NMCC to offer course in jewelry creation and design

    PRESQUE ISLE – Jewelry design and creation is one of the hot new trends to allow a person’s creativity to shine. Local residents can learn how to put their creativity to work in an upcoming jewelry making class being offered by Northern Maine Community College beginning Saturday, Nov. 3.     Participants will benefit from hands-on learning while they create their own necklace, bracelet and earrings. They will learn the appropriate techniques for selecting and using beads, findings, and wire to create beautiful pieces of art to wear.
    Teaching the course is Laura McPherson, co-owner of Sunrise Beads in Mapleton. Using glass and other materials, Laura and her husband, Randy, make beads that they market to high-end jewelry designers all over the world.
    “The demand for these glass beads has exploded overnight as more and more people are discovering the beautiful ways to make jewelry that looks like art,” said Laura. “I love being able to take a few simple pieces of wire and some beads and make them into something I can wear. People are always commenting on jewelry I wear, and some of the designs are so simple to make. I love showing others how easy and fun jewelry design can be.”
    Examples of these creations can be seen at sunrisebeads.com.
    The jewelry making class will meet at NMCC on Saturday mornings, Nov. 3, 17, and Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost of the course is $65, and there are some tools and a bead board that participants must bring with them for the class. A tool list will be provided upon registration.
    For more information on the course or to register, call Northern Maine Community College’s continuing education division at 760-1155. The class is limited to 10 people.