In addition to teaching Latin at Convent Elementary and Stuart Hall for Boys, Dr. Blum is also a jewelry designer and goldsmith. In this class, new students will be introduced to the basics of creating beaded necklaces, bracelets and earrings, including instruction in the types of tools and findings needed for designing and making jewelry. Additionally, students will learn some forging and wire-wrapping techniques that can be used to create cold-connected charms, extenders, ear wires and simple rings. Finally, students will experience designing with broken costume jewelry and parts, using their skills from beading and forging of elements to create new pieces of wearable art. Because this is a split-level course, students who took this class previously are welcome to sign up again, as they will continue honing their skills both of design and creation. New students will be learning how to knot pearls on silk and attach clasps; graduate students will be using their skills to create new designs. Tools to be provided for each student during the class include a set of needle nose and flat nose pliers, and flush-cutter snips. Tools to be demo'd and available for shared student use during classes include steel bench blocks, planishing hammers, nylon mallets, ring mandrels, rulers and sandpaper sticks. Supplies to be provided include a variety of beads, beading cable, plated wire in different gauges and plated findings (clasps, ear wires, headpins, jump rings, crimp tubes). Over the course of this class, participants can expect to create and finish their own pieces of jewelry; for works in progress, individual trays will be provided to hold a student's creation for continuation in the next week's class. If you're interested, you can see Dr. Blum's work at https://www.maryblumjewels.com/