Making a piece of jewelry can create more than a piece of wearable art. You can hone a new skill, improve existing skills, and create memories as you craft alongside loved ones. Additionally, you provide a loving reminder to the wearer of your personal expressions and intentions.
The Local Radish
612 Main Street, Beech Grove
The Local Radish is a local shop filled with positive energy and beautiful baubles, straight from Mother Earth. Owner Britt finds petrified mud, rocks and stones handpicked from around the globe, and is thrilled to share her finds with you. At The Local Radish, both young and old can create one-of-a-kind pieces… bracelets start at around $25. Not wanting to DIY your own creation? They have ready-to-wear pieces and gifts to choose from. Kids love finding hidden treasures and learning about their healing powers. Staff is very knowledgeable, both helpful and patient when it comes to helping little minds decide on their perfect piece. Looking for more fun? Just a two minute drive away is one our favorite bowling spots in the Indy area, Beech Grove Bowl!
HopeAnchor & Crew
13578 East 131st Street, Suite 101, Fishers
This non-profit company, based out of Central Indiana, has a bit of a different business model. You can choose to DIY your own bracelet from the “bead bar” starting at $25. Then 25% of that purchase goes to one of their local charity partners. Or you have the option to volunteer to make bracelets for one of their charities. This typically takes a of couple hours. and to reward your hard work, you receive money off your own take-and-make bracelet. Perfect way for kids to volunteer and then get to create their own piece to keep! Girl Scout troops love the “giving back” feeling, and others love putting in some volunteer hours. The space is beautiful for birthday parties, showers, and mommy-and-me time. Walk over to the Saxony Beach in the Summer for a dip in the lake after creating your jewelry or hit Jack’s Donuts for a snack!
Caravan Classes
92 South 9th Street, Noblesville
Caravan Classes has a storefront in Noblesville, or their mobile unit can come to you. They have hosted scout troops, birthday parties, and showers of all sorts. Homeschool groups have utilized the space, as well. They can design a lesson for children, adults, or both. Age 8 years and up is ideal, but they can do techniques for younger ages starting about 6 years. Students can choose from beads, findings, wire, and various other supplies to create earrings, necklaces, and lanyards. Prices vary per item but start at only $3! While you’re in Noblesville check out one our favorite parks; beautiful in any season, Potter’s Bridge!
Indianapolis Art Center
820 East 67th Street, Indianapolis
Chain Mail Earrings, Clay Earrings (Ages 14-18), and Dichroic Glass Pendants are just some examples of the make and take classes at the Indianapolis Art Center. Classes usually take a couple of hours and artists get to leave with their finished product. They also have classes to learn a craft that span an entire season; like metal-smithing basics, where you create a ring, pendant, and non-soldered chain. Prices and dates vary. Don’t miss the “Twisted House” sculpture while you’re at the Art Center.
The Shoppe
291 East Two Cent Road, Bargersville
The Shoppe offers classes in fused glass jewelry, leather, faux leather, and macramé. Classes are a “make and take” style, where the artist leaves with their completed project. Prices vary depending on supply costs and class length. The Shoppe offers pop up jewelry making classes about once every other month. Check their website for a full schedule of classes available. Need more ideas while in Bargersville? Check out these 20 date night ideas to inspire you.
Inspired Fire Glass Studio and Gallery
2124 SR 25 W Lafayette
Glass bead making classes are typically held on Saturdays at the Inspired Fire Glass Studio and Gallery. Their “flamework” classes are for kids as young as 14 years old, and the fusing classes are okay for younger kids. Classed can be scheduled based on the students availability as well; such as their beginner bead making classes. Want more glass classes? Check out these Indy area Glass Blowing options.
Bead It Adornments
34th Highschool Road, Speedway
This beautiful little shop specializes in imported and hand-crafted West African goods. The goal of creating special and one-of-a kind pieces is evident in owner, Doritha’s, work. She hosts jewelry making parties or 1-on-1. Bead It Adornments can also travel to you. Packages can be tailored to meet your needs, whether you have a large family gathering or a small group of children. The beginners “bead kit” class is 90 minutes in length, and a great way to start your beading journey.
Garfield Arts Center
2432 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis
The Garfield Park Arts Center offers a variety of classes, including monthly jewelry making classes. For example, they offer a two hour class to teach you how to make flow paint jewelry. This lesson will only run you $25, and is geared for kids 16 years and up. The full schedule of their classes is on their website. Make sure you leave time to explore all that Garfield Park has to offer. We especially love the Garfield Conservatory.
Kokomo Opalescent Glass
1310 S Market St. Kokomo
KOG students learn how to make various glass beads. Students will produce a stringer, as well as several kinds of beads, including dots, melted dots, flowers, frit, stretched, single color, and textured. Students make anywhere from eight to twelve beads per class, depending on how fast they learn the technique. Pop up classes are offered throughout the year.
Due to the materials used and the intense heat, students must be at least 16 years old. For safety reasons, safety glasses must be worn, and legs and feet must be completely covered at all times.
Pendleton Artist Society
119 W State Street, Pendleton
The Pendleton Artist Society is a 501c non-profit group of artists who aim to facilitate the growth of the arts in Pendleton, Indiana. Local artists offer classes throughout the year in various forms. The jewelry making class is recommended for kids 12 and up, as there is some soldering and forming. In the Fall, you can make silver or copper leaf earrings. No matter when you visit the Pendleton Artist Society, save time for a jaunt to Falls Park! Various seasonal events are always amazing in this small town.
Jewelry has been a traditional gift for holidays and birthdays for years, so why not gift your own creation at any of these DIY jewelry options? Wearing a piece crafted just for you is a lovely way to feel the gifter’s love and creativity, and a wonderful way to show you care.
