Introduction to beaded jewellery
Fancy trying your hand at beaded jewellery making? Learn how to work with beads, wire, thread and findings to create beautiful beaded necklaces, bracelets, earrings and tiara designs. Join our introductory course for all levels to discover where to find the best beads, how to knot with thread, manipulate and twist wire and learn how to finish your work using clasps.
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 17 Oct 2025End Date: 21 Nov 2025Fri (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00In PersonFull fee £289.00 Senior fee £231.00 Concession £188.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This short online course will introduce you to the techniques and tools used to make personal pieces of beaded jewellery. You will learn how to make a range of beaded items from necklaces to tiaras.
You will use beginners stringing and knotting techniques, look at beaded jewellery design and patterns. You will also learn how to create sparkling bead and wire corsages made with bead and wire techniques.
What will we cover?
- Which tools and beads to use for beaded jewellery making
- How to make a knotted bead bracelet/necklace and earrings using silk thread.
- Bead-stringing patterns: create a necklace that demonstrates one or more of these patterns
- Which findings to use and how to attach them
- Wire twisting methods to make a simple wire and bead corsage
- How to use appropriate glues for beaded jewellery
- Understand the layout of an online bead shop and what to buy if required.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Confidently design and make personal pieces of beaded jewellery
- Buy beaded jewellery materials and tools online for your own projects and commissions
- Construct a corsage, earrings, bracelets and necklaces
- Make or choose appropriate findings for each design
- Build on your beaded jewellery techniques, whatever level you are
- Know when and how to use glue cleanly and effectively in your work.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
All levels welcome, from complete beginners to accomplished jewellers wishing to try out a new medium.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This course will be taught face to face and online using Zoom and Google Classroom through weekly live sessions. demonstrations to the group.
Feedback, Q & A and group chats and Google classroom. and online Zoom sessions are encouraged.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will require a good broadband connection, a comfortable chair and a desk with good lighting. You will also need basic beading materials such as pliers, wire, beads, silk thread and cotton thread – guidance will be given on
Google Classroom and emailed to you in advance.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit offer a wide range of short and year-long courses in Jewellery design and making, from beginners to advanced, and for professional development.
Suitable follow-on courses may include:
VV707 - Try it out: jewellery making
VV911 - Repair your jewellery
VV788 - Beaded jewellery: multi strand knotting and stringing for beads and semi-precious stones
Your tutor will be able to advise you on your course.
Beverley has an academic training in Fine Art and Textiles and for a while set up a design business in Knitted Garments. Whilst studying for an MA in Textiles, Beverley started using traditional Bead Weaving, Embroidery and Quilting techniques to create painted and stitched pieces. This led to creating accredited and personal interest short courses in Beaded Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles. Beverley continues to use constructive Textile techniques within her teaching practise. She is actively involved in her community and works closely with local charities to explore how Art and Craft increases Well Being. She is a member of Hastings Arts Forum where she curates Textile shows and exhibits.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.