Backroom Classes
Take your beading to the next level in our new backroom. We offer a bunch of really fun classes that are will expose you to professional beading and bead-making tools in the safety of our shop. Check out the backroom store tour to see our set-up, then check out the classes below. Call us at 530/894-2323 today to sign up for one one of these great classes!
note: click on the thumbnail pictures to open a new window with a larger picture in it!.
Backroom Shop Cards!
String Bead Backroom shop time is priced per hour with a one hour minimum. Pre-paid shop cards are offered for maximum savings! These cards will allow you to come in and use our shop at times that are convenient to you during store hours. For more information inquire at String Bead. Shop prices are as follows:
- $12.00 per hour with 1 hour minimum
- $25.00 for 3 hours = $8.33 per hour
- $50.00 for 7 hours = $7.15 per hour
- $100.00 for 15 hours = $6.67 per hour
- $200.00 for 40 hours = $5.00 per hour
- Kiln rental $25.00 per firing
Safety First! -- $15.00 Materials not necessary
Safety classes start 1 hour before all beginning, scheduled, backroom classes and you will receive $5.00 off if you sign up in conjunction with a beginning class. Or if you have 45 minutes to spare, we can have the Safety Class at your convenience for the regular price. Every shop is different, and every instructor has different shop etiquette. That can get confusing and dangerous. It helps if everyone is on the same page as far as the do's and don'ts of the String Bead Backroom Shop. If you're wondering "does that mean me?" YES. Everyone, from the oldest most experienced jeweler, to the newest, never picked-up-a-tool, beginner. We are really excited to be able to make this shop available to you and therefore hope that you will respect us by following the rules in order that we may make it a safe and pleasant environment for all. This class is about just that. How to safely handle the tools we are providing so that we can continue to share them for many years to come. We are keeping the cost of this class to a minimum. We understand that many of you have vast experience and will appreciate your input during these classes. We are looking forward to many masterpieces coming out of the backroom and hope the experience will be a pleasure for all. If you have any questions feel free to call.
Hand and Power Tools -- $25.00 ($35.00 with safety class) Materials not included
Beginners belong here! Advanced jewelry fabricators could probably use a refresher! Why do saws bind? Did you know a file only works in one direction? How do you shape a ring or bracelet? And don't forget about power tools! We'll acquaint you with the different power tools we have at our shop. How to avoid classic blunders and the proper use of tools like: buffers, drill press, and the flex shaft, plus all the bits, wheels, and other components you'll need. We tell you about a lot of tools in this class but it doesn't do any good unless you practice, practice, practice! This class is highly recommended for the serious jeweler.
- Saturday, August 30th 1-4pm
- Thursday, October 23rd 6-9pm
Beginning Soldering -- $35.00 ($45.00 with safety class) Materials included
This is the in-depth class that will equip you for using the soldering torches at String Bead. This is again a case of everyone being on the same page. Besides learning the fundamental procedures of soldering you will learn how we are coordinating the soldering stations so that everyone will get the most for their money. We will be making a simple linked project that will cover the basics of soldering, taking you all the way through preparing your metals, which solders to use and why, and how to finish it. After this class you can get as creative as you like. We hope it will be the gateway to many hours of shop time camaraderie.
- Thursday, September 4th 6-9pm
- Thursday, September 25th 6-9pm
- Saturday, October 18th 1-4pm
- Thursday, October 30th 6-9pm
- Saturday, November 1st 1-4pm
- Thursday, November 13th 6-9pm
- Saturday, November 24th 1-4pm
- Saturday, December 6th 1-4pm
Intermediate Soldering -- $35.00 Materials not included
Beginning Soldering Prerequisite
This class will teach you more advanced soldering techniques, including: More than one metal - More than one trip to the torch - More than one kind of solder - A quick trip to the drill - A soldered link - And then a recap of finishing techniques. Then you are ready for the advanced classes!
- Saturday, September 20th 1-4pm
- Saturday, October 25th 1-4pm
- Saturday, November 8th 1-4pm
- Thursday, December 4th 6-9pm
Filigree Soldering -- $35.00 Materials not included
Beginning soldering Prerequisite
Filigree is a more advanced soldering challenge because it involves multiple soldering steps. Out of bent and twisted wire you will assemble, and solder, a lovely, intricate, pattern that can be enhanced with a bead and worn as earrings or a pendant.
- Saturday, October 4th 2-5pm
- Saturday, November 15th 10-1pm
Clasps & Bails -- $35.00 Materials not included
Beginning soldering Prerequisite
This class is for making anything from toggles to bails to even head pins. You'll learn tricks and tips to decorating them as well to make your pieces as fancy or classic as you want. A great way to become more efficient at soldering.
- Thursday, September 11th 6-9pm
- Saturday, November 15th 1-4pm
Stone Setting -- $65.00 Materials not included
Beginning and Intermediate soldering are Prerequisite
Also highly recommended is Hand/Power Tools, as well as Open Work, so that you will have knowledge in using saws and flex shafts. It is also recommended that you spend five hours of torch time to get you really acquainted with the torches. This is an advanced class and in order to keep up we really encourage the recommendations so that there are no frustrations later.
