Why You Should Take a Class

by Judy Larson

In many professions, people are required to renew licenses regularly to stay current with new techniques, tools, and safety standards. Why? Because even the most skilled professionals need to keep learning.

Think about it-would you want a Civil War-era doctor performing modern surgery? When I look back at some of my old college textbooks, I'm shocked to see outdated advice-like using butter on burns!

And some of the tools I bought over 50 years ago? They're now considered safety hazards, even when used correctly. The same idea applies to jewelry-making: staying up to date can make your work safer, easier, and more rewarding.

There's Always More to Learn in Jewelry Making

No matter how long you've been making jewelry, there's always something new to discover-a fresh tip, a new tool, or a clever use for everyday items.

I've been doing this for decades, and what I know for sure is: I don't know everything. And I never will. There's simply not enough time to learn all the skills or create all the pieces I dream of.

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Why Take a Jewelry Class

Many of us learn by trial and error. It's a great way to grow-but it can also be frustrating and expensive. Taking a jewelry class, whether in-person or online, helps you skip over common mistakes and get right to what works.

You still need practice to perfect a new technique, but a good class gives you the knowledge and confidence to make that skill your own. Even if you already "know" a technique, revisiting it in a class can unlock fresh inspiration and new ways to approach your designs.

Judy Larson's Why You Should Take a Class - , General Education, , kims live class 2023

The Power of Online Jewelry Classes

Not everyone can attend in-person workshops, and that's okay. Online jewelry classes offer flexibility and a surprising number of benefits:

Learn at your own pace

Replay the lessons anytime

Zoom in close on techniques you'd miss in person

Online learning has changed how we build skills-and it's easier than ever to fit into a busy schedule.

Judy Larson's Why You Should Take a Class - , General Education, , Kim using a butane torch

The Right Tools Make All the Difference

Let's talk tools. I can't tell you how many jewelry-making tools I've purchased after seeing them demonstrated in a class. Sometimes, you don't even realize how much easier a task can be until you see the right tool in action-and suddenly, everything clicks.

Many of my favorite tools are ones I never would have picked up on my own. But in a class setting, seeing how they're used makes all the difference.

If you're not sure where to start or what tools are truly essential, I put together a quick guide: What Tools Do I Need for Wirework?

It's a helpful resource for anyone building or upgrading their jewelry-making toolkit-especially if you're ready to move beyond the basics.

Judy Larson's Why You Should Take a Class - , General Education, , workbench setup

Classes Inspire Me to Create

Sometimes, just thinking about a class gets me back to the bench.

For example, when I saw that the "Scrap Casting Fabrication & Jewelry Design" course with Kim St. Jean was being offered for free on WireJewelry (I already own it!), I immediately pulled out all the silver pieces I cast this summer in my garage.

Judy Larson's Why You Should Take a Class - , General Education, , soldering with torch

Unfinished Components

I also found a stash of unfinished components I made earlier in the year. I finally finished them-just had to add chains! I'd stocked up on snap sets and CZs during the holidays, and now I'm putting them to good use.

All thanks to that little creative spark from revisiting a class.

Judy Larson's Why You Should Take a Class - , General Education, , why take a class

Finishing the Components

These pieces are nearly complete-just waiting on the recipient to choose the cubic zirconias (CZs) for the bottom section.

They might not like the ones I picked, and I want to be sure they're happy with both the stone colors and the chain length.

Quick Soldering Tip for Snap-Set Designs

Here's a tip that might save you some trouble:

Solder the decorative balls first using medium solder.

When it's time to attach the snap-set prongs, switch to easy solder-their delicate structure melts quickly, and easy solder helps prevent accidents.

Snap-sets are incredibly convenient, but they do require a gentler touch when applying heat. Planning your soldering order and solder types ahead of time makes the process smoother and safer.

Judy Larson's Why You Should Take a Class - , General Education, , pouring molten metal

Finishing Old Projects and Exploring New Ideas

One of the most satisfying things? Finally finishing projects that have been sitting on the bench for too long.

I recently completed a set of beach rocks I had started ages ago. The bezels were already made, but I hadn't taken the next steps-until now. It felt great to see them finally come together.

After that burst of productivity, I found myself playing around with some broom cast bits I'd created earlier. I'm not quite sure what they'll become yet-but the possibilities have me excited and inspired.

Sometimes, it's not just about finishing. It's about rediscovering materials, letting curiosity lead the way, and seeing where your creativity takes you.

Keep Learning, Keep Creating

Whether you're brushing up on familiar skills or diving into something totally new, taking a class can be the spark that gets your creativity flowing again. It's not just about learning a technique-it's about discovering new tools, building confidence, and reconnecting with the joy of making.

Finishing old projects, trying out new ideas, or simply watching a fresh take on a familiar method can reignite your passion for jewelry-making. And with so many flexible online options available, it's easier than ever to find a class that fits your interests and schedule.

So if you've been feeling stuck or just curious about what's next-take that class. You never know where it might lead.

Judy Larson's Why You Should Take a Class - , General Education, , hammering a bracelet onto a mandrel

Materials

16 Gauge Half Round Dead Soft Argentium .940 Silver Wire

H19-16HRD

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
Price: $8.61
Gold Club Price: $6.46

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24 Gauge Dead Soft Argentium Silver Sheet - 6 Inches

H19-24SM6

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1 Inch
Price: $83.14
Gold Club Price: $62.35

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Tools

Wubbers Wire Working Set - Basic

G15-11

G15-11
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $159.95
Gold Club Price: $119.96

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Category: General Education
Technique(s): General Education

Reviews

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Judy Larson

My philosophy has always been "I will never live long enough to learn everything I want to learn, go everywhere I want to go and see everything I want to see!" So, what I make and how I create it is always changing and evolving. I was born shortly after WWII to parents who grew up during the Depression. They always had a "we can do it, we can make it" attitude which rubbed off on my two younger brothers and me. My brothers are amazing and can make and do ANYTHING! When I was a little girl, my mother gave me an old carved cigar box, which I cherish, filled with pop beads, wooden beads and yarn for stringing. That was the beginning of my jewelry making journey.

On a visit to the Grand Canyon when I was a young woman, I was fortunate enough to help a Native American silversmith sand cast my first silver bracelet and bezel set a large turquoise nugget on top. I was in love, hook, line and sinker! While working full time and having a family here in northern Minnesota, my artistic endeavors slowed down but never stopped. I am an artist, scrapbooker, seamstress, woodworker and jewelry artisan. Now that I am retired, I am able to indulge in all my hobbies. However, there just never seems to be enough time in the day to do it all, but I try!

I have been teaching community education beginner and intermediate jewelry making classes since my retirement. Many of my students have been bitten so hard by the jewelry making bug that they say I have turned them into monsters-they just can't get enough. Making jewelry, seeing something take shape from small bits and pieces, is so rewarding that I hope it brings out the "monster" in you, too!