Have some concerns?

I am not a creative person – I don’t think I would know what to make.

You don’t have to be “creative”.  My job as an instructor is to show you what you can do and how to do it.  I provide a clear end-goal for my tutorials with step-by-step instructions guiding you the whole way.  If you want to adlib along the way, you certainly can.  But I find many students are more successful exploring alternate designs once they experience the technique first-hand.  This is your chance to learn how to “play” again as an adult.

What do I need for a workspace?

The initial projects I suggest in the ‘Build Your Foundation’ jewelry making journey for beginners can be done virtually anywhere with decent lighting.  I often assemble jewelry using a breakfast tray while sitting in my living room.

As the projects progress, you’ll want a sturdy table you are willing to scar or a protective covering on one you care about.  It really depends on the actual technique you are employing.  There are sharp tools that can scratch like files and emery, and other tools that clamp onto the edge of your work surface like a jeweler’s bench pin for sawing.  For years I used a 4’ folding table made from pressed fiberboard (like an old school banquet table).  The plastic tables can vibrate quite a bit if you are hammering.

What if I find I don’t like making jewelry?

The JCWJ Learning Center is a relatively low-cost way to test the waters.  You can get started with very little investment in tools or supplies, and you can cancel your membership any time.  So, if you are on the fence, just join for a month.  If you find you are liking it, you can continue to renew monthly or upgrade to an annual plan.

How expensive are the tools and materials?

Overall, we work with a limited selection of hand tools and small equipment.  My advice is to just purchase the tools and materials you need for your current project.  You can slowly acquire more tools as you expand the scope of your skills.  While some of the projects can cost a bit more to craft in sterling silver, there’s often the option to hone your skills while working in copper which is substantially less expensive.  So, there’s no prescribed amounts I can share with you.  Just know that you are in the driver’s seat, and you can choose to purchase tools and make projects at a rate you can afford.

Do I have to buy supplies from you?

No!  In fact, I go out of my way to share my sources with you so you can shop for yourself.  I want you to become an independent maker and flourish beyond the scope of what I present.  The world of jewelry supplies and materials is huge though, so I offer my guidance to help you find your way.  My students have often reciprocated this good will and shared great sources they find once they know what they are seeking.

Can I just make whatever project I want from your gallery of tutorials and courses?

Yep – you sure can!  Our jewelry making journeys are simply suggested paths to help you learn new skills and then get some opportunity to practice them while slowly building more skills.  But each project offers suggested pre-requisites and the tool list up front, so you can work on what inspires you if you wish.

I will share with you, that many students end up circling back looking for the nuggets of information they were missing by skipping around.  But sometimes, when you want to make something specific, that’s what you want to do.  So, I have made it as easy as possible to access the supporting content you’ll need.