Mama's Classes

Unplug from the stress of work and engage the right side of your brain with a creative class at Mama’s Minerals! Pearl Knotting, Beading, Wire Wrapping, and Rosary Making are all great skills for making jewelry that will spice up your outfits at the office or help you glam up for a night on the town.

Not interested in making jewelry? What about Stone Carving, Flint Knapping, or Metaphysical Crystal classes? Check out our large variety of classes to find something fun for everyone in the family!

We conduct public classes at our Albuquerque store. Space is limited, so please be sure to sign up well in advance. We also host birthday parties with fun activities for kids; choose either "Make Your Own Mineral and Fossil Kit" or "Create Your Own Necklace." See more information and make a reservation.

For more information or to sign up for a class, please call us at 505-266-8443.

Parents and kids, note our newly added classes for kids!

Also check out Mama's Events Calendar for upcoming gem and mineral and beading shows, as well as our annual Arts & Crafts Fair, Mama's Alternative Health Fair, and our annual Kids Day.

Beading / Jewelry Classes:

FREE Adults' Basic Necklace-Making Class

Learn what materials to use, and how to properly finish off a professional-style necklace.

Thursday, May 23
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Thursday, June 6
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Saturday, June 22
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Saturday, July 6
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Thursday, July 18
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

FREE Adults' Basic Earring-Making Class

Using headpins and ear wires, learn the basics of how to make fun versatile earrings.

NOTE: Please see our required class materials list below.

Thursday, May 23
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Thursday, June 6
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Saturday, June 22
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Saturday, July 6
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm  

Thursday, July 18
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

GRATIS En Español: Clase Basica de Collares / FREE Spanish language Adults' Basic Necklace-Making Class

NOTA: Por favor, consulte la lista de materiales requeridos a continuación.

Miercoles, Mayo 22
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

GRATIS En Español: Clase Basica de Aretes / FREE Spanish language Adult Basic Earring Making

NOTA: Por favor, consulte la lista de materiales requeridos a continuación.

Miercoles, Mayo 22
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

 Adult Basic Rosary Making

Rosaries are in style these days, and not just in New Mexico! Using wire working techniques, learn the professional way to make your own Rosary for decoration, to bring to church, or for a thoughtful gift.

$35 fee, due upon signup -- All supplies and beads are included.
Call to reserve your spot: (505) 266-8443

No classes currently scheduled

Multi-Strand Necklaces Class

Multi-strand necklaces are all the rage in Hollywood and can add layers of dimension to outfits. Learn how to professionally replicate this hot look for half the price.

Class fee: $15, due upon signup -- Covers instruction and use of tools. Bring or buy your own beads.
Call to reserve your spot: (505) 266-8443

NOTE: Please see our required class materials list below.

Saturday, May 18
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Wednesday, June 19
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Wednesday, July 17
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Pearl Knotting Class

No need to pay designer prices for a designer look. Come learn how to make your own strand of knotted pearls at Mama’s Minerals!

Pearl knotting is a technique that was used to prevent loss of expensive pearls by placing a knot between each bead in case of necklace breakage. This attractive technique of knotting in between each bead also happens to space the beads, and can be applied to any sort of stone, not just pearls.

Class fee: $15, due upon signup -- Tools are provided.
Bring your own materials or purchase in store before class.
Call to reserve your spot: (505) 266-8443

NOTE: Please see our required class materials list below. 

No classes currently scheduled

NEW! Assemblage Story Box

By nature we are all hunter gatherers, so dig out those old earrings, photos, miscellaneous found objects, beads and pieces of jewelry to create your own memorable piece of art to take home.

This class teaches the assemblage technique using metal tape and wire, stencils, templates for embossing, jewelry, beads and found objects. Each attendee will be supplied with various materials and some tools, but please bring some things that are meaningful to you -- after all, this is your creation!

• $55 fee, due upon signup
• Class is 2 1/2 hours.
• Maximum class size is 6 students, so sign up now.

Taught by Nova DeNise

Saturday, June 29
11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Saturday, July 13
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

NEW! Bonsai Tree of Life Wire Wrapped Pendant

Using copper wire and a variety of irregular chip beads, you will create your own one-of-a-kind pendant. And just like real trees, it is guaranteed that no two pendants will be exactly alike!

You will be provided with an illustrated tutorial featuring step-by-step instructions, so when you go home you can create more pendants and adapt the design to suit your own style.

Tools and supplies will be provided for the the duration of the class.

• $35 fee, due upon signup
• Class is 2 1/2 hours.
• Maximum class size is 10 students, so sign up now.

Taught by Kelley Pounds of KellsCreations.com

No classes currently scheduled

NEW! Freeform Wire Wrapped Stone Pendants

Turn that small polished or irregular stone gathering dust on a shelf into a one-of-a-kind piece of wearable art.

With some simple tools, a few feet of wire, and some basic wire wrapping techniques, you will learn how to create a decorative freeform cage pendant to hold your special treasure. This technique can be used with polished stones, small carved figurines, small geode crystal segments, sea shells, marbles, even a found object such as an antique finial-shaped perfume bottle stopper.

