2025 Is A (Wire) Wrap
The teacher and the comic relief (Susan and MIke).
Six libraries, 12 classes, 180+ students, and a lot of laughter, joy, and fun.
That’s my one-line recap of the jewelry classes I helped Susan, aka Wired Lotus, teach this year. From Lincolnwood to Arlington Heights, and Park Ridge to Palatine, we taught students how to make wire-wrapped rings and pearl pendants. I’ve helped Susan teach these classes at Chicagoland libraries since 2019. We even held a few via Zoom during the pandemic. But in-person is so much better.
It’s fun and inspiring to start with a class of about 20 people, most of whom have never wrapped a wire or made jewelry. In less than two hours, they walk away with a finished ring or pendant, along with new skills, inspiration, and memories.
One observation that Susan and I have shared is that, along with enjoying the jewelry-making, students relish the connection and shared experiences. Friends take classes together. Mothers come with daughters, and sisters with sisters. We’ve even had couples. My favorite was the recent class when a husband came to learn how to make a ring for his wife. We’ve also witnessed new friendships begin in class. For those two hours, we all come together as a jewelry-making community.
Susan introduces me by saying, “I’m the teacher, and Mike is the comic relief.” That’s true. I try to keep things light, especially for students who may be stressed about trying something new. Over these past six years, my knowledge and approach to helping Susan have evolved. I make sure I can complete the projects we teach so I can provide hands-on help. As I tell the students, if I can do this, you are certain to be successful.
We’re already booking classes for 2026. I’m looking forward to another year of teaching with Susan, learning new projects, and inspiring and delighting dozens more students. We’d love to see you in a future class. Check your library’s events calendar or visit Susan’s Wired Lotus YouTube channel. She offers free tutorials, tips, and much more.
Thanks to the libraries that hosted us in 2025: