SayPro Day 3: Jewelry Making Basics: Gain the ability to craft basic jewelry designs and learn wire-wrapping and beadwork.

SayPro Day 3: Jewelry Making Basics

Theme: Crafting Creativity – From Hands to Adornment

🧵 Overview:

Day 3 of the SayPro Creative Workshop introduces participants to the timeless art of jewelry making. This immersive experience is designed to build foundational skills in crafting simple yet elegant pieces, focusing on wire-wrapping, beadwork, and design principles. Participants will learn how to handle essential tools, explore different materials, and create their very own handcrafted accessories – from earrings and bracelets to pendants and charms.

🛠️ Morning Session: Introduction to Tools, Materials & Basic Design

1. Essential Tools and Materials:

Tools:

Round-nose pliers
Chain-nose pliers
Wire cutters
Crimping tool
Bead reamer (optional)
Materials:

Jewelry wire (e.g., 20–26 gauge)
Headpins and eyepins
Assorted beads (glass, stone, crystal, metal)
Jump rings, clasps, earring hooks, chains
Elastic cord and stringing wire

2. Understanding Wire Gauges and Types:

Thinner gauges (26–28): good for detailed wrapping and fine beadwork
Medium gauges (22–24): ideal for most wire jewelry
Thicker gauges (18–20): for structural designs

3. Basic Jewelry Design Principles:

Balance and symmetry
Color theory and coordination
Proportion and scale in wearable art

Hands-on Activity:

Familiarization with tools through basic exercises (opening/closing jump rings, cutting wire, forming loops)
Design a simple pair of earrings using pre-selected beads and findings

🌀 Afternoon Session: Wire-Wrapping & Beadwork Techniques

1. Wire-Wrapping Essentials:

What is wire-wrapping?

A technique for securely binding stones, beads, or pendants without soldering or adhesives.
Basic Techniques:

Simple loop and wrapped loop
Making connectors
Wire-wrapping a bead or stone (cabochon or tumbled stone)

2. Beadwork Basics:

Stringing patterns: alternating, symmetrical, random
Understanding bead hole sizes and stringing materials
Using crimp beads and clasps to finish necklaces/bracelets

3. Project Work:

Project 1:*Make a wire-wrapped pendant necklace
Project 2:*Create a beaded bracelet using elastic or wire
Project 3:*Combine wire and beads to make a charm or anklet

Design Focus:

Encouraging self-expression through color and form
Learning how to plan a piece from concept to execution
Troubleshooting common mistakes (uneven loops, loose wraps)

💡 Creative Corner: Personal Style and Jewelry Branding

Brief discussion on identifying your jewelry aesthetic (minimalist, boho, bold, elegant)
How to sign or brand your work (tags, packaging, labels)
Introduction to photographing jewelry for social media or online sales

🧠 Reflection & Sharing Circle:

Each participant shares one piece they created and discusses their design choices
Group feedback and encouragement
What was challenging, what was fun, and what you’d like to explore next

📘 Take-Home Resources:

Jewelry terminology glossary
Beginner’s wire-wrapping guide (PDF or handout)
Suppliers list for beads, wire, and tools
DIY project templates to continue practicing at home

🎯 Goals Achieved by End of Day 3:

Comfortable using jewelry-making tools and materials
Ability to create and finish at least 2–3 basic jewelry pieces
Confidence in wire-wrapping and simple beadwork techniques
Stronger design intuition and creative confidence

Let me know if you’d like a follow-up curriculum for intermediate jewelry design or a printable participant workbook!