You missed it! Next class in Bracken - Spirals and Forks Rings - Jan 2 - Fri

Spirals and Forks Rings

Make 2 fully adjustable rings! One technique, two different results - one with piles of spirals and the other reminiscent of ancient fork rings, with many more styles possible. Learn to bind wire, make spirals, and forge with a hammer.

*Techniques utilized – forge and hammer wire, proper use of tools, oxidize metal.
*Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!

Jan 2 - Fri -- 12-3 or 6-9

Sign up online or go visit the ladies at And The Bead Goes On

Happy Merry Blessed Christmas to each and every one!

Perhaps some wonder why - I wish you enough - ?
Those who have been around email chains since forever probably recognize it. I spent some time tonight, wandering thru google, and found some interesting versions. I also found Bob Perkins, who says he's the original author, and says it was featured in Chicken Soup for the Grieving Soul. Spend some time wandering around his site.
Here is the pertinent part, and my wish for each of you - May you have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain you -

"I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much
bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."

My dear friends, I wish YOU enough...

Class Friday Dec 26 in Bracken

Join me on Friday to learn the Toodles Weave.

This is the weave which dear Denise Peck, editor of Step by Step Wire Jewelry, asked me to write for the magazine. This weave makes beautiful rings, as you can see above, and bezels for pendants, and bails like my Tree of Life, or use it in smaller bits for interesting detail and texture in the midst of other projects.

Learn the Weave, then go all out and make a bracelet ala Princess Leia Goes to the Beach -

Treat yourself! Come have a play with wire day!
Sign up now, online, at And The Bead Goes On Go to the calendar for December and scroll down.

Choose the daytime class - 12-3 - or the evening class - 6-9
Instruction for the Toodles Weave Adjustable Ring - $45 plus the wire.

A Tumbling experiment

Ooooo la la, so purty the wire looks! WWJ was having a discussion about tumbling and how it effects glass. So, I put all these babies into my Lortone, with one pound of stainless steel shot, a few flat glass marbles for bulk, no water or other extranious matterials.
They tumbled for about 4 hours last night.
The glass beads are all Czech glass and they came thru beautifully. No sign that they were busy all night.
The wire, OMGolly, it's beeeuuutifuuuullll! So smooth and shiny and sparkly.
Why don't I use my tumbler more often???
Oh ya, 'cause it's such a pitb to dig it out from it's little storage spot. Sometimes I reaaaalllly miss my workshop!

Ghost Kitty joins the blog

Awww, Ghost Kitty wanted to join the fun and be on the blog. (He's trying to make up for peeing on my bed. Again) Here he is in his favorite position - right in the middle of my work. Well, actually, he's polite enough this time to lay slightly off to the side.... He adores chewing on my copper wire.

His beloved puff balls! It's absolutely amazing to witness the life he can infuse into those balls, throwing them high in the air and batting them like baseballs. Rolling and tumbling, hopping and jumping.
Second best fun is wrestling those evil wicked rugs! Holey moley those claws are vicious!

How can I stay mad at such a cute lil' thang? Hmmmmmm.....
Need to go to the laundry and wash those bed clothes...
Again!
OK, I understand you don't want to go outside to the litter box when it's freezing cold and windy and rainy, so make Himself leave the litter box inside by peeing on His bedclothes!

Spirals and Forks Rings - - Class in Bracken - Jan 2 - Fri

Spirals and Forks Rings

Make 2 fully adjustable rings! One technique, two different results - one with piles of spirals and the other reminiscent of ancient fork rings, with many more styles possible. Learn to bind wire, make spirals, and forge with a hammer.

*Techniques utilized – forge and hammer wire, proper use of tools, oxidize metal.
*Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!

