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Beads for the Preserve: Nature-Inspired Jewelry Workshop

Event Description

Join us at The Idea Forge Creators Space for “Beads for the Preserve,” a hands-on jewelry-making workshop where creativity meets community impact.

This Nature-Inspired Jewelry Workshop:

Is part of our Weekly Wednesday Workshop series, this session invites participants to design and create custom bracelets and earrings using our wide collection of beads, wires, charms, and natural elements all inspired by the colors, textures, and shapes found in the natural world around us.

In this workshop, you’ll explore the fundamentals of handmade jewelry design, with guidance on basic techniques such as bead stringing, layout planning, color matching, wire wrapping, and clasp attachment. Whether you’re brand new to jewelry-making or just looking to practice and refine your craft, this session will provide the structure, tools, and encouragement to create unique, wearable art.

The theme of this event is rooted in nature-inspired design and giving back. Many of the beads and elements available reflect earthy tones and organic shapes, think wood grains, stone textures, greens, golds, and natural patterns. You’ll be encouraged to draw from personal experiences, memories of outdoor spaces, or local landscapes to shape your design choices.

In addition to exploring self-expression through jewelry, this workshop provides an opportunity to support a greater cause. Some of the pieces created during this event will be offered up during Willimantic’s Third Thursday Street Festival as part of a community donation initiative. All proceeds raised will go toward the continued development of a local Windham Outdoor Education Preserve we are actively supporting down the road from our Idea Forge Creators Space.

This means that while you will walk away with at least one custom piece to keep, you’ll also have the opportunity to help craft some items we can add to our option as Third Thursday which is a a powerful way to turn creativity into real-world impact. It’s art with purpose, and every bead helps.

What to expect:

  • A welcoming, creative space led by our staff

  • Access to a wide selection of beading materials, charms, wire, tools, and supplies

  • Instruction in layout design, crimping, fastening, and finishing

  • Gentle guidance storytelling through design

  • The chance to contribute to our environmental stewardship efforts while crafting something beautiful

No prior experience is required, this workshop is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels, including complete beginners. We encourage participants of all ages to come as they are, meet fellow creatives, and explore what it means to make something with heart.

All tools and materials will be provided. If you have special beads or pieces you’d like to incorporate into your project, feel free to bring them along.

At The Idea Forge Creators Space, we believe that creativity is a tool for connection, and that even a simple bracelet can carry the weight of a bigger story, one that includes the environment, the community, and the future we’re building together.

Whether you join us to make a gift for someone you love, a piece to wear with pride, or a donation that supports local land restoration, you’ll leave with new skills, new connections, and the inspiration to keep creating.

July 2, 2025
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Free

Venue

Base Camp

54 North Street
Willimantic, CT 06226 United States

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Organized By

Project Imo

(860) 786-5799

teamimo@projectimo.org

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Know Before You Go!

Nope! A digital copy on your phone is perfectly fine. Just have it ready at check-in for a quick scan. We would gladly accept 

Project Imo and the Idea Forge Creators Space strive to offer high-quality events and workshops for our community. To ensure fair access and responsible planning, we’ve established the following refund policy:

Ticket Purchases

  • All ticket sales are final unless otherwise stated on the event listing.

  • Refunds may be issued if a written request is received at least 7 days before the event date.

  • Refunds requested within 7 days of the event are not guaranteed and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

  • A processing fee may be deducted to cover platform costs (e.g., PayPal fees).

How Refunds Are Processed

  • Refunds will be issued to the original payment method (usually via PayPal).

  • For in-person registrations paid by cash or check, refunds will be issued by check within 14 business days.

  • Requests must be sent to [insert email] and include:

    • Your full name

    • The event name

    • Proof of purchase

If We Cancel or Reschedule
If an event is canceled or rescheduled by Project Imo, you will receive:

  • A full refund, or

  • The option to transfer your registration to a future event (upon request)

Parking is available at right outside the entrance of our main location.

Street parking may be limited on Main street, so always recommend arriving early or carpooling when possible.

We offer a few light refreshments, including a Keurig station, a water dispenser, and occasional snacks.

However, we do not provide full meals. For most events, you’re welcome to eat beforehand or bring your own food, unless otherwise noted in the event description. If outside food isn’t allowed for a specific program, we’ll be sure to mention it clearly.

Please bring your ticket (digital or printed), a valid ID, and any personal items you may need.

Some events may require specific materials, these will be noted clearly in the event description if needed. If you’re ever unsure, feel free to reach out before attending!

Unless otherwise stated, all events/workshops are intended for adults ages 18 and up.

If an event is family-friendly or open to younger participants, that information will be clearly noted in the event description.

Yes and we encourage it!

You can add multiple tickets at checkout and enter details for each attendee. We highly recommend inviting your friends, coworkers, or creative crew to join you. Events are more fun when shared, and it makes for a great group outing or even a unique gift experience.

Yes, just email us at TeamImo@Projectimo.org with the full name and email of the new attendee at least 48 hours before the event.  Best option would to also copy that person on the email you send.

Use the contact form below or email us directly at TeamImo@projectimo.org. We’re happy to help!

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