Backroom Classes
"Where Glass and Metal Fab Artists meet!"
Take your jewelry skills to the next level. In our fully equipped 1000sq. ft. Backroom Fabrication Shop we offer classes from beginner to advanced in both metal fabrication and glass art. Our prices are competitive with most community colleges, and definitely lower than private or apprenticeship programs. Check out the backroom store tour to see our set-up, then check out the classes below. Call us at 530/894-2323 today to sign up. Classes fill fast!
note: click on the thumbnail pictures to open a new window with a larger picture in it!.
There has been some confusion on how Shop time works, so here it is…
After you have taken the Safety Class you can use the Backroom work tables with no charge. Shop time comes off your pre-paid Shop Card in 1/2 hour increments (minimum) when you use tools or equipment not on center tables, or when you engage an instructor's help. Come work with other artists and enjoy working at your own pace.
Backroom Shop Cards!
String Bead Backroom shop time is priced per hour with a one hour minimum. Pre-paid shop cards are offered for maximum savings! These cards will allow you to come in and use our shop at times that are convenient to you during store hours. For more information inquire at String Bead. Shop prices are as follows:
- $12.00 per hour with 1 hour minimum
- $25.00 for 3 hours = $8.33 per hour
- $50.00 for 7 hours = $7.15 per hour
- $100.00 for 15 hours = $6.67 per hour
- $200.00 for 40 hours = $5.00 per hour
- Kiln rental $25.00 per firing
Safety First! -- $15.00 Materials not necessary
Safety classes start 1 hour before all beginning, scheduled, backroom classes and you will receive $5.00 off if you sign up in conjunction with a beginning class. Or if you have 45 minutes to spare, we can have the Safety Class at your convenience for the regular price. Every shop is different, and every instructor has different shop etiquette. That can get confusing and dangerous. It helps if everyone is on the same page as far as the do's and don'ts of the String Bead Backroom Shop. If you're wondering "does that mean me?" YES. Everyone, from the oldest most experienced jeweler, to the newest, never picked-up-a-tool, beginner. We are really excited to be able to make this shop available to you and therefore hope that you will respect us by following the rules in order that we may make it a safe and pleasant environment for all. This class is about just that. How to safely handle the tools we are providing so that we can continue to share them for many years to come. We are keeping the cost of this class to a minimum. We understand that many of you have vast experience and will appreciate your input during these classes. We are looking forward to many masterpieces coming out of the backroom and hope the experience will be a pleasure for all. If you have any questions feel free to call.
Hand and Power Tools -- $25.00 ($35.00 with safety class) Materials not included
Beginners belong here! Advanced jewelry fabricators could probably use a refresher! Why do saws bind? Did you know a file only works in one direction? How do you shape a ring or bracelet? And don't forget about power tools! We'll acquaint you with the different power tools we have at our shop. How to avoid classic blunders and the proper use of tools like: buffers, drill press, and the flex shaft, plus all the bits, wheels, and other components you'll need. We tell you about a lot of tools in this class but it doesn't do any good unless you practice, practice, practice! This class is highly recommended for the serious jeweler.
- Call to set-up date!
Beginning Soldering -- $35.00 ($45.00 with safety class) Materials included
This is the in-depth class that will equip you for using the soldering torches at String Bead. This is again a case of everyone being on the same page. Besides learning the fundamental procedures of soldering you will learn how we are coordinating the soldering stations so that everyone will get the most for their money. We will be making a simple linked project that will cover the basics of soldering, taking you all the way through preparing your metals, which solders to use and why, and how to finish it. After this class you can get as creative as you like. We hope it will be the gateway to many hours of shop time camaraderie.
- Wednesday, February 17th 5-10pm
- Saturday, February 27th 12-5pm
- Saturday, March 20th 12-5pm
- Saturday, April 24th 12-5pm
Intermediate Soldering -- $35.00 Materials not included
Beginning Soldering Prerequisite
This class will teach you more advanced soldering techniques, including: More than one metal - More than one trip to the torch - More than one kind of solder - A quick trip to the drill - A soldered link - And then a recap of finishing techniques. Then you are ready for the advanced classes!
