Harrisburg, PA 2026

Coiled wire and colorful beads are the basis of visually exciting jewelry and this workshop draws upon early 19th Century traditional African weaving techniques used by Zulu basket makers. We’ll create a pendant inspired by this art form during this all-day class, and you will also be introduced to dozens of ways to expand your jewelry wire weaving and wrapping repertoire.

Further details:

Together, we’ll explore the use of various types and gauges of colorful wire, learn to work intuitively and to anticipate how an individual weave will progress as the piece is built. Some hands-on practice comes first, so you can learn different ways to wire wrap on an armature, join and combine wire types, create picots, beaded bridges, plus several other techniques using very simple hand tools and then, it’s on to the creation of your finished wearable art!

Skill level: Advanced beginner and up

A physical note: Some experience with metal wire wrapping and/or weaving would be helpful, and hand strength is a plus, as we will need to manipulate somewhat thick and hard wire for a period of time.

Materials Fee $65 paid at beginning of class includes:

14ga. brass armature wire
Choice of ceramic or stone focal bead
Choice of accent beads
Coiling wire of several metals: recycled, anodized copper and brass wires
An awl

Supplies Needed  to bring for Class:

Chain nose pliers
Round nose pliers
Flat nose pliers
Wire cutters suitable for 14 gauge brass wire
A tray, plate, bowl or cloth for your beads
A notebook and writing materials for your memory
Light source and vision help for your eyes
If you like, bring beads you love, plus any jewelry wire you like to or want to use in your work, but save your silver wire for other things -- like the African Art they are inspired by, these pieces always look better made with colorful wire and beads!