Learn to Create Your Own Professional Style Tree of Life Pendant
Learn how to create your own custom "Tree of Life" pendants by using jewelry pliers, artistic wire, and beautiful beads, guided by a professional jeweler every step of the way.
April Elizabeth Lassing Leithner
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(75)
What's included
1 live meeting
1 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Crafting your own Tree of Life pendant is a rewarding, creative process that is quite easy to learn! In this one-time jewelry making class, students will gain experience using professional jewelry pliers and cutters as they learn how to create a secure frame for their pendant using jewelry crafting wire. The class will review different ways to create branches, different styles of beads we can use, and how to weave all of the individual components together to create the trunk and roots of the tree. The skills reviewed in this class are applicable to an expansive array of jewelry making projects, giving all attendees essential experience and knowledge that can be applied to jewelry crafting for years to come. Previous experience using wire is encouraged, but not required. Students are welcomed to stay past class time to finish their project if a little extra time is needed. What to expect when you sign up for this class: • The class outline is for students to make a complete Tree of Life pendant within the class time, and students will have the knowledge to create more Tree of Life pendants any time after class concludes. • Each step of creating our pendant is carefully explained, and within each step students can work at their own pace. • As the instructor, I have two cameras up: a regular face camera and a second close-up camera on my hands so that students can see the close-up details of every step. • Class sizes are kept small to ensure that all enrolled students receive personalized attention and instruction, helping every growing jeweler excel. • Students are asked to keep their microphone off so that everyone can hear instructions clearly, but we also turn our mics on throughout the class to share thoughts, answer questions, and share our work. • If students need more time to complete a project even as class time is coming to a close, students will have the choice to stay a few minutes longer to finish their work. There's no rush when creating art! • This class is for any student who has a passion for getting started or getting better at jewelry making. No previous experience is required!
Learning Goals
In this class, students will learn:
1. How to use professional pliers and cutters to create custom wired pendants.
2. How to create the structure of the Tree of Life pendant.
3. How to consider design and color use when creating custom jewelry pieces.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Parental assistance may be needed for using wire cutters, helping to secure ends of thinner wire, and any other areas where the student may need an extra set of hands.
Supply List
AMAZON LIST: If you'd like to buy your supplies online, check out this helpful Amazon list to get you started. Please be sure to read the comments on each of the items to see which items are required and which are bonus items: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/374N30JL4KSH6?ref_=wl_share In addition to the items in the Amazon list, please note that students will also need a cylindrical object (such as a spice bottle) and a ruler for class, as outlined in the more detailed list below. FURTHER DETAILS FOR MATERIALS: Required Materials for Class: 1. Chain Nose Pliers (thin nose, flat jaws) and Round Nose Pliers (thin nose, round jaws) 2. Wire Cutters 3. 20 gauge jewelry wire 4. 24 or 26 gauge jewelry wire 5. Beads: small and medium sized (recommend: no bigger than 10mm or 3/8"; try seed beads, small pearls and crystals!) 6. A cylindrical object that is approximately 1.5" (or 45mm) in diameter, such as a spice bottle 7. 12" Ruler or soft measuring tape 8. Pencil Helpful but not required: 9. A single piece of felt or other fabric to use as a beading mat (helps to prevent beads from rolling away) Bonus (consider if your child wants to make a lot of these pendants): 10. Thin, metal file to smooth out rough edges of wire once pendant is complete Needed after class: 11. String, cord, or chain to hang your pendant on! Material Costs & Where to Buy: • *Jewelry Plier Starter Kit (including basic pliers such as the Round Nose Pliers, Chain Nose Pliers, and Wire Cutters):~ $10. • 20 gauge and 24 gauge (or 26g) wire: ~$5/spool (**Note: "g", or "gauge", refers to the thickness of the wire. For this class, we'll need both the thicker wire (20g) to create the frame and the thinner wire (24g or 26g) to create the branches.) • Beads: ~$5-$10. • Metal files: $~5/pack • Materials are available at your local craft store such as Michaels or JoAnn Fabrics. You can check your stores for coupons, such as saving a fixed percentage off your entire order. Feel free to ask any questions ahead of time regarding materials!
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined December, 2020
5.0
75reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have over 18 years of experience in jewelry creation, including designing and successfully selling my work through artisan festivals and e-commerce for over a decade. As an educator, I have been teaching students from elementary to high school through the world of jewelry making for over 7 years through homeschool classes, birthday parties, private instruction, and after-school enrichment courses across 8 elementary schools. I have also been teaching here on Outschool since December 2020 and I've loved every minute!Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$18
per classMeets once
80 min
Completed by 12 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-13
2-4 learners per class
