A taste of jewelry

Lansing Makers Network will host a sold-out workshop on teaching the fundamentals of jewelry making tonight from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Jewelry instructor Jody Applegate. Who is a board member at Lansing Makers Network, will teach the Taste of Jewelry class how to use a jeweler’s saw, piercing practices, cold smithing and polishing. Participants will create either a pair of earrings or a pendant necklace during this class and will be able to keep what they make.

“I will be teaching design concepts as well,” Applegate said. “I want people to leave knowing more about jewelry and knowning that they can make it. They can take their ideas and make them tangible.”

Applegate went to Central Michigan University, where he learned how to make jewelry through the jewelry program there. CMU had a jewelry program until 1996.

The cost to attend a class like this is $65 for non-members and $55 for members. There are two different levels of membership at the Lansing Makers Network, bothof which give 24/7 access to the space. The first level Coder/Crafter costs $50 a month. The Coder/Crafter membership gives members access to all areas of the space except the machine shop and wood shop. The second level is the full membership, which costs $80 monthly.

“Money that we make from classes and membership goes to developing more programs and improving the space, improving the tools and how we teach people,” Applegate said.

As a makerspace, Lansing Makers Network is a nonprofit, volunteer organization. The staff volunteer their time and skills, while the tools and equipment are donated by sponsors of the organization.

Sharing expertise is one of the main parts that makes this place work. Applegate said the most often said phrase at Lansing Makers Network is, “What are you working on?”

“That is what I like about this place,” Applegate said. “I’ve learned so much.”

Supplies for the classes are provided, including safety equipment that are necessary for the class. Applegate said participants in classes should alway make sure to wear comfortable clothing that they’re not afraid to get dirty and to wear closed-toed shoes.

Classes and workshops taught at Lansing Makers Network are open to participants 16 or over. However, those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who is also participating in the class.

The Lansing Makers Network hosts many classes and workshops on more than just jewelry making. The building itself is full of different areas dedicated to different expertise. The next class is the Taste of Woodworking class on Saturday, May 26.

Applegate said the most popular workshop at Lansing Makers Network is the blacksmithing class.

Tickets for these events are sold through Eventbrite and can be found through the Lansing Makers Network website. Pricing for classes vary on the type of class it is.