Course summary  Learn how to make a bespoke tiara, adorned with pearls, beads and heaps of sparkly genuine Swarovski™ crystals in just one day, plus some matching hair pins (time permitting) .

Dates & times  This is a one-day level 1 course.  See above for available dates.  Whichever date you choose, the course starts promptly at 11:00hrs and is scheduled to end at 16:00hrs.  However, as students work at different paces, you should be prepared to stay on for up to 15min if needed at the end of the day, to complete your tiara.

Who can take this course?  This is open to all levels from beginners to experienced beaders who wish to learn another technique.  Both men and women are welcome.

Why should I take the course?  You'll learn how to design and create a unique tiara, whether it be for your special day, to add another technique to existing beading skills, or even to start your own home-based business.  By learning to make a tiara-band from scratch, you will have the edge over other tiara makers by making a band that is perfectly-sized and comfortable all day.

What will I learn?  On this workshop, you will learn how to measure your own or a client's head to make a bespoke-fitting tiara band, which will be lightweight and comfortable. We will then move on to wire twisting and wrapping techniques, incorporating components such as fans, trees and flowers. Once the basics are covered, the tutor to help you design your tiara and put your ideas into reality. You will leave the workshop with a completed one-of-a-kind tiara.

What will I make?  You will make at least one tiara. Time permitting, you will also make some matching hairpins.  And you'll also have the skills to carry on making tiaras at home!

Can I make a gold-coloured tiara and hairpin(s), instead of silver ones?  Yes, we can provide gold-plated wire for you instead of the standard silver-plated wire (at extra cost) - just be sure to select this option from the drop-down menu at checkout (if booking by phone, please request an upgrade to gold-plated wire).

Do I get to keep what I make?  Absolutely.  Find the Sussex Jewellery School on Facebook to see more jewellery made by students on this course.

Are materials included?  Yes - the course fee includes a generous amount (250 per student) of genuine Swarovski™ crystals, and either silver-plated or gold-plated wire in various gauges (diameters), depending which option you choose from the drop-down menu.  Additional sparkly Swarovski™ crystals, beads, Swarovski™ faux pearls and even real freshwater pearls are available to purchase from your tutor on the day, if desired, to make your tiara even more special!

How many other students will there be?  This course is taught in a small group, to plenty of individual tutor attention - places on this course are up to a maximum of seven students.  

What's the tutor like?  This course is taught by Gail Florio, a professional tiara maker and milliner. Gail runs her own successful business in Tiaras, Bridal Jewellery and associated headwear. Gail also holds a BTEC with merit in Millinery from Kensington & Chelsea college.  [See Tutor profiles page].

What do past students say?  "A wonderful day - I can't wait to try out my new skills and put into practice some of the techniques.  And I just love my tiara!"  Mary Herns [See the Student reviews page for more]

What can I go on to do after the course?  Students can progress to our more advanced courses in Intermediate Tiara-Making, Making Feather & Flower Fascinators and Millinary (coming soon), or may wish to learn how to work with pure silver to make real silver embellishments for tiaras on the Beginnings in Silver course (see Silver & Silver Clay courses). 

Can I change my booking?  Please note that, for logistical reasons, we are unable to offer transfers or refunds on this course.