- Wednesday, April 21st 6-9pm
Filigree Soldering -- $35.00 Materials not included
Beginning soldering Prerequisite
Filigree is a more advanced soldering challenge because it involves multiple soldering steps. Out of bent and twisted wire you will assemble, and solder, a lovely, intricate, pattern that can be enhanced with a bead and worn as earrings or a pendant.
- Saturday, April 3rd 2-5pm
Clasps & Bails -- $35.00 Materials not included
Beginning soldering Prerequisite
This class is for making anything from toggles to bails to even head pins. You'll learn tricks and tips to decorating them as well to make your pieces as fancy or classic as you want. A great way to become more efficient at soldering.
- Wednesday, March 31st 6-10pm
Stone Setting -- $75.00 Materials not included
At least 2 Intermediate Soldering Classes, or equivalent in shop time study is necessary to take advanced workshop.
This is an advanced class and in order to keep up we really encourage the recommendations so that there are no frustrations later. It is well worth it to be prepared. Patience and practice is what will make all the difference for this class so that your setting will come out looking professional!
- Saturday, May 1st 10-5pm
Riveting -- $35.00 ($45.00 with safety class) Materials not included (Kits available)
This is an introduction to joining metal without having to solder, which is revolutionary for all of us that don't like the torch! Sheets of metal can be riveted, laced, or folded together so that they remain firmly connected. These various methods of joining, also lend a beautiful design element to a piece.
- Saturday, February 6th 2-5pm
- Wednesday, March 3rd 6-9pm
- Saturday, April 10th 2-5pm
Electro-Forming -- $45.00 ($55.00 with safety class) (Kits available)
This is a very fun and simple process where you can coat an object with a metallic shell by submerging it into an electrolytic plating bath. It can be used to coat natural objects such as leaves, twigs, or to form bezels around stones. You can even make a wax model, coat it with copper, and turn it into a rigid metal object. With proper instruction, the process is safe and simple. Come and give your favorite small object the ‘Midas touch'.
- Saturday, March 13th 2-5pm
- Wednesday, November 11th 6-9pm
Intro. To P.M.C. -- $35.00 ($45.00 with safety class) Materials not included
This is a basic class to get you familiar with the medium and the tools. Learn how to make pendants or earring pieces using this unique clay. Find out different ways of firing the projects as well as polishing and cleaning them up. If you find you like this material we have more advanced classes!
- Saturday, January 30th 2-5pm
- Saturday, February 20th 10-1pm
- Saturday, April 17th 10-1pm
Intro. To Casting -- $65.00 ($75.00 with safety class) Materials not included
This class is an introduction to Lost Wax Casting. The whole process will be discussed, along with visuals, from start to finish. You'll explore the amazing range of possibilities for creating jewelry or sculpture in various types of waxes. Then you'll begin modeling your very first piece out of sheet wax, and then onto some soft wax. These pieces will then be cast by the instructor. You'll receive a voucher to return the following week to pick up you cast piece and be able to finish it in the shop.
- Wednesday, March 17th 6-10pm
Enameling -- $65.00 Some Materials included
Guest Artist Juanita Gonzalez shares her knowledge and skills in this exciting new class. She is majoring in Fine Arts and has studied jewelry fabrication and enameling for some time. Glass on metal, how exciting! Metal artists add a whole new dimension to your work, COLOR! Glass artists you too can enjoy a whole new facet of “the best medium in the world” (Carole’s opinion!). Come be part of this new Backroom technique.
- Saturday, January 30th 12-5pm
- Saturday, March 13th 12-5pm
Beginning Glass Bead Making -- $150.00 Materials included (safety class included)
This class will get you heading in the right direction, and sets a good foundation for a long career in Glass Bead Making. In-depth safety and technique are stressed in this class. The do's and don'ts of Sting Bead's Backroom glass stations are covered. And the skills you'll need to make different shaped beads are tried. Different tools are presented and a basic knowledge of glass and how it applies to beads are all covered.
