Nomad Bead Merchants: Boulder jewelry making & classes

 
 
 

Signups on Meetup are disabled! Please sign up right here at THIS HANDY LINK: Colorado Fairy Hair signup!

Once you get to the signup page, please follow instructions - choose your sparkle level and then the date you wish to attend. We have two dates available for April!

Join us at Nomad on Sunday, April 2nd. Professional Hair Fairy Summer will be here all afternoon to add some glitter to your life. These are microfilaments of durable, sparkly material anchored invisibly into the hair.

This is a fun thing to do and the Nomad staff can testify that it lasts for weeks, through shampoos, blow-drying and hair products. Long or short, there's a color for everyone.

These are available in packages of 10, 15, 20 and 30 strands, along with a 'mini pack' of 5 strands for $20.

For full pricing and to sign up for a session, please head to: Colorado Fairy Hair signup! Don't forget to check the date - we have several upcoming dates and you may sign up for any of them from this page.

A few walk-up spaces may be available, but we recommend that you reserve a time in advance.

Our local Fairies prefer cash payment! Please bring along a few bills to cover your appointment price if possible. Credit cards are accepted but will incur a small surcharge.

 
 
 

This is an afternoon class starting at 12pm.

Have you ever looked at a briolette, those sparkly teardrop-shaped stones with the hole drilled at the tip, and wondered what to do with it? This class offers an introduction to using these tricky-yet-exquisite beads.

Simple yet glamorous, briolette earrings are a perennial favorite. Dip into an assortment of glass and gemstone jewels and learn this endlessly adaptable wirework technique. Materials for two pairs are included.

 
 
 

Two spaces available!

This is a morning session starting at 10am. Wan Norby will be teaching.

Every jeweler finds themselves with interesting remnants - a few quality gemstone rondelles from some completed project, mismatched briolettes too small to make into pendants, short bits of chain.

This project takes full advantage of these gourmet leftovers to create delicate 'station chain' necklaces. Learn to precision-wrap briolettes and links, choosing from among Wan's 'good stuff' gemstones and a variety of textured (or simple!) chain styles.

This is a beginner-to-intermediate wire project. Bring reading glasses if you need them!

 
 
 

This is an afternoon session starting at 12pm. Beads are not included in the class price - please see below!

108-bead malas are rooted in Buddhist tradition and are used for meditation, counting mantras and simply as adornment. These long, knotted necklaces have become popular as a fashion statement and are a great way to pick up this intermediate beading skill.

Students will learn to knot snugly and accurately between beads using Griffin beading thread and knotting tweezers. This project calls for a lot of patience, but no other technique flows like a knotted piece - and the knots will prevent loss of multiple beads should the thread give way under wear.

Nomad's malas are simply finished, using a single center bead and a tassel or charm. Choose from among our vast selection of centerpieces!

Beads are not included in the class price! Students will need to bring their own or purchase beads at Nomad. We suggest that class attendees come in on a prior day to choose beads if not bringing their own. Both 8mm and 6mm beads work well for this project.

 
 
 

This is a morning session starting at 10am. Wan Norby will be teaching.

Welcome to one of our most challenging classes! The price includes all materials and a post-class appointment with Wan to finish off the bracelet. Expect to spend about three hours at Nomad on the scheduled date.

Work with monofilament thread, a beading needle and the popular Miyuki half tila bead for this modern classic, a slinky, close-fitting bracelet which flexes comfortably on the wrist. Options for closures, width and a wide variety of tila and seed beads will be available, so a student may customize their bracelet to taste.

This style has rapidly become a popular standard at Nomad! Tilas and the 15/0 seed beads used in this project are available in a broad selection of colors and finishes, offering endless possibilities for design variations.

Class fee includes a follow-up session with Wan to get the last bits of the bracelet completed.