I’m Jessica Barst, professional jewelry designer and instructor, and I love sharing my favorite jewelry making techniques with students from all over the world – students just like you who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity.
I love teaching all kinds of jewelry making techniques, but I specialize in wire wrapping and wire working, especially for beginners. I break down complex techniques into simple steps so it’s easy to understand what you’re doing, and – more importantly, why.
Many online tutorials don’t mention the importance of using the right tools and materials, assuming that you already know that part. But if you’re a beginner, it’s easy to feel lost and get frustrated, feeling like you’re missing something. But it’s not your fault!
If you’re like me, you turn to jewelry making and other arts and crafts as a way to de-stress and relax. And when you’re ready to learn a new technique, you’d rather spend your precious creative time making beautiful things instead of searching the internet for that missing piece of information. Am I right?
It’s no fun when your relaxing activity ends up causing you anxiety and frustration (been there, done that, no thanks!)
I make a point to structure my teaching to give you the information you need without a lot of fluff. I know you don’t have enough free time as it is – I certainly don’t want to waste it :)
My Jewelry Making Journey
I have been making jewelry for as long as I can remember – beginning with macramé friendship bracelets and beaded flower rings on the playground in grade school. In those early days I learned from reading jewelry making books and magazines (in those long-gone days far before the internet) and mostly by just figuring stuff out and playing with beads.
As soon as I was able, I started taking jewelry classes, learning and practicing as many techniques as I could. I took weekend workshops, college classes, and devoured online courses too. For a long time, I just made jewelry as a hobby, for fun, then in 2002 I started my own jewelry business and began selling my jewelry at craft shows.
Since 2004, I have been a professional jewelry designer, drawing detailed technical drawings, designing beaded jewelry, and doing freelance design work for large international manufacturers. During this time, I have designed jewelry collections and exclusive items for retailers such as Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Macy’s, JC Penney, Zales, and many more!
Shortly after I began selling on Etsy in 2009, I had the opportunity to teach some in-person jewelry workshops, and then I started making videos after I realized how much I love to teach! I began JewelryTutorialHQ.com in October 2012 to share my passion for jewelry making with others.
Since then, I have had instructions for one of my designs published in a book called Bewitching Bead and Wire Jewelry and I now have a thriving YouTube channel with over 44,000 subscribers that enjoy learning various jewelry making techniques from my videos (which have been viewed over 3 MILLION TIMES!!)
I occasionally still teach live jewelry making classes in Dallas, Texas but my current focus is creating online jewelry workshops for students all over the world!
My Workshops
All my online classes are self-paced with lifetime access. Enjoy an interactive classroom from the comfort of your own home and on your own schedule!
Wire Wrapping for Beginners
If you’d like to learn to make wire wrapped jewelry with me, I invite you to check out my flagship course, Wire Wrapping for Beginners. With over 1000 happy students and a shining 5 star rating, I’m confident you’ll love it too!
You’ll learn the basics and beyond with over 40 video lessons and more than 12 finished projects, including necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
Mastering the Herringbone Wrap
My newest online class is the first in a series of decorative wire wrapping workshops – Mastering the Herringbone Wrap, where you’ll learn to create stunning, inspired designs and several variations on this beautiful technique.
More workshops are on the way. Stay tuned!
What Can I Help You With?
If you’re new to the site and need some help finding what you’re looking for, you might like to check out the New? Start Here! page or my Lost? page. I’m also putting together an FAQ page (coming soon).
Thanks so much for visiting! I hope to be of great service to you on your jewelry making journey! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or get in touch. I do my best to answer every single question I receive :)