Jan 2 - Fri -- 12-3 or 6-9

Sign up online or go visit the ladies at And The Bead Goes On

Classic Cubed Cuff Bracelet - Class

Three hour class

Learn to make the basic wire cuff bracelet. In class we will be using cubed beads and heavy wire. After learning the technique, use round or bicone or many other shapes of beads, large or small, multiple rows of beads or no beads at all.
Join the class for tips, hints and samples of other possibilities.

*Techniques utilized – proper use of tools, oxidize metal.
*Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!

Sign up online or go visit the ladies at And The Bead Goes On

Canceled - Jellyroll Cuff Bracelet - Class in Bracken - Jan 23 - Fri

This class will be canceled, due to my being invited to teach at the Bead Jamboree bead show in Austin Fri, Sat and Sun. Details about That Adventure here.

Jellyroll Cuff Bracelet

A few beads and a bit of wire, viola! Your very own wearable art! Change the beads, change the look entirely! So very many bracelet possibilities. Positively stunning with Swarovski crystals!

*Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!

Jan - -- canceled

Sign up online or go visit the ladies at And The Bead Goes On

Hammered Heart Pendant - Class

Three hour class

Hammered Heart Pendant

Hearts and sparkles, won't you be mine? Hammer some copper, wrap some sterling for detail, make a few jumprings, dangle a whole assortment of sparklies, then turn a bit of wire and some cord into a necklace to show off your lovely new creation. This cute heart makes a great Mother gift - use birthstone colors for all the family. Done in red and white and clear, a perfect Valentine statement.

*Techniques utilized – forge and hammer wire, proper use of tools, oxidize metal, cage tiny beads.
*Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!

Sign up online or go visit the ladies at And The Bead Goes On

Butterfly Kisses Bracelet - Class in Bracken - Feb 13 - Fri

Butterfly Kisses Bracelet

Butterfly wings gently kissing your wrist. Choose your favorite color beads, add some copper wire and learn to bind and spiral wire, forge with a hammer and fashion a clasp.

*Techniques utilized – forge and hammer wire, proper use of tools, oxidize metal.
*Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!

Feb 13 - Fri -- 12-3 or 6-9

Sign up online or go visit the ladies at And The Bead Goes On

Border Wrap a Square Stone Pendant - Class in Bracken - Feb 18 - Wed

Border Wrap a Square Stone Pendant

The border wrap is a classic, ancient and most versatile setting for jewelry making, with unlimited possibilities from simple to extraordinarily ornate. Learn the Border Wrap concept with a Square so you can easily adapt the wrap to your favorite shaped stones.

*Techniques utilized – Learn to measure your stone, choose the appropriate placement for your bundle wires, bind several wires together to form a bezel to frame your stone, then set your muse free to embellish the details.
*Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!

Feb 18 - Wed - - 12-3 or 6-9

Sign up online or go visit the ladies at And The Bead Goes On

Clover Links with Green Dangles Bracelet - Class in Bracken - March 6 - Friday

Clover Links with Green Dangles Bracelet

Show off your Irish spirit wi' the wearin' o' the green and four leaf clovers.
The lovely little links make a wonderful base for a charm bracelet. Add lots of pretty dangles in your favorite colors.

*Techniques utilized – forge and hammer wire, proper use of tools, oxidize metal.
*Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!

March 6 - Fri - - 12-3 Only


Sign up here or go visit the ladies at And The Bead Goes On

Toodles Ring - Class

Toodles Ring

Three hours - 12-3 OR 6-9pm

Whimsical Hearts for Love or Spirals for the Cycles of Life.
Learn to weave wire in the Toodles Weave style with this cute Adjustable Ring. Choose the finish you like best.

*Techniques utilized – forge, weave, spiral and hammer wire, proper use of tools, oxidize metal.
*Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!

Sign up here or go visit the ladies at And The Bead Goes On

Cross Pendant - Class in Bracken - March 13 - Fri

Cross Pendant

The symbol of redemption through thousands of years. Learn to make a lovely free form cross embellished with a variety of sparkly beads woven with merry abandonment.