- Full Day class – Call for available dates
Boro Pendants -- $100.00 Materials included
Aaron Nielsen began lampworking with borosilicate glass in 2006. Amazed by the properties and applications of glass in both Artistic and industrial fields, he strives to learn as many different techniques and styles as well as create his own. He now operate his own home studio here in Chico, Ca. and produce many individual and unique pieces as well as many commission pieces. His Beginning Borosilicate Pendant class will cover all the basic techniques in borosilicate lampworking. He will demonstrate different techniques of adding colored glass to clear and "imploding" it to create very cool and dynamic patterns. Also shown will be shaping techniques necessary for making clasps, pendants, earrings, etc. "I try to get around to everyone in class and provide very personal instruction and always make sure people go home with a nice piece of work produced in class. Glass is very amazing and exciting stuff and I love showing people how fun and accessible making glass art is."
- Saturday, February 13th 11-5pm
- Saturday, April 10th 11-5pm
Fun with Wire -- $35.00 Materials not included
Beginning Soldering Prerequisite
Now that you’ve taken Beginning Soldering it’s time to practice! What better way than with loops and spirals. Multi-soldered pieces that could be center pieces, links, rings, bracelets. Have your ideas ready and join the fun.
- Wednesday, March 24th 6.9pm
- Wednesday, April 14th 6-9pm
P.M.C. Rings -- $65.00 Materials not included
Intro. To P.M.C. Prerequisite
Did you know P.M.C. shrinks? Do you know how much? This is a class that will teach you the math involved with P.M.C. in order to figure out how to make your rings turn out the correct size! Learn how to set a CZ and decorate your ring without distorting it. Janette has all the tricks of the trade for this class!
- Saturday, March 20th 10-1pm
P.M.C. Molds, Stamps, & Stones -- $65.00 Materials not included
Intro. To P.M.C. Prerequisite
Molds, stamps, presses and bling! Learn how and why you can set CZ’s in your P.M.C. and decorate it with layers of texture to give your piece the finishing touches it needs to really make is sing.
- Saturday, March 6th 10-1pm
Punching & Texturing -- $35.00 ($45.00 with safety class) Materials not included
We have new tools! Come in and learn how to use a rolling mill to make impressions on metal that you can later turn into earrings, pendants, even cuff bracelets! We just love new tools and even more love showing people how they work!
- Saturday, February 6th 2-5pm
- Wednesday, March 10th 6-9pm
- Saturday, April 17th 2-5pm
Soft Soldering -- $35.00 Materials not included
This is not torch soldering! Soft solder is used to seal or combine simple pieces. The unique thing about soft solder is you can incorporate glass, and other materials that regular solder would not allow. Great class for those who don’t like working with flames but still like some metal look in their pieces. Great for a vintage look.
- Wednesday, January 27th 6-9pm
- Saturday, March 13th 2-5pm
- Wednesday, April 7th 6-9pm
Chain -- $45.00 Materials not included
Beginning Soldering Prerequisite
Big, little, round, square, twirls, flowers, plus anything you think of can be a link in a chain. But there are some tricks and procedures that make linking them together easier and faster!
- Saturday, March 6th 12-5pm
Basic Glass Fusing -- $50.00 Materials included
Basic kiln fusing will be covered. ALSO we will try the POTATO! A glass fusing technique that you do in a MICROWAVE!!! How cool is that! Well how hot is that really. Classes are small so sign up soon.
- Wednesday, March 31st 6-9pm
- Saturday, April 24th 2-5pm
Mixed-Media/Steampunk -- $65.00 Some Materials included
Gears, Resins, Epoxies, Cold connections of all sorts!!! Using hollow bezel forms, wire, found pieces, and much more we will explore the possibilities of cold connection jewelry! Recycling at its best!
- Saturday, March 6th 2-5pm
- Wednesday, April 21st 6-9pm
Etching -- $35.00 Materials not included
Put your favorite things onto metal! Most of the time if you can high contrast it you can etch it. We will only etch on brass or copper in this class. 3 or 4 different techniques will be covered, including sandblasting. Call and get the parameters of what can be done in this class. Ask for Carole.
- Wednesday, February 24th 6-9pm
*Due to the fact that our Guest Artists must travel and prepare in advance there will be NO refunds or Class Credits given for missed or canceled classes. You may send someone in place of you ONLY.
*PLEASE NO PERFUME ON CLASS DAYS!!