Beki's Classes for 2020/2021

Kits are available for all projects - generally in more than one colorway.
Kit prices are set to encourage class sign-ups.
Supply Lists can be provided upon request and are to be supplied only to students who have signed up.

Name: The Fortune Teller - Not available until late Spring of 2020
Skill Level: Intermediate
Duration: Full Day 
Description:

The Fortune Teller has a beautifully bezeled Swarovski Round stone in Peyote Stitch with Embellished Netting.  The bracelet band is Filled Netting and easily adaptable to various size wrists.  Or you may opt to just use the focal for a pendant!

A fun project open for lots of color combination and a skill set in beadweaving techniques that you can apply to many other projects.

Students will Learn: 

You'll create an ornate Peyote and Netted beaded bezel around a Custom Coated Swarovski stone.  Then used a quick and highly adaptable Filled Netting for the bracelet bands.
Prerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful. 
Project will not be completed in class.

Name: Sabrina
Skill Level: Intermediate + Must have a working knowledge of CRAW
Duration: Full Day 
Description:

Sabrina has a beautifully bezeled Swarovski Navette stone in Embellished CRAW, a Peyote Petaled Pearl Flower and another oldie but goodie from my repertoire of days gone by....Graduated Spiral Rope.

A fun project open for lots of color combination and a skill set in beadweaving techniques that you can apply to many other projects.

Students will Learn: 

Bezel using Embellished CRAW; bezel a small round bead and embellish with layers of Peyote petals;

graduated Spiral Rope; color placementPrerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful.  Working knowledge of Cubic Right Angle Weave.
Project will not be completed in class.

Name: Monet's Garden
Skill Level: Advanced
Duration: Two Day Class
I can offer a Full Day with experienced beaders only.
Note:  This photo was used as an idea for my Master Class students at Bead&Button 2017
Description:Create several different bezels and flowers using various modified beadweaving stitches to create a bountiful bouquet of flowers stitched atop a lacy Hubble Stitch bracelet.
Students will Learn:
Modified Herringbone, Right Angle Weave, Netting, Peyote, RAW and embellishment techniques as well as Hubble Stitch.  
Prerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful.
Project will not be completed in class.

Name: Ravenna
Skill Level: Intermediate
Duration: Full Day 
Description:
Ravenna features a custom made cabochon by artist Rachel Spence-Hungary surrounded by sparkling Swarovski crystals. This cabochon will be bezeled using Hubble Stitch with a unique embellishing technique.  The band is flat Hubble Stitch heavily embellished with crystals and pearls. 
Students will Learn: 

A bezeling technique with Tubular Hubble stitch and embellishment techniques; Flat Hubble Stitch; proper findings attachments.   Spark your creativity with discussions on the unlimited variations with these techniques.
Prerequisites:
None
Project will not be completed in class.

Name: Marseea
Skill Level: Intermediate
Duration: Full Day 
Description: Named after one of my best friends and mentor, Marcia DeCoster, Marseea features beautiful flower bezels around Rivoli and Chatons that will sit perfectly upon a V-shaped center frame.
Embellish a simple and very fun neckstrap with matching pearlsStudents will Learn: Variations on Right Angle Weave techniques for bezeling, structure and straps that will teach you how to incorporate various sizes of seed beads to create this beautiful focal necklace.
Prerequisites:
Working knowledge of RAW very helpful.
Project will not be completed in class.

 

Name: Avalon
Skill Level: Intermediate +
Duration: Full Day 
Description:

Create a lush setting for sparkling Swarovski Rivoli by bezeling with Embellished Peyote and adding layers of branched fringe.  A versatile and subtle Flat Chenille bracelet band makes the perfect backdrop for all the movement the fringe creates
Students will Learn: Peyote, Branched Fringe, Flat Chenille and endless opportunities for texture and color play.
Prerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful.
Project will not be completed in class.