*Techniques utilized – forge and hammer wire, proper use of tools, oxidize metal.
*Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!

March 13 - Fri - 12-3 OR 6-9pm

Here is a larger version, 9" tall, which looks fabulous on a wall. Use your newly learned skills to make one for each of your friends.

Butterfly Kisses Bracelet - Class

Butterfly Kisses Bracelet
Beginners welcome, but some previous experience reduces frustration.

Butterfly wings gently kissing your wrist. Choose your favorite color beads, add some copper wire and learn to bind and spiral wire, forge with a hammer and fashion a clasp.

*Techniques utilized – forge and hammer wire, proper use of tools, oxidize metal.
*Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!

March 25 - Wed -- 12-3 or 6-9

Sign up here or go visit the ladies at And The Bead Goes On

Tree of Life Pendant - - Class

Tree of Life

Metaphor, mystical, symbolic - found in every ancient culture in one form or another. The roots reaching into the earth, into the underworld, the branches reaching high above, into the heavens.
Design your own special tree. Use tiny stone bits for a leafy tree, or fill the branches with your family birthstones. Learn the Toodles Weave making the bail.

*Techniques utilized – forge and hammer wire, proper use of tools, oxidize metal.
*Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!

March 18 - Wed -- 12-3 only. No night class, bead society duties demand my presence.

Sign up here or go visit the ladies at And The Bead Goes On

Fredericksburg Wire Classes and Magpie Trunk show! (revised 12-9)

Are You any where near Fredericksburg, Texas? Or will you be, on Friday Dec 12? Drop by J's Kreations at 215 W Main and say howdy! Shop a little and take a class. The first class starts at noon.

Szarka will be bringing her magnificent beads (maybe something from the Private Stash?) and other lovelies for a giant trunk show, and I'll be bending wire all day long.

I'll add more details and schedule in a bit, so bookmark this message and check back often, but here are some teasers -

We'll spend the day in one hour classes making links, all sorts of links. In class, we'll turn them into earrings, (Learn to make your own earwires!) and if you work fast, or later at home, you can make more and fashion them into lovely bracelets, anklets and necklaces. And more earrings!

In the evening, we'll play with either a Toodles Ring or Tree of Life, majority chooses, so sign up and have a voice!
[[[Update 12/3 - the Tree is winning! If you want to learn the Toodles Weave Ring, looks like you'll just have to travel to Pearland maybe, that jury is still out, or Bracken in Feb. The Bracken sched for next quarter is shaping up. Have a preference? Holler!]]

***************************************
UPDATE 12/9 - The timing of classes -

Starting at 12 - Flutterby/S-links
Next - 1 pm - String of Hearts
Then - 2 pm - Bead Cages and Clover Links
And then - 3 pm - String of Hearts
Finally - 4-6 - Tree of Life
The 1 hour class will be $25.00 includes materials.
The 2 hour class will be $35.00 includes materials.

-------------------------------------------

The Flutterbye and S-Links

Bead Cages and Clover Links

String of Hearts - How many can we fit into one hour?

Tree of Life

So, mark your calendar and come play with us!

-----------------------------------------------------------

Rejected classes. Y'all will just have to catch these another time, in Bracken Village perhaps....

Diamond Links and Danish Love Knots

A bonus link, thrown in where ever it will fit - Springs!

Heart Toodles Ring

Custom turquoise work and Magpie rocks

Dear Yolanda persisted and made me string. This luscious strand of AAA grade waxed Turquoise, from the Magpie, chose Yolanda and insisted on a simple treatment - 6 inches of sterling chain for maximum adjustability, Bali sterling cones for the ends and large hole Bali beads to disguise the crimps. It looked lovely with the black shirt she wore when picking up the finished necklace. Then she chose a pretty strand of dark carnelian to make me string again... Keep watch for upcoming photos, once the muse allows me to finish playing with it...

And then.....

