Introduction to Artisanal Jewelry

Ana Holschneider and María del Socorro Gasca are the founders of Caralarga, a high-end artisan jewelry studio with a focus on showcasing the natural qualities of the materials used and emphasizing the value of handcrafting. At the center of this textile design and production project are their jewelry collections. However, they also create clothing and medium to large decorative pieces.

In this online course, learn the basic craft techniques to create textile jewelry in a contemporary style. Ana and Soco show you how to take advantage of local materials, accentuating and highlighting the characteristics of textiles and natural fibers. Explore weaving techniques, knots, and fastenings to create clean and elegant pieces from scratch.

If you’re ready to dive into this world for the first time, then this is your course.

Start by getting to know Caralarga’s founders, Ana and Soco, and discover how they started their line of high-quality handmade jewelry. They share some of the pieces and themes that inspire their creations, as well as everything you need to know about cotton thread and snake plant fiber, two of the most-used materials in their workshop.

Move on to studying the tools required and carry out a series of basic weaving exercises to help you assemble your pieces. Learn to add different fastenings and knots, such as a buttonhole clasp, a slipknot, and a Franciscan monk’s knot.

Once you've mastered these essential techniques, you’re all set to create your first textile jewelry pieces: a necklace, a bracelet, and a pair of earrings.

To wrap up, Ana and Soco reveal some of their secrets for using leftover materials from the jewelry-making process and turning them into accessories or incorporating them into the packaging of your finished products.

Transform natural fibers into a necklace, a bracelet, and a pair of earrings.

Fashion designers, artisans, and anyone interested in starting out in the world of textile jewelry and creating unique pieces from plant fibers.

No previous knowledge is required to take this course as Ana and Soco guide you through the entire jewelry-creation process from start to finish.

As for materials, you need waxed thread, cotton string, pearls or wooden beads, earring hooks, and kraft paper, all of which you can easily find online or in specialized stores.