The Beading Place Welcomes Metal Clay Instructor Extraordinaire Lora Hart

We're just bursting with excitement to welcome Metal Clay Instructor, Lora Hart to The Beading Place. Lora will be teaching several workshops here over the summer including an introduction to metal clay, combining dichroic glass cabochons with metal clay and a water etching technique for metal clay.

Lora orginally studied classical goldsmithing where she honed skills in soldering, wax carving and casting, then she discovered metal clay and "everything fell into place." She immersed herself in all things metal clay earning certifications from Rio Rewards, PMC Connections Levels 1 & 2, and Art Clay Silver. Lora began teaching in the Southern California area in 2003 and expanded to teaching nationally in 2006. She is a regular contributor to Studio PMC, Step by Step Beads and Tana's Habitat. Her work has been featured in numerous publications; "Metal Clay and Mixed Media Jewelry" by Sherri Haab and the "PMC Guild Annual" to name just a couple. Lora is the founder of New Metal Artists, the Los Angeles chapter of the PMC Guild and is a member of the Metal Arts Society of Southern California (MAASC) and The Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG).

The Beading Place Welcomes Metalsmithing Instructor Jessie Sanchez Goody!

Are you ready to take your beading and jewelry making skills to a "whole nother level?" Then get ready for a summer of sizzling hot precious metals classes with new Beading Place instructor, Jessie Sanchez Goody.

Jessie began his jewerly making career as early as 14 years old, when he began learning from his father who was a goldsmith in Taxco Mexico, a city well known for a long tradition of silver and gold jewelry manufacturing. After high school, Jessie apprenticed with a local jewelry artist. This is where Jessie expanded his skills to include wax carving, casting in gold and platinum, jewelry design, and a variety of stone setting techniques such as bezel, tube, prong, channel, etc.

With some 15 years of jewelry making experience, Jessie is excited about sharing his passion for creating fine jewelry with others. Look for Jessie's Pendant class, Cuff Bracelet and Ring class this summer.

PMC Certificaton Class With Patrik Kusek A Great Success!

Three days of mastering a variety of techniques in precious metal clay with Patrik Kusek, senior instructor for Rio Rewards earned all twelve students certification as well as a huge sense of accomplishment. Patrik shared so many useful tips and techniques gleened from his extensive experience working with PMC. The projects were challenging and skills learned were invaluable.

Beyond The Rubber Stamp In PMC Class With Rio Rewards Senior Instructor Patrik Kusek Just Added! Thursday May 14.

In this day-long workshop, Patrik teaches students how to get that signature look by creating custom textures. 1.) First, we'll explore using found objects. Although most of us use found objects to create textures, Patrik discusses the "Power of Intention" and how it applies to found objects. We'll also learn how to capture those found object textures to reuse them again and again. 2.) Second, we'll create a pattern by carving. We'll use common every day objects and transform them by carving them into unique stamping tools. 3.) Third, we'll use polymer clay to capture textures and go beyond simply "press and bake." 4.) Fourth, we'll use a 2-part silicon mold making compound to make highly detailed textures plus we'll discuss using 3 dimensional objects. 5.) Fifth, we'll explore Photopolymer Plates (PPP's). With PPP's, you can create a custom texture, pattern, drawing or with a computer you'll be able to customize words with fonts you choose! We'll go over the basics of PPP's, expose and develop PPP's right in class. Finally, we'll create a sampler bracelet with the textures we've created throughout the day. This fast paced class will give you design tools to help take your designs to the next level.

Tucson Gem Shows

We're back from the Tucson Gem Shows with a wonderful selection of gorgeous beads and pendants. It's always a treat to visit the various shows in Tucson because each one is so unique. There truly is something for everyone there.

The show at Electric Park is a virtual tent city with everything from authentic Native American artifacts to museum quality fossils and minerals. Across from the Electric Park show is the Veteran's Center which hosts a bead show of artists from around the country. We had the pleasure of meeting Holy Gage and Kate McKinnon, both extrodinary metal clay artists. One of my favorite booths to visit is Lilly Pilly, a feast for the eyes of meticulously etched shells in fascinating shapes, sizes, patterns and colors.

The Gem Mall and Holidome are located next to each other in football field sized tents. It's a monumental task to make it through both shows, but its amazing what we'll do to feed our bead habit. The thought of missing out on some extrodinary beads motivates us to continue on.


Beautiful landscapes and scenery, good restaurants and some 43 bead shows going on throughout the city, what more could a girl want. Stop by the shop and see all the wonderful treasures we found on our gem show adventure.

We've Moved!

We have a beautiful new location just a few blocks from our original store. Our new address is 100 W. First Street, Tustin, CA 92780. We're now on the corner of El Camino Real and First Street. Parking is great!

Our new store has a gorgeous enclosed classroom for those great beading classes we're known for. In addition, we have added a "workshop" which allows us to offer a much more extensive variety of metal working classes as well as PMC classes.

Featured in Beadwork Magazine Oct/Nov 2008 Issue

Our stunning beaded cabochon earrings are featured in the October/November 2008 issue of Beadwork Magazine. A beautiful gemstone cabochon is framed with delica beads, tiny pearls or crystals and czech glass beads. Finish off the look with a sparkling Swarovski crystal drop. The look is elegant and classic.