In this class, award-winning jewelry designer Brenda Schweder guides you through every step of crafting wire jewelry. Once you’re familiar with the wire types and tools used in class, learn Brenda’s trick for coiling wire by hand and cutting perfectly smooth jump rings. You’ll master loops and decorative head pins while creating a lovely pendant necklace and try your hand at a variety of cold connections, from the simple twist-tie to the clever hidden connection. Create sturdy ear wires and secure closures, and discover how to make an array of chain links. Then, learn how to create dimensional frames and wire wraps to capture cabochons and crystals. Finally, transform your jewelry with hammered textures and patinas, and seal your pieces for a finish that will last years.
Class Sessions
Introduction, Coils & Jump Rings 101
19:56
Meet wire artist Brenda Schweder as you discover the wide range of techniques you'll cover in this class. Hear Brenda's recommendations for tools and supplies, then learn her tips for forming coils and cutting perfect jump rings.
Loops & Head Pins
31:41
Create a beautiful pendant necklace and learn essential wire techniques along the way! You'll learn to form perfect closed and wrapped loops to make beaded dangles, and try your hand at forging paddled head pins. You'll learn variations to make decorative wire-wrapped head pins as Brenda shares tips on how to make your finished components hang properly.
Make a Connection
25:00
Discover techniques for creating a variety of wired cold connections with the help of Brenda's troubleshooting tips along the way. You'll create wire twist ties, gorgeous tentacles that snake along support wires, connections that are hidden by beads and other findings, and a beautiful sculptural bound connection.
Make Your Own Findings
22:24
Learn how to make your own findings to truly customize your jewelry. Brenda demonstrates ways to create ear wires for many types of earrings, helping you take the ear's shape and jewelry weight into consideration. Next, she walks you through the creation of S-clasps, hooks and toggle clasps that will secure all styles of necklaces and bracelets.
Lovely Links
18:03
Once you know how to make chain links, you will love adding them to multitudes of projects! Brenda teaches you the anatomy of links and shares the best wirework techniques for creating S-links, barbells, spirals and more.
Frame It! Armature & Captures
24:46
Turning a found object into dazzling jewelry can seem intimidating, but Brenda shares her fun and simple techniques for capturing your custom pieces. Learn how to create a simple frame for a crystal element, then try Brenda's literary-inspired "Gulliver Tie-Down" technique to secure a flat-backed component. For more dimensional objects, you'll learn Brenda's signature wrapping technique using tissue and wire to create a free-form cage.
Texture, Patinas & Finishes
16:07
Transform your pieces with textures and patinas that are customized to your design preferences. Brenda shows you how basic tools can add dimension to your pieces and create dramatic hammered and chiseled textures. Learn how to add a subtle antiqued look with a liver of sulfur patina, discover Brenda's tricks for different applications, and polish and seal your finished pieces!
Your Instructor
Brenda Schweder
Brenda Schweder is a jewelry artist and the inventor of the Now That's a Jig! wire bending system. She has written three books, including Steel Wire Jewelry, and her designs have been featured in numerous publications, including Step by Step Wire Jewelry, Bead Style and Crystal Chic. She authors Wirework Magazine's creativity column, and has appeared on the TV show Beads, Baubles and Jewels. Step by Step Wire Jewelry magazine selected Brenda as an "Artist of the Year" for 2015.
Bonus Material
Essential Wirework Techniques - Supplies
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
Can I purchase a class to keep in my collection?
Yes, we do have a Shop where you can purchase classes to keep. Our Shop items are located under the Shop Tab.
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of Craftsy to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on Craftsy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great projects and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of Craftsy. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In to Craftsy, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but Craftsy contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why do you need my email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to craftsy.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from Craftsy from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact Craftsy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at craftsy@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-888-891-7203 . Customer Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
Explore Classes by Brenda Schweder
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You may be interested in
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This site uses cookies, web beacons, pixels, tags, and related technologies, as described in our privacy policy and cookie notice, for purposes that may include website operation, analytics, optimizing a user's experience, and third-party advertising or marketing purposes. These technologies may automatically collect and share with third parties information about your use of this site, such as when you access a webpage or complete a purchase on our site. By clicking "GOT IT", you understand and agree to our use of these technologies.