With in-person activities a bit restricted right now, it's a great time to get crafting. There are all sorts of crafting websites, jewellery making kits and how-to videos online but, if you find yourself craving a more formal, tutor-led experience, we have found a host of online classes that will help you satisfy your creative urge. Grab your pliers, wire and beads, choose an online class from the options below and get busy.
Skillshare
Skillshare is a huge online database that offers classes in a range of creative subjects, such as film and video, creative writing and illustration. It also has a number of online jewellery making classes among its offering; 33 different courses to be exact, including DIY wire-wrapped bead pendants, realistic floral necklaces and petal earrings made using scrap silver.
One of the most popular jewellery-making classes on Skillshare is one that teaches you how to make beautiful stacking rings from silver wire. This class walks through all the steps to create that trendy, stacked ring look that fits perfectly on your fingers. This style also makes a lovely gift for someone special. An ideal course for beginners, you’ll learn a range of basic techniques such as soldering, polishing and filing.
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Creative Live
This online learning platform also has numerous classes to choose from. Creative Live's Craft & Maker category includes courses in interior design, knitting and jewellery design, among other things. All of its classes are modestly priced and include titles such as: Intermediate Chain Making for Jewellery Making, Fast Start Your Jewellery Business, Beginning Soldering and Beginning Stamping. Creative Live offers online jewellery making classes on an individual basis or, if you prefer, you can buy a monthly pass, giving you unlimited access to more than 1500 creative classes. The creative world is your oyster.
Jewellers Academy
If you're interested in creating high-end jewellery, Jewellers Academy is a good choice. Traditionally, jewellers would learn their trade through in-person education and apprenticeship programmes, but Jewellers Academy allows you to learn the jewellery trade completely online. This includes courses in goldsmithing and silversmithing. Jewellers Academy even offers a diploma in silver jewellery through an online one-year programme, certified by the London Jewellery School. Memberships also include tips on starting your jewellery business, opening an Etsy shop and creating your business branding.
Udemy
If you're looking for more casual fun, choose from one of the many online jewellery making courses offered by Udemy. Jewellery making courses for novices include Wire Wrapping For Beginners, Art Resin Pendant and Earrings, Easy Gemology and the Jewellery Making Gutsy Guide: Mastering the Basics. There are pages and pages of online classes to choose from, so you're sure to find something that sparks your creativity.
International Career Institute
The International Career Institute in London offers an online jewellery design course that can help you launch a career in jewellery design. Taught by well-known, respected jewellery design professionals, you can complete your course from the comfort of your own home.
The course offers a full range of topics, including how to design jewellery, equipment and supplies, the design process, making your own jewellery and preparing for your career. Students will receive a basic or advanced diploma in jewellery design.
All Free Jewellery Making
If you're looking for some simple tutorials on how to make some fun pieces for yourself or friends, check out US site All Free Jewelry Making. There are how-tos on everything from macramé bracelets to beaded Indian drop earrings. Many projects are easy and can be done in less than an hour, plus they're all free.
New York Institute of Art and Design
Get all the benefits of NYIAD's Jewellery Design Course online. This course is a combination of personal mentoring and online education that will teach you how to create beautiful jewellery pieces. Current and aspiring jewellery designers can learn new skills, such as beading techniques, wire working and selling for a profit.
Milano Fashion Institute
In its Jewellery Today online course the Milano Fashion Institute looks at jewellery-making from the perspective of art, fashion and design. This class teaches some of the more complex, philosophical aspects of jewellery making, including the cultural interpretation of jewellery, the production chain and jewellery in the digital world.
IAP Career College
If you are looking for an all-inclusive online course in jewellery-making, check out the Jewellery Design Certificate Course, 6-weeks-worth of in-depth study from the International Association of Professions Career College. You get a full range of professional jewellery making courses, a jewellery Designers Certificate and an optional membership to the International Association of Professional Jewellery Designers.
With so many online classes to choose from, there’s no need to feel restricted if you can't get out to a jewellery-making class. You can take these courses from wherever you are in the world and learn as much or as little as you like.
