we’ll take plain white sneakers and deck them out with tattoo-style (flat-backed) crystals, letter beads, colored beads and fabric paints. Replace the laces with different color ribbons or decorate them with the names and numbers of your favorite players. Please be sure to remember to bring sneakers with you! A Scouting Outing is a great way to earn patches while you learn. Girl Scouts can create art to wear and Boy Scouts can work on totems and coup sticks. There are many ways to incorporate activities from beading or knotting to even making your own rope! Inquire with some of your troop’s ideas or ask about projects that can fit into your plans. Meet in the comfort of your own home or ask about options to “escape.” Please inquire about larger groups and fundraisers.