Name: Ariana
Skill Level: Intermediate +
Duration: Full Day 
Description: Create this unique and beautiful necklace using sparkling Swarovski stones and a variety of Japanese Seedbeads and Czech glass beads by creating a uniquely embellished Right Angle Weave and Netted bezel as well as three smaller Swarovski stones captured in a similar technique. A versatile bail will then suspend your pendant from a gorgeous tubular netted neck strap.
Students will Learn: 

Created using modified RAW and netting techniques that will teach you how to incorporate various sizes of seed beads along with a little adjustment in tension to create a unique bezel that can be used on many different focals.
Prerequisites: Working knowledge of Right Angle Weave.
Project will not be completed in class.

Name: Mayan Goddess
Skill Level: Intermediate
Duration: 1/2 Day as shown Full Day option with RAW embellished necklace.
Description:

Capture a stunning German engraved glass cabochon in embellished Peyote and add sparkling fringe to finish off a simple but beautiful pendant that will hang gracefully from a TierraCast branch.

Students will Learn: 

Comprised of Hubble Stitch Bezel and Fringing techniques that will teach you how to incorporate various sizes of seed beads that can then be embellished in a myriad of ways.

Prerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful.
1/2 Day version may be completed in class

Name: Sirena - The Water Nymph
Skill Level: Intermediate
Duration: Full Day
Description:
Three different bezels create this lovely pendant fit for a Mermaid.  A fun project that will teach you much needed skills for bezeling techniques including double-sided bezels and ways to protect the backs of fragile elements. 
Students will Learn: 

Tubular Hubble Stitch; Tubular Peyote; Tubular Herringbone; embellishing techniques;  color placement; finishing techniques to enhance your beadweaving skills.
Prerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful.
Project will most likely not be completed in class.

Name: Garbo
Skill Level: Intermediate+
Duration: Full Day
Description: 

In honor of the new "Roaring 20's"....you'll create a beautifully ornate tassel necklace.  Two sections combine to create a lot of exciting movement.  An innovative adornment around a Swarovski Rivoli and a Peyote and Fringe'd tassel combined with an easy and versatile rope necklace you can make to suit your own personal touch.
Students will Learn: 

Peyote; fringing; RAW; embellishing techniques; color placement; finishing techniques to enhance your beadweaving skills.
Prerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful, a working knowledge of Peyote is helpful.
Project will not be completed in class.

Name: Tuscany (Not available until July 2020)
Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Duration: Full Day 
Description:
Using various colors of seed beads you'll capture sparkling Swarovski stones in Cubic Right Angle Weave that you'll then embellish with crystals, pearls and some of the more uniquely shaped new beads on the market.

Then create an beautiful and versatile modified RAW necklace to suspend these elements from.
Students will Learn:  CRAW, Embellishing, Modified Right Angle Weave

Prerequisites:Must have a good working knowledge of CRAW
Project will not be completed in class.

Name: Mermaid Jewels
Skill Level: Intermediate
Duration: Full Day
Description: 

You'll create a structured yet organic looking necklace fit for the mermaid hiding inside of you!  Students will Learn peyote techniques for bezeling, fun fringing techniques, an organic undulating spiral rope technique, color placement will all combine to create this beautiful focal necklace.  
Students will Learn: 

Peyote; Embellished Fringe; Spiral Rope.  A very fun class that will teach you about color placement of beads to create a balanced and attractive piece of jewelry that you’ll cherish forever.
Project will not be completed in class.

Name: Dream Keeper
Skill Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Duration: Full Day
Description:
Create your own special beaded Dream Keeper comprised mostly of Hubble Stitch with a little RAW added in for texture and a change of pace, you will learn how to bezel in Hubble as well as create the tubular body of this vessel. 
An additional bezel for the lid also has a cute wooden "stopper" attached to help add a little weight to the piece. 

Toss in some sparkle from some lovely Swarovski Rivoli and you'll have a stunning necklace!

Students will Learn:
Hubble stitch; Modified RAW, Fringing, Embellishing and finishing techniques that will enhance your bead-weaving skills. 

Prerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful.
Project will not be completed in class.

