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Last updated
03/13/2023
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Bead Embroidery Classes

Bead Embroidery is different than any other bead technique - instead of stitching or stringing beads together, you stitch beads to cloth or stiff felt. Any object can be made with your designs - jewelry, purses, buttons, photo frames, dolls and wall pieces, to name a few. You are only limited by your imagination.

If you are interested in one of these or something that fits with my skills, please email or call 570-686-3784. Also contact me if you would like more photos of items made with these techniques.

Overview:

Classes in Bead Embroidery can be one class or a series of classes, Bead Embroiderydepending on the length of the workshop. The Basics Class is a prerequisite for all other classes, but the other classes are independent of each other.

The classes below are set up for 3-4 hour time slots, but I can give an all day class or a series of classes to fit your venue.

Here is an over all description of Bead Embroidery. In a 3-4 hour class we cover the basics and given more time I can include other topics as described here:

Bead Embroidery is different than any other beading technique - instead of stitching or stringing beads together, you stitch beads to cloth or stiff felt. Any object can be made with your designs - jewelry, buttons, photo frames, dolls, purses and wall pieces, to name a few. The student will learn various stitches, how to form a shape for your fabric, and how to attach a backing to finish off your handiwork. This class will start with teaching the basics while you create a sampler that can be used for future reference and as a practice sheet for new stitches. You will also learn more advanced stitches and a lot about fringe, including the instructor’s 1-2/2-1 rule of fringe design. Students will learn how to attached virtually any object to their piece (even ones without a hole). We will learn how to analyze how to start a new creation (so bring your ideas to discuss in class).


Basics

This first class is a prerequisite for all other classes. The student will learn all the basics including stitches, how to form a shape for your fabric, and how to attach a backing to finish off your handiwork. In class we will work on a sampler that can be used for future reference and as a practice sheet for new stitches.


Extra Stitches 1 - 4

Learn more stitches to enhance your beadwork. These include ruffles, background covers, flowers and much more.


Cuff Bracelet

Using the bead embroidery techniques from the Basics Bead Embroidery class, learn how to make a cuff bracelet with a brass cuff inside. This class teaches you how to make a template for any size cuff, set up the project and how to finish the back. It will also go over peyote bezel setting of a focal jewel. You can use all glass beads, but as a fancy piece of jewelry, it’s nice to use pearls, crystals and stone beads, too. See more cuffs.


Purse Mirror

Using the bead embroidery techniques from the Basics Bead Embroidery class, learn how to make a 2” mirror that you can carry in your purse or sit on a coffee table as a piece of art work. There are three parts to this project – using a peyote bezel to attach the mirror, setting up the front of the piece, and how to attach the two pieces using the edging stitch. Learning these skills goes a long way in learning how to approach most bead embroidered projects. See more mirrors.

Beaded BarretteBarrettes

Using bead embroidery techniques from the Basics Bead Embroidery class, learn how to make a custom barrette, of any shape you design. The class with go over set up and how to finish the back with a basic barrette clip. This class is similar for making a brooch or pendant, too.


Buttons

Using the bead embroidery techniques from the Basics Bead Embroidery class, learn how to make a custom shank button to dress up any outfit. You also learn how to allow this to be worn as a pin or a pendant. Fast and easy to do, these buttons are fun to make. See more buttons.


Brooch or Pendant

Using the bead embroidery techniques from the Basics Bead Embroidery class, learn how to make a brooch or a Pendant. You can use all glass beads, but as a fancy piece of jewelry, it’s nice to use pearls, crystals and stone beads, too.

This class shows how to set up the project, start the main beading and how to finish it to include your finding. In this time frame of this class, the piece cannot be finished, but the student will know enough to finish.

Spirit Dolls and Other Pillow forms

Get the Spirit - Learn to make a cloth and beaded doll with a message inside. Fashion a Friendship doll, I Love You doll, Healing Doll, Happiness Doll, or whatever moves you. All hand stitched and easy to create, even for those who don't sew. The doll's shape can be anything from a goddess to a mermaid to a star to an animal. Beading is used for the edging and embellishments. So in addition to making the doll, you'll learn about bead embroidery and creating fringe. Most beads will be provided, but by all means bring the ones you love and charms that go with your theme (all shapes and sizes). See sample dolls on my site. This is an 7-8 hour class or a workshop that can be split into two days. The students might not finish the doll, but will know enough to go home and complete this project.

Alternately, learn to make a stuffed pillow form (in this case filled with scent) with beaded edges and fringed corners. Bead Embroidered embellishments will decorate the final piece. Taking this class provides the skills to make doll forms. Set up for 3 hours.

Note: this class can be done without the Bead Embroidery Basics class as making the form is a different skill. But, it's best to know the stitches and thus the Bead Emb Bascis is good to have.