for Jewelry Makers
Insight and skills to elevate your jewelry practice
Fall Classes and a Workshop
Lots of ways to make jewelry with me this fall, with options for beginners and intermediate/ advanced students.
In both classes, I am using the focus of my Bestseller Collection concept to guide our studies.
Find details on everything below, email me with questions, and to register.
I’m looking forward to making some fabulous jewelry with you soon.
Judy
What is a Bestseller Collection?
The Bestseller Collection concept identifies the basic types of jewelry every collector needs.
In our class, we will talk about ways to include these items in your collection, design them to reflect your style, and let you decide which techniques you need to work on.
If you’re curious about how the Bestseller Collection concept can work for you, stay tuned for the online course coming soon.
For intermediate and advanced jewelry makers
Classes in my studio click here for details
Independent study with expert guidance. In this session, I am using my
Bestseller Collection concept to prioritize which pieces to focus our attention.
This syncs with the seasonal need for jewelry to sell at markets and give as gifts.
Decatur, GA
Monday, October 6, through November 24
For everyone- No prior experience required, but adaptable for those with advanced skills
intro class - October 28 - Nov 18
Bead and hollow Object Casting workshop - Oct 25/26
Intro to Metals Mini Session
a speed course for fundamental techniques
at Metal Arts Guild Georgia
Thursdays, November 20, December 4, 11, 18
10:30am - 2pm
the specifics for this class might change, be in touch or check back to confirm
Water-soluble Wax Workshop click here for details
create cast hollow forms like beads and lockets
In person and online
October 25- 26
Classes in my Studio
Join a small group of dedicated jewelry makers to advance your skills and work on your personal projects. I am happy to share my knowledge of specific techniques to bring your work to a new level. I am especially interested in guiding the development of your authentic design voice.
This fall, as many of us create jewelry for markets or gifts, I will share my perspective on what makes a Bestselling Collection, helping you decide what might be missing from your own. There are many ways to produce simple, effective examples that are sure to resonate with your audience.
As part of the Bestseller exploration, I will share examples of designs that use only the most basic techniques to demonstrate how easy it is to add essential pieces to your collection.
Dates and Cost
Monday, October 6 through October 27, $260
Monday, November 3 through November 24, $260
day: 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
night: 5:15 pm - 8:15 pm
The class is split into two four-week sessions. Register for one or both.
I cannot guarantee a make up for missed classes, but if the class is not full, you are welcome to the extra spot to make up your time.
You can also take individual classes at the drop-in rate of $70 each if there is room.
These classes are held in my well-equipped personal studio located in Decatur, GA.
Class size is limited to 4 students. Workshops are limited to 6 students.
Fall Workshop
in my Decatur GA studio and online
The hollow silver bead arrived ready to string, straight from the caster.
Check back for more samples.
I’ll add images as new pieces are completed.
H2O Wax Workshop images
October 25-26, 2025
In person at my Decatur studio and online
Learn more
<<< Watch this video
Making Beads
and Other Hollow Forms
for Lost Wax Casting
the wax shells float when the core is dissolved in water
transforming a sketch
before and after
download the tools list
Workshop Topic:
Working with water-soluble wax to make hollow castings: beads, lockets, and talismans
Details
The H2O wax is really interesting. I show how to carve a shape using water-soluble wax, coat it with a casting wax blend, then carve details and openings to create a hollow wax model for casting.
This technique can be used to create beads or hollow forms that are further processed after casting in silver.
Dates and Cost
Saturday, October 25, 10 am - 4 pm
Sunday, October 26, noon - 4 pm
$340 plus materials $27 = $367
To participate in the H2O wax workshop, an additional materials fee of $27 is required (shipping for online students is an extra cost). This includes enough wax for four 1x1” beads and two 1x2” beads.
Casting in metal is not included, but I will facilitate an optional group shipment of wax models to a production caster.
Tuesday Morning Jewelry Mini 1
at Metal Arts Guild Georgia
an introduction to jewelry making
see what you will learn in the intro to jewelry class
This class is a 4 week fast-paced introduction (or re-introduction) to the basics of metals for jewelry.
It’s an excellent class for those who are re-entering the jewelry studio after an absence.
The secret part of the class that beginners won’t have time to appreciate is that I’ll be sharing the technical instruction in the context of my Bestseller Collection concept.
The two projects – a ring and a chain link bracelet with a clasp- are part of my Bestseller Collection, in which we identify the core jewelry pieces every collector wants / needs.
Experienced students seeking a refresher on the fundamentals are invited to create advanced versions of the projects, such as bangles, bezels, or hoop earrings. Use the Bestseller Collection concepts to fill gaps in your collection and design pieces that are perfect for markets or gift-giving.
In four short weeks, you will learn the five essential techniques of metalworking for making jewelry: filing, shaping, sawing/piercing, soldering, and finishing/polishing.
Take this intro class if you're curious about jewelry making. With these skills, you are prepared to advance quickly in subsequent classes, having learned correct and efficient methods.
Dates and Cost
4 Sessions, Tuesday Morning, 10am - 1:30pm
Class Dates: 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18
$235
No prior experience required, but adaptable for returning students
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