- Saturday, September 27th 1-5pm
- Saturday, December 13th 1-5pm
Open Work -- $35.00 ($45.00 with safety class) Materials not included
In this class you will learn extensive sawing techniques. Learn how to do detailed images and patterns in the center of your projects. Find out how to pivot your saw, go around curves and much, much more.
- Saturday, September 6th 1-4pm
- Thursday, October 16th 6-9pm
Riveting -- $35.00 ($45.00 with safety class) Materials not included (Kits available)
This is an introduction to joining metal without having to solder, which is revolutionary for all of us that don't like the torch! Sheets of metal can be riveted, laced, or folded together so that they remain firmly connected. These various methods of joining, also lend a beautiful design element to a piece.
- Saturday, September 13th 1-4pm
- Saturday, October 4th 1-4pm
Intro. To P.M.C. -- $35.00 ($45.00 with safety class) Materials not included
This is a basic class to get you familiar with the medium and the tools. Learn how to make pendants or earring pieces using this unique clay. Find out different ways of firing the projects as well as polishing and cleaning them up. If you find you like this material we have more advanced classes!
- Saturday, September 6th 10-1pm
- Saturday, October 4th 10-1pm
- Thursday, November 6th 6-9pm
- Saturday, November 22nd 1-4pm
Intro. To Casting -- $65.00 ($75.00 with safety class) Materials not included
This class is an introduction to Lost Wax Casting. The whole process will be discussed, along with visuals, from start to finish. You'll explore the amazing range of possibilities for creating jewelry or sculpture in various types of waxes. Then you'll begin modeling your very first piece out of sheet wax, and then onto some soft wax. These pieces will then be cast by the instructor. You'll receive a voucher to return the following week to pick up you cast piece and be able to finish it in the shop.
- Thursday, September 18th 6-10pm
- Saturday, November 22nd 1-5pm
Hard Wax Carving -- $35.00 Materials not included
In this casting class we will explore the exciting potential of carving hard wax. Learn tooling and technique. Experiment with different waxes. This is a medium suited for exact, crisp forms that can be achieved using files, saws, gravers, scribes, burs and more. The casting fees are not included in this class.
- Thursday, October 9th 6-9pm
Electro-Forming -- $45.00 ($55.00 with safety class) (Kits available)
This is a very fun and simple process where you can coat an object with a metallic shell by submerging it into an electrolytic plating bath. It can be used to coat natural objects such as leaves, twigs, or to form bezels around stones. You can even make a wax model, coat it with copper, and turn it into a rigid metal object. With proper instruction, the process is safe and simple. Come and give your favorite small object the ‘Midas touch'.
- Thursday, September 25th 6-9pm
- Saturday, November 8th 1-4pm
P.M.C. Beads & Vessels -- $35.00 Materials not included
Intro. To P.M.C. Prerequisite
This class is for adventuring into different forms of P.M.C. You will learn how to use slip in combination with cork, as well as how to decorate with the syringe. There is also a different technique to cleaning these pieces that we will show you.
- Saturday, September 27th 10-1pm
Beginning Glass Bead Making -- $150.00 Materials included (safety class included)
This class will get you heading in the right direction, and sets a good foundation for a long career in Glass Bead Making. In-depth safety and technique are stressed in this class. The do's and don'ts of Sting Bead's Backroom glass stations are covered. And the skills you'll need to make different shaped beads are tried. Different tools are presented and a basic knowledge of glass and how it applies to beads are all covered.
- Saturday, September 6th 10-5pm
- Saturday, November 29th 10-5pm
Advanced Glass Bead Making -- $75.00 Materials included
Beginning Glass Bead Making Prerequisite
Come and learn from one of the best. For 15 years Kari and Robert Madera have been making glass beads. Kari has had her work on the covers of, and has published articles in, multiple magazines. Kari will be teaching: encasing, basic flowers, and various canes. This class is a must for the serious bead maker. An opportunity that we here at String Bead haven't even gotten to take advantage of!!!
- Saturday, October 25th 1-4pm
Glass Fusing -- $65.00 (75.00 with safety class) Materials not included (kits available)
Make a basic fused glass pendant while learning the techniques of this popular medium. Learn the proper tools to use, thicknesses of glass to use, also cutting, grinding, and preparing the glass. Talk about kilns and temperatures and so much more! This is a fast growing favorite in the bead world!
- Saturday, September 13th 1-4pm
- Saturday, October 18th 1-4pm
- Saturday, November 15th 1-4pm
- Saturday, December 13th 1-4pm
P.M.C. Rings -- $35.00 Materials not included
Intro. To P.M.C. Prerequisite
Did you know P.M.C. shrinks? Do you know how much? This is a class that will teach you the math involved with P.M.C. in order to figure out how to make your rings turn out the correct size! Learn how to set a CZ and decorate your ring without distorting it. Janette has all the tricks of the trade for this class!
- Saturday, October 11th 10-1pm
*Due to the fact that our Guest Artisits must travel and prepare in advance there will be NO refunds or Class Credits given for missed or canceled classes. You may send someone in place of you ONLY.
*PLEASE NO PERFUME ON CLASS DAYS!!