Name: Second Season
Note: Project has been released as a kit - options for specialized version for your store/event.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Duration: 1/2 Day or Full Day
Description:
Create a beautiful trellis with beads with a lush floral theme dripping with beaded flower petals and Swarovski crystals and pearls.
Students will Learn:
This modified cubic right-angle weave technique will broaden your skills at creating decorative ropes while the fringing techniques will allow for a fun and colorful time to just play; color theories and finishing techniques will enhance your bead-weaving skills.
Prerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful.
Project will not be completed in class.

 

Name: Island Girl
Skill Level: Intermediate
Duration: 1/2 Day
Description: Using a modified netting technique you will learn a fast and fun way to bezel Swarovski round stones!  We'll add even more layers to a few of the motifs to create a more embellished look.  Several color options will be available for this island themed bracelet/anklet - each one creating a different look! Students will Learn modified netting techniques for bezeling,  finishing techniques and color theory.  
Students will Learn:
Modified Netted bezel; Flat Chenille Stitch; color theories and finishing techniques will enhance your bead-weaving skills.
Prerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful.
Project will not be completed in class.

 

Name: Royal Crest
Skill Level: Intermediate
Duration: 1/2 Day
Description: Learn the warped Peyote Square technique to create a lovely bail for this unique carved shell.  Then use Tubular Peyote that you will embellish with pearls and beads to create a bezel combined together to create the look of a Royal Crest. Students will Learn peyote/herringbone combination, peyote techniques for bezeling, embellishing techniques, a balanced attachment will combine to create this unique pendant. 
Students will Learn:
Modified Peyote; Peyote; Embellishing; color theories and finishing techniques will enhance your bead-weaving skills.
Prerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful.
Project may be completed in class.

Name: The Snake Charmer
Note: Project has been released as a kit. Several month advance notification is required in order to have the crystals custom coated to match each other.
Skill Level: Intermediate Advanced
Duration: Full Day
Description:
A sinuous rope of cubic right-angle weave gently curves and binds several sparkling Swarovski Elements into an enticing shape. Beautiful netting encloses the back of the elements for comfort and protection against wear.  
Students will Learn:
How to bead decorative peyote stitch bezels with a beautiful web of netting attached to secure the stones; use of various colors to create the illusion of movement in the cubic right-angle weave rope that bends around the beaded crystals; color placement details; finishing techniques.  
Prerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful.
Project will not be completed in class.

Please feel free to drop me an email at DreamBeadr at aol if you are interested in having me come teach any of these classes at your store, bead society or event.  Also, with enough advance notice I am happy to create a unique project that I can offer a temporary exclusive on for your event, or I can create a specific project using beads you would like to sell in your store.

That's all she wrote! 

My experience as a bead vendor/teacher

You are so lucky!  You must have so much fun!  I wish I could do that!

I hear these comments and ones similar to them so often I cannot begin to count how many times.
And yes…..I am very lucky, but I also work my tail off to keep that luck in tact!
And yes….I do have tons of fun, but it is at a pretty big risk.
And….remember what your Mom used to say?  Be careful what you wish for!

Every single day of my life I am thankful for what I do for a living.  Seriously, every single day.  I am surrounded by beads, by like-minded people who also love beads, by color and beauty and artistic minds and creativity swirling all around me sweeping me away sometimes into a beautiful world of color and sparkles and happiness.  It’s like a dream!

But there is another side to it that is not always discussed.  Not really seen or understood…or…gasp!  Appreciated!

It’s the side with all the work, long hours, stresses, chaos.  The side that keeps that beautiful side operating.

This year at the Bead&Button Show I had a classroom full of students who, for some unknown reason, were very curious about the workings of my “job”.  So, I shared some of it with them.

I started with the teaching side of it.  

First there is the idea for a design.  Sometimes it’s quick and easy and it falls into place.  Sometimes it is long and troublesome and even after weeks or months it may need to get tossed into the UFO bin. 

While designing I need to keep in mind three really important things –
Can I teach how I’m doing this?
Are there enough teachable moments in this?
Are these beads readily available?

Just meandering along adding beads here and there is not a good philosophy for a bead teacher.  Heck, I might not even be able to replicate it again, I certainly can’t expect to then show others how to do it!

