Jewelry Making

DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns

Hooked on Wire Retreat

by

how_2007_banner_large_bottom_right.jpg

The fourth annual Hooked on Wire retreat September 22nd- 24th or  September 28th-30th Burlingame, California.
Experience three days of intensive wireworking instruction from three of the premier wirework artists in the country. Each instructor has prepared an original day-long workshop designed not only to leave you with a beautiful piece of wearable art, but also to take your wireworking skills to the next level.

Because last year’s retreat was sold out with a long waiting list, this year you will have two sessions to choose from Session 1 – September 22nd- 24th or  Session 2 – September 28th-30th.  There are also optional evening classes.

You’ll spend each of the three days with a different artist instructor and have your nights free to enjoy the best of Bay Area dining, shopping, and live theatre.

The program tuition includes all the following:

  • Intensive instruction in wirework technique with three nationally recognized wirework artists and teachers.
  • The opportunity to complete three incredible pieces of wearable art.
  • A Meet the Teachers Reception. Get to know your instructors and fellow retreatants in an informal setting. Enjoy desserts prepared by a master pastry chef.
  • The chance to explore the Bay Area’s vibrant nightlife.
  • Lunch on Sunday (Session 1) or Saturday (Session 2).
  • A custom embroidered Hooked on Wire tool case (first time retreatants).
  • Gifts galore. — We’re still finalizing the collection of gifts we will be giving to retreatants. Check back here soon for the final list.
  • Daily door prizes. — Last year one retreatant won a full set of Tronix tools. Other retreatants won wire in many guages; Swarovski brooches, earrings, or bead color boards; a handmade lampwork bead by Lisa Niven Kelly; a pair of earrings by Barb Switzers or by Rachel Nelson; or a chainmail bracelet with a crystal clasp, to name just a few.

For more information about this retreat visit the Hooked On Wire Website.

[tags]lisa niven kelly, dallas lovett, barb switzer, wire work retreat, hooked on wire [/tags]

Comments

Have you read?

Beaded Halloween Skeleton Craft – A Spooky-Cute Bead Project For Halloween Decorating

If you like your Halloween crafts with a little bit of spooky charm and a whole lot of handmade personality, this Beaded Halloween Skeleton from CraftBits is a fun little project to add to your October crafting list.

This project uses simple supplies — white seed beads, black seed beads, 24-gauge wire or beading thread, scissors, and wire cutters — to create a small beaded skeleton that can be used for Halloween decorations, charms, party favors, or even spooky handmade jewelry. The original tutorial walks you through building the skeleton row by row, starting with a black bead at the top and working through the skull, body, arms, hands, legs, and feet.

What I like about this project is that it has that lovely “old-school craft book” feel. It is not overly complicated, but it does ask you to slow down and follow the bead pattern carefully. This is the sort of Halloween bead craft that is perfect for a quiet afternoon when you want something seasonal but not messy. No glue gun strings across the table, no glitter stuck to the dog, just beads, wire, and a little bit of patience.

The finished skeleton would be cute added to a Halloween keyring, made into a zipper pull, tied onto a treat bag, or hung from a mini Halloween tree. You could also make a batch of them for party decorations or classroom craft swaps. If you enjoy tiny seasonal makes, you might also like browsing the Halloween Crafts section on CraftBits for more spooky little projects to pair with it.

This is a good project for confident beginners who have used seed beads before. Younger crafters may need help with the wire ends and keeping the rows tight, but older kids, teens, and adults who enjoy bead crafts should find it very satisfying. I would suggest using a bead mat or a shallow tray, because seed beads have a special talent for rolling into the one place you cannot reach. Ask me how I know.

For supplies, small packs of black and white seed beads are easy to find, and Amazon is handy for basic beading wire, bead mats, and small jewelry pliers if you are building up a Halloween craft kit. If you prefer more unusual beads or want tiny skull charms to add alongside your skeleton, Etsy can also be a fun place to look for Halloween beading supplies.

This little skeleton is proof that Halloween crafting does not need to be huge or expensive to be fun. Sometimes the best seasonal projects are the small ones you can make in multiples, tuck into gift bags, or hang around the house for a bit of handmade Halloween mischief.

Best for: Halloween bead crafts, spooky handmade charms, beginner-friendly wire bead projects, Halloween party favors, and small seasonal decorations.