While I had the stringing supplies out, I made up some fun little basic bracelets. I played with lovely turquoise nuggets and some really popping 10mm red tiger eye, and a variety of copper beads and some sterling vermeil, all from the Magpie. Those toggles are my handmade bars of 14 gauge wire and really cool 3/4" twisted rings from Magpie Gemstones. So easy to put on the wrist and so yummie!

Oh yummie! Here's Yolanda's carnelian necklace, with small clear vintage Swarovski crystals and lovely sterling bead caps. Simple but oh so lovely -

Jade Donut

A message to the unauthorized owner of my jade donut -
Do you believe in Karma? I do.
Bring it back. Or mail it. Save yourself.

Patrick's chunk of Mica

Patrick commissioned a wonderful, large piece of mica. Several hours and lots of copper later, this bold statement was born. It is 3 1/4 inches tall and 2 1/2 inches wide, with just a touch of Toodles for the bail.
Patrick believes in Bold!
And he Does find the most beautiful rocks! Check out Aztek Treasures our first collaboration.

It's almost reversible. I love it when that happens!

Class photos finally uploaded

Yippeeee mostly, I have tentative internet connection at home, again. Although some days the flipping thing blinks on and off every few minutes for a few minutes... allllll day long.... grrrrrrrrr
Thanks to god I am a night owl by nature!


The following posts cover all planned classes for the months of Oct thru Dec. Most are on Friday, but because of holidays and and the wonderfully fun Dickens Fest in Bracken Village, a few classes will be held on Wednesdays instead.

You can find the sign up form with Paypal link and other details on the calendar pages at -
And The Bead Goes On
Scroll down the store home page to find a map.

Can't make it on the designated date? Visiting from out of the area? Perhaps we can set up a special class just for you! Email me - sherrys.jewels@ gmail.com
Sorry, no classes on the weekend, I'm committed to my booth.

See you in class!

Spiral Hearts - Earrings and Bangle Bracelet - Oct 10 - Friday - class

Spiral Hearts - Earrings and Bangle Bracelet - Oct 10 - Friday - either - 12-3 -- or -- 6-9

Whimsical Hearts for Love and Spirals for the cycles of Life –
Begin your set today with earrings and a bangle bracelet, then later in this month or in December, add the Adjustable Ring while learning the Toodles Weave.

*Techniques utilized – forge, wind, spiral and hammer wire, proper use of tools, oxidize metal, and make earwires.

*Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!

Bunches of wHOOPs Earrings - Oct 17 - Friday - class

Bunches of wHOOPs Earrings - Oct 17 Friday - either - 12-3 -- or -- 6-9

Every well dressed jewelry box Needs a selection of Hoops. Make them Large, Small, and Everywhere In Between.
Watch with exhilaration as round wire spreads and flattens beneath your hammer taking on individual character, then perhaps add lovely texture and beads for color. The photo shows just a few of the possibilities. There are more samples at the store and even more rattling around with the muse. Come and play!

*Techniques utilized – forge, weave and hammer wire, proper use of tools, oxidize metal, and make earwires.

*Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!

Intro to Wire - Serpentine Bracelet - Oct 24 - Friday - class

Intro to Wire - Serpentine Bracelet Oct 24 Friday - either - 12-3 -- or -- 6-9

Play with the basics of wire and learn how to handle tools by making various components to assemble a unique bracelet. No jig work, just pliers and your skill.

Learn the straight up noose, serpent link, jump rings, dangle charms, S-hook, hammering and oxidizing. There are at least 6 earring combinations resulting from the skills gleaned in these techniques. Set your creativity free!

*Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!

Heart Toodles Ring - Oct 31- Friday - class

Heart Toodles Ring - Oct 31 Friday - Either - 12 - 3 -- Or -- 6 - 9
(repeated in Dec)

Whimsical Hearts for Love and Spirals for the Cycles of Life.
Learn the Toodles Weave with this cute Adjustable Ring, and complete your stylish set begun in the Spiral Hearts Earrings and Bangle Bracelet class.

