J.Mack Gems

If you're looking for my current class schedule, please visit my Events page.
Below is a catalog of the current classes I teach. If you are interested in having me come to your shop or your home to teach a class, please e-mail me at jmackgems [at] gmail [dot] com.

3 hrs.

In this workshop, we will learn the basics of surrounding a cabochon (pendant) with seed beads using peyote stitch. We will cover pendant cementing on UltraSuede, backstitch and circular peyote, as well as stitching a flat peyote bail. Students should become familiar with flat peyote stitch before taking this class.

Materials:
- UltraSuede swatches, 2x2 in.
- Seed beads: Delicas, Charlottes, Czech 11o
- Nymo D
- E600 or other gem-to-fabric adhesive
- Cabochons, round, roughly 1-1.5 in. across. Porcelain and raku tiles work well.

3 hrs.

In this class, we will learn tubular twisted herringbone -- a great base for bracelets and necklaces. We will learn the stitch and cover finishing the bracelet with flat peyote tubes and magnets.

Materials:
- Nymo D
- Seed beads (rocailles) - 11o or 8o - in 2 coordinating colors
- Delicas
- Magnets
- Epoxy glue

2 classes, 2 hrs. each (one basics and one embellishment/finishing)
OR 1 class, 4 hrs.

Have you always wanted to try bead embroidery, but it seemed too daunting? This class will take out the guesswork, using simple backstitching and peyote stitch techniques to create a bead embroidered pendant. The finished piece is perfect worn alone on a leather or beaded cord.

Materials:
- UltraSuede swatches, 2x2 in.
- Seed beads: Delicas, Charlottes, Czech 11o
- Nymo D
- E600 or other gem-to-fabric adhesive

2 classes, 2 hrs. each

Class 1: In the first of this two-part series, you will learn square stitch to create a wide-banded bracelet using cube-shaped beads. You will have a ready-to-wear creation by the end of the first session!

Class 2: In the second part of this two-part series, we will embellish our square stitched bracelets created in the previous session, using pearls and seed bead mixes to create a lush embellished cuff.

Materials:
- Fireline 6 lb. test, clear
- Miyuki cubes, 3.5 mm
- Seed beads in various sizes -- 11o and 8o, color lined, AB, silver-lined
- Small "drop" or dagger beads (optional)
- Freshwater pearls (drops, potato)
- Decorative buttons for closure (with shanks) -- metal or plastic

2 hrs.

Learn a fun and simple stitch to create a beautiful pair of lacy, delicate earrings. This "flower" stitch can also be easily adapted to bracelets and necklaces.

Materials:
- Nymo D
- Czech 11o seed beads
- 3 or 4 mm round beads -- pearls, stone, Czech firepolish
- Earwires

2 hrs.

Learn to create 12-bead and 30-bead self-supporting structures which can be strung on chain or incorporated to other jewelry. We will go over structural building as well as embellishment.

Materials:
- Czech firepolish or stone beads
- Nymo or Fireline 6-lb. test
- Seed beads: 11o or Delicas

2 hrs.

In this class, we will examine the benefits of flat herringbone stitch by creating a wide seed bead cuff. We will cover ladder stitch, herringbone stitch and finishing techniques in class. The student will be provided with enough information to finish the bracelet outside of class.

Materials:
- Nymo D or Fireline 4-lb. test
- Seed beads in 1 to 3 coordinating colors: 8o, 6o, hex-cut or triangles
- Button for closure (with shank)

[ image courtesy PelePeleDesign on Etsy ]

2 hrs.

Peyote stitch is incredibly versatile and can be used in many types of jewelry; in this workshop we will learn even-count flat peyote stitch and learn to "zip it up" into a tube, creating a level-style necklace pendant.

Materials:
- Delicas in 3 to 5 coordinating colors
- Nymo D or Fireline 4-lb. test
- Chain (finished) or leather/nylon cord

[ image courtesy of time2cre8 on Etsy ]