Learn to Crochet Jewelry

Last week my secret project went live:

Annie's Online Class: Learn to Crochet Jewelry

We filmed this in one quick day in January during a snow storm in the charming Berne, IN.  It was quite the trip.  Little man came along since he was too small and I am nursing.  I wanted to make sure I was as fast and efficient as possible so that the crew could get home safely and we still had plenty of time for me to nurse every 3hrs.  As you can imagine, it was pretty comical with me running out after I completely changed (just in case he spit up), then running back banging out another segment, over and over.  Annie's crew were fantastic to work with, and extremely laid back with filming.  But again, for me the shorter time I was traveling with the baby meant the more sleep I would get when we got home!  I can't tell you how glad I was teaching jewelry, something that I have taught a lot and I love.

In the class, I demonstrate 5 jewelry projects.  I use each project to teach a crochet technique or two.  In class, we learn about basic things such as reading crochet diagrams to more advanced ways of doing bead crochet.  The class makes making jewelry a breeze so you can pick up any stitch dictionary or wire and beads and create your own unique projects.

Some of the many topics I talk about are:
- Explaining all the tools and materials you will need to make jewelry.  (Not as many tools as you may think!)
- Reading Crochet Diagrams and Understanding Written Directions
- Working with Crochet Thread
- Adding beads to our crochet in 2 different ways
- How to stiffen thread crochet
-Tips on working with Wire, Hemp, Leather, and more
- Jewelry Basics including, jump rings, adjusting chain lengths, making spacer beads with eye pins

The projects you receive with the class (also pictured here):
- Snowflake Beaded Earrings
- Flower Motif Necklace
- Pansy Cuff (2 versions)

- Golden Petals Ring
- Pineapple Pendant (2 versions)

At the end, I try to explore our creativity with what else we can do with the motifs we learn in class.  I talk about how switching the wire or thread for DK or worsted weight yarn can make you any project from wall art, rugs, afghans and sweaters.  I specifically show you how the Stellar Snowflake Tunic and Garden Afghan both use motifs we learn in class.  Stellar Tunic uses the motif from the Snowflake Earrings to make a sweater.  And the Garden Afghan uses the motifs from Pansy Cuff and Flower Necklace in worsted weight yarn.  Both the sweater and afghan patterns are available for purchase at Annie's or here on the blog.

It is a really fun class if you are looking to add a bit of sparkle to your projects or want to learn some quick and easy new techniques.  I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!

The awesome people at Annie's are offering one lucky blog reader this class for free.  All you need to do is leave me a comment here or send me an email/ tweet/ facebook message by the 15th, make sure you leave a way that I can reach you if you win.  What a great tax day gift right?

Hope you enjoy as much as we did planning and filming it!