You’ll be provided with an illustrated tutorial featuring step-by-step instructions, so when you go home you can create more pendants. Through practice, you’ll be able to adapt the design to suit your own style. The possibilities are practically endless.

Wire materials will be provided. Please bring own your special stone, or shop our fantastic selection of stones, mineral specimens and more to find that perfect piece for your creation.

• $40 fee, due upon signup (includes wire for wrapping)
• Class is 2 hours.
• Maximum class size is 10 students, so sign up now.

Taught by Kelley Pounds of KellsCreations.com

Saturday, June 1
1:00 - 3:00 pm

NEW! Embellished Focal Bead Pendant

This popular introductory class on wire jewelry making will show you how to create intricate-looking, one-of-a-kind embellished pendants using a large bead accompanied by wire and seed beads. Wire and beads for two pendants will be provided, along with a fully illustrated step-by-step tutorial.

Once you learn the basic techniques in this class, you'll be equipped to use your imagination to create more pendants incorporating charms and other embellishments for truly unique creations using all sorts of interesting beads, from stone and shell to polymer clay and glass.

Tools and a kit with beads and wire will be provided for the duration of the class, and you'll take home 2 completed pendants.

• $35 fee, due upon signup (includes materials)
• Class is 2 hours.
• Maximum class size is 10 students, so sign up now.

Taught by Kelley Pounds of KellsCreations.com

Saturday, July 13
1:00 - 3:00 pm

Saturday, July 27
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

NEW! Wire Wrapped Cabochons

When you hear about wire wrapped jewelry, chances are you envision a pretty, flat-bottomed stone called a cabochon framed neatly in wire. In this class you will learn this traditional wire wrapping method using a 30 X 40 mm oval, flat-backed stone cabochon, but you will also learn how to give these creations your own unique look by manipulating the wire into coils, swirls and curves using some simple tools. You'll also learn how to twist square wire with a couple of simple tools in order to give it a rope-like appearance that catches the light and adds interest to your design.

This class builds on techniques taught in the "Freeform Wire Wrapped Stone Pendants" class, but a determined beginner can still enjoy this class and be successful with the design, and when you have mastered these techniques you will be able to go on to wrap more irregularly shaped cabochons.

An illustrated step-by-step tutorial is yours to take home. Tools and supplies will be provided for the duration of the class, and you'll take home a finished cabochon pendant.

• $35 fee, due upon signup (includes materials)
• Class is 2 1/2 hours.
• Maximum class size is 10 students, so sign up now.

Taught by Kelley Pounds of KellsCreations.com

Saturday, July 27
1:00 - 3:30 pm

NEW! Chakra Heart Pendant With Wire Weaving

Intermediate wire bending and beginning wire weaving to complete an assemblage of wire, chakra colors and a crystal point. You will learn several weaving techniques to add to your wire bending skills. We will be using the new Mama’s Paramount Wire collection which includes gold, silver, copper, bronze and black. This new product is vastly improved, maintaining color and quality.

If you want to try wire weaving, this is the place to start.

• $40 fee, due upon signup (includes all materials)
• Class is 2 hours.

Taught by Patricia Brkich

Sunday, June 9
2:00 - 4:00 pm

Sunday, July 14
2:00 - 4:00 pm

Metaphysical Classes:

Metaphysical Crystal Basics 101

Are you attracted to the beautiful colors and shapes of crystals and stones? Do you have them in your home and workplace or wear them as jewelry? Do you pick up stones when you hike? Would you like to learn some basics for working with crystals on an energetic level?

Then this class is for you! It's a great introduction for those who want to work more actively with crystal energy and who would appreciate a jump start.

We will cover:

• Choosing the right stones for you
• Tuning in to a crystal and basic meditation techniques
• Energizing and cleansing stones
• Charging stones with intention
• Quartz shapes and how energy moves through them
• Protection stones
• Stones to use with care
• Preparing crystal elixirs
• Chakras, colors and corresponding stones

Taught by Marcia Stevenson

 $20 fee, due upon signup

Saturday, June 8
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

2-Day Metaphysical Workshop: Crystals in Our Lives

Crystals are beautiful forms that reflect light and color and come in many shapes and sizes. Crystals are used in many of the devices we use on a daily basis -- computers and cell phones, for example. In this two-day workshop, we will explore some other ways to work with crystals.

Participants in this class will explore:

• What is a generator and what is it used for?
• Learn the significance of unique crystal qualities such as a phantom, a rainbow, a cluster, a crystal ball and more
• Rose quartz and selenite uses and attributions
• What is the mental trinity and how can it help me?
• Create a layout using fluorite octahedrons

Taught by Marcia Stevenson

$30 fee — Due upon signup.

No classes currently scheduled

2-Day Metaphysical Workshop: Crystals, Energy and Healing

A two-day workshop in the use of crystals to assist us in balancing all aspects of our being, based on the work of Katrina Raphaell, founder of the Crystal Academy of Advanced Healing Arts. Participants in this class will explore: the energies of a variety of crystals and stones; the chakra system; the connection between chakras, colors and crystals; our personal energy/auric field; basic energy balancing with crystals; and basic energy charge.

