There’s wire wrap and then there’s wire framing. While wire wrap is often a heavy-handed technique popular for turning crystals into pendants, it often hides the stone from view, making the wire stand out more than the often beautiful stone it imprisons. Wire framing, in contrast, creates a custom frame out of square and half-round wire that fits the stone and holds it in place. The stone is the main attraction — as it should be!
Making Wire-Framed Cabochon Pendants remains, by far, my most popular class. I’ve taught it at gem and mineral shows in Quartzite AZ, at Gallery One in Ellensburg WA, and, of course, in my home studio before it was much of a studio. I stopped teaching it primarily because I’ve moved onto other techniques that involve soldering and bezel settings. But for folks who don’t want to use a torch, framing a cabochon is a great alternative.
In this class, you’ll start with a cabochon of your choice (or you can bring your own) and sterling silver or copper wire. With the use of hand tools, you’ll create a custom pendant. I’ll take you step by step through the process, creating my own pendant as you create yours. I’ll have plenty of examples to show you what’s possible.
Learn about class availability on my Event Calendar page. Reserve your spot in my online shop.
Class fee: $75 per person
Includes: 2-3 hours of hands-on training in my jewelry studio, a suitable quantity of sterling or copper wire, a gemstone cabochon, and use of tools and equipment.
Available for an additional fee: Sterling silver chains, kits including wire and cabochons for making your own pendants at home, and jewelry making tools.
Maximum Class Size: 4 people
Minimum age: 16 and older; attendees under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Cancellation Policy: Once booked, you may cancel the class up to 7 days before the class start date. There is a $10 cancellation fee to cover the cost of refunding your payment; my credit card processor will not refund the credit card fees I pay. I cannot refund class fees if you cancel within 7 days of the class start date, so if you need to back out last minute, I highly recommend that you find someone to take your place. If I have to cancel the class for any reason, the full amount of your class fees will be refunded.