*Techniques utilized – forge, weave, spiral and hammer wire, proper use of tools, oxidize metal.

*Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!

Seeing Stars Earrings - Nov 7 - Friday - class

Seeing Stars Earrings - Nov 7 - Friday - either - 12-3 or 6-9

Bring the galaxy to your jewelry box. Spirals for Life and Stars to wish upon. Weave little bits of color all around the edges or just in strategic places.
Lovely and unusual gifts for the holidays.
Great ornaments, too!

*Techniques utilized – forge, weave and hammer wire, proper use of tools, oxidize metal, and make earwires.

*Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!

Tree of Life - Nov 14 - Friday - class

Tree of Life - Nov 14 - Friday - either - 12-3 -- or -- 6-9

Metaphor, mystical, symbolic - found in every ancient culture in one form or another. The roots reaching into the earth, into the underworld, the branches reaching high above, into the heavens.
Design your own special tree. Use tiny stone bits for a leafy tree, or fill the branches with your family birthstones.

*Techniques utilized – forge and hammer wire, proper use of tools, oxidize metal.

*Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!

Border Wrap a Stone – Square Stone - Nov 21 - Friday - class

Border Wrap a Stone – Square Stone - Nov 21 - Friday - either - 12-3 -- or -- 6-9

Learn the concept with a Square so you can easily adapt the wrap to your favorite shaped stones.

The border wrap is a classic, ancient and most versatile setting for jewelry making, with unlimited possibilities from simple to extraordinarily ornate.

*Techniques utilized – Learn to measure your stone, choose the appropriate placement for your bundle wires, bind several wires together to form a bezel to frame your stone, then set your muse free to embellish the details.

*Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!

Scallops Bracelet - Nov 26 - Wednesday - class

Thanksgiving weekend! Soooo, wire class will be held on Wednesday!

Scallops Bracelet - Nov 26 - Wednesday - either - 12-3 -- or -- 6-9

A fun little project to kick off the holidays. Suitable for beginners, fun for pros. A quick and much loved gift for the holidays. Lovely little scallops all around your wrist. Make a whole jewelry box full in every color under the sun. Stack them or wear one at a time.

*Techniques utilized – forge and hammer wire, proper use of tools, oxidize metal.

*Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!

Christmas Tree Earrings and Pendant - Dec 3 - Wednesday - class

The Dickens Celebration is occupying the weekend, so wire class is going to be held on Wednesday.
Christmas Tree Earrings and Pendant - Dec 3 Wednesday - either - 12-3 -- or -- 6-9

Make your own forest of trees – earrings, pendants or ornaments. A Most Excellent gift!

*Techniques utilized – forge and hammer wire, proper use of tools, oxidize metal, make a necklace from ribbon, complete with clasp and make earwires.

*Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!

Angels Watching - Dec 10 - Wednesday - class

The Dickens Celebration is occupying the weekend, so wire class is going to be held on Wednesday.

Angels Watching - Dec 10 - Wednesday - either - 12-3 -- ONLY, the night class has been canceled, so sorry.

Make your own personal guardian angel. She can be a pendant or an ornament. Or make her smaller for earrings. She is a Most Excellent gift! Make her in birthstone colors or holiday themes.

*Techniques utilized – bundle and bind, forge and hammer wire, proper use of tools, oxidize metal, make a necklace from ribbon, complete with clasp and make earwires.

*Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!

Doodles Earrings – Two Versions Dec 19 - class

Dec 19 - Friday – either - 12-3 or 6-9

Flirty playful swishy Doodling earrings. Oodles of spirals to frame your lovely smile. Or flashy sparkling simplicity to go with that cute little holiday dress.

*Techniques utilized – forge and hammer wire, proper use of tools, oxidize metal, and make earwires.

*Skill Level: Beginner -- Never handled wire before? Come join the addiction!