Taught by Marcia Stevenson

$30 fee — Due upon signup.

Download class information sheet (PDF)

Saturday, July 20 AND Sunday, July 21
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Kids Classes:

KIDS Necklace Making Class

Kids love to express their creativity. Teach them a skill that will last a lifetime with our Kids Necklace Making class.

Children 5 and up get to design and assemble their very own beaded necklace. All materials and tools are provided; children choose beads from a set selection.  

$15 fee - Includes all beads, materials and instruction.

Saturday, May 18
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Saturday, June 22
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Saturday, July 27
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

FREE KIDS ROCK! Geology Class

Our Kids' Geology Class introduces basic concepts of Geologic Time, the Rock Cycle, Types of Rocks, and best of all, a chance to see and learn about all the beautiful crystals, minerals, fossils, and stones! For children ages 4 and up. (Parents are of course welcome to stay and learn, too!)

FREE

Saturday, June 1
11:99 am - 12:00 pm

Saturday July 6
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

NEW! Discovering Minerals

Your child will learn about the fascinating properties and uses of various minerals in this fun, hands-on class. Activities include:

• Excavate gypsum crystals from sediment (clay) they crystallized in
• Learn how and where these particular gypsum crystals grew, why gypsum is important to us, everyday uses and properties of the mineral
• Learn about dolomite, a type of limestone, and why / how aragonite crystals grow when placed in vinegar
• Take home your own "Blooming Rock" to try at home

Please be sure that your child wears clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.

Ages 5 and up
$20 per child — Due upon signup.

Saturday, May 25
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Saturday, June 8
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Saturday, July 13
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

NEW! Basic Kumihimo Bracelet For Kids

Kumihimo is a very old Japanese form of braid-making. Cords and ribbons are made by interlacing strands. Kumihimo is Japanese for "gathered threads."

This technique is perfect for making key chains, belts, necklaces and more. Children love kumihimo, and once they learn this simple technique, they can unleash their imagination and create their own unique piece of art.

Ages 7 and up
$20 per child — Due upon signup. All materials included.

Saturday, June 29
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Saturday, July 20
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Carving / Stone Knapping Classes:

2-Day Stone Carving Workshop with Delbert Charging Crow

By special appearance -- Don't miss this rare opportunity!

Oglala Lakota stone carving artist Delbert Charging Crow will share the Lakota fetish carving tradition that is designed to awaken the stone carver in you. In this two-day workshop, you will learn the process of selecting a stone, how to recognize the shape within the stone, the tools to use, and the carving techniques to bring it forth.

Each day begins with a Lakota prayer and song to help the participants get in touch with the spirits within the stone.

$225 plus a $50 material fee
$50 non-refundable deposit required
Call 1 (505) 266-8443 to sign up.

Saturday, August 17
10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday, August 18
10:00 am - 5:00 pm

   Read Delbert's Bio

Beginners Stone Knapping Class

Ever wonder how ancient man was able to make cool tools with rudimentary technology? We'll show you how it's done in this hands-on class.

The class includes several different methods, tools and materials so you can feel comfortable, safe and confident on your flint knapping journey. We'll also demonstrate how to make tools from your finished work.

 
Class fee: $15 with a $10 materials fee, due upon signup
Call to reserve your spot: 505-266-8443

No classes currently scheduled

Required Class Materials

Please review the following required materials lists for the following classes:

Adults’ Basic Necklace Making:

(10) 2x2mm Crimp Beads
SoftFlex Beading Wire (at least 2 ft.)
Clasp of Your Choice
Beads of your choice (enough to complete a necklace of your desired length)

Tools (Provided During Class):
Wire Cutter
Crimp Tool
Bead Stopper(s)
Bead Board

Multi-Strand Class:

Have at least two (2) strands of beads already strung and ready to be affixed to your clasp.  Also, the wire for each strand should measure four inches (4”) longer than desired finished length.

2x2mm Crimp Beads
SoftFlex Beading Wire
Beads of your choice
Clasp (Pick a clasp suitable for a multi-strand necklace.  If you are unsure, wait and we will pick one out together.)

Tools (Provided During Class):
Wire Cutter
Round Nose Pliers
Crimp Tool
Bead Board
Bead Stopper(s)

Adults’ Basic Earring-making:

(24) Base Metal Head Pins (These are to practice with and discard.  Spend as little money as possible on each head pin.)
(2+) French Ear Wires
Beads of your choice
     
Tools (Provided During Class):
Wire Cutter            
Round Nose Pliers
Bead Board

Pearl Knotting Class:

Any Round Beads - Sizes 6-10mm
Silk Cord - Any Color - Size Number 3-6 for most beads
(2) Clamshells
Clasp (Toggle)

Tools (Provided During Class):
Beading Awl
Knotting Tweezers
Wire Cutters
SuperT Glue
Bead Board