By LAURA BROOKHART / Community Columnist

Busy hands are happy hands, so it’s been said, and it’s always fun to explore the variety of classes offered around town.

Here’s a sampling:

Viking weave bracelet (Beginning Wire): Marsha Ingram teaches this traditional wire weave technique that dates back to the Vikings. (June 29; 2-5 p.m.)

Have you heard of a potato chip netting bracelet? (Beginner): This is a fun bracelet to make using a netting stitch with seed beads. Embellish or not. (June 17 and 24; 1-4 p.m.)

Make three sets of earrings and learn to make your own ear wires: Taught by Judy Wilde. (Beginners) (June 11, 11-2 pm; June 14, 1-4 p.m.)

Also by Judy Wilde: Learn the history and basics of creating chain maille as you create three design—Rosette earrings, 2-in-2 bracelet, and parallel (helm) bracelet.

Call Bead Biz at 621-2426 to sign up for all classes. A 50 percent deposit is required. Keep up with all Bead offerings by signing up for Lora’s newsletter.

In 2010, David Schlueter told me about his vision to have a “studio/workshop that will also be open to the public; where folks can stroll in, have a cup of coffee, watch the craft in-process and chat with the artisan.”

He also wanted an area to demonstrate glass blowing. Today that vision has become reality and he is settled in at the north end of Old Town.

Buck Creek Stained Glass will offer the following:

On July 9, 7-8 p.m., make your own colorful fused glass pendant. On Sunday afternoon, August 10 and 17, experience glass blowing for yourself with one-on-one instruction to create a paperweight.

For beginner stained glass artisans, introduction to copper foil will be held August 19, from 6-8 p.m. This class teaches step-by-step the creation of a circular stained glass panel that features a hummingbird.

Schlueter will also teach a Glass Solder Pendant Class on June 22 at the Bead Biz.

To see more: Buckcreekglass.com. To sign up, call 541-3322.

At Helena School of Art there are still a few openings in classes in various media for first-eighth graders. See: ArtInHelena.wikispaces.com.