And also there needs to be consideration placed into the design on whether or not there are new skills I can teach, or a new trick or tip.  If it’s too boring the class will not be dynamic. 

These thoughts can create a lot of stress when designing and can sometimes force me to just scrap that design and move on.  Sometimes I comply quickly….sometimes I “waste” time trying to force the issue.
But that wasted time is at a high cost if I have deadlines to meet.  So I MUST keep myself in check. 
It sucks having to be your own adult!  

 

Also while I am designing I have to keep in mind whether the products I’m using are easily obtainable because supply lists and/or kits will be needed.  Ugh! 
And what is readily available today might be totally unobtainable by next month.  Stress!

Next up is putting into words how I created this pretty little bauble.  Ummm…..did I take notes?  I told myself to take notes!  But, of course, I got all lost in the bead hole and completely forgot to take notes.  And really, how did I do this?  There are too many layers and I cannot see the thread path!  Yikes!

This process might take a few weeks also….because I might need to rip it apart in the hopes I can bead it again.  Or I might need to spend the next 6 evenings and both days on the weekend trying to recreate it.  (Let’s hope I don’t get distracted!!  LOL)

Finally, I’ve got the instructions written.  Now comes the photos/illustrations!  The learning curve for that little chore was years in the making!  And after I finally was good enough at it I decided I didn’t have enough time because I’m too slow of a beader!  So now I pay someone else to make them for me.  Huge time saver for me because it used to take me about 3 full days to create the illustrations for an average project.  This took a huge toll on my back, neck and wrist at the computer.  NOT good things for a beader to do to herself!

Next up is testing and editing.  This requires an ability to be humble….like really, really humble!  Because these peeps are going to point out some serious mistakes!  Repeatedly.  But thank goodness for them, because better I be told I was clueless about what I wrote BEFORE class begins than during it, right?  ;)

And then…. sourcing of the supplies to create kits begins. 
Ever place an order and the one exact bead that you really, REALLY needed was out of stock?  Yeah…we’ve all experienced that.  Now times that by 10!  Now add in that the bead might not be available for months.  Or….horror of horrors…the dye lot has changed!!

But what’s even worse is when you don’t learn these things until after the other 11 items have been ordered, paid for and shipped!  Sometimes to the tune of several thousand dollars!  So you’ve got 11 out of 12 items, $2,458 dollars invested in them…and item #12 (usually something important) is not available!  Stress times 10! 

Oh…and don’t forget that while all this is going on you:
1) Have another full time job of running a bead store and mail-order business
2) Your deadlines are starting to make that whooshing sound.
3) The date to be prepared for this event is marching quickly towards you like an army of locusts.
4) You need to remain nice and polite at all times.

Are we having fun yet??  ;)

I’ll post about the bead vendor side of my job in another day or two.  I need to go breath into a paper bag right now!  ;)

Beki's Class Offerings January 2016

Kits are available for all projects - generally in more than one colorway.
Kit prices are set to encourage class sign-ups.
Supply Lists can be provided upon request and are to be supplied only to students who have signed up.

Name: Imperial Garden
Skill Level: Intermediate +
Duration: Full Day 
Description:
Create a beautiful and structured Embellished Cubic Right Angel Weave "frame" that will then be filled with gorgeous beads, RAW bezelled Chatons and strategically placed branched fringe.
Students will Learn: 

A Cubic Right Angle Weave using 2 sizes of beads; RAW bezels; Branched fringe; a lot of information on sizes and structure; color placement; finishing techniques to enhance your beadweaving skills. 
Prerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful.  Working knowledge of Right Angle Weave.
Project will not be completed in class.

 

Name: Destiny
Skill Level: Intermediate +
Duration: Full Day 
Description:
Create unique focal elements using several sizes and shapes of beads.  Students will learn how to adapt the technique to create various sizes/configurations. 
Join them together to create yet another intriguing focal shape.
Then create a Spiral Rope chain using graduating sizes, shapes and colors of beads that join together with beaded beads that the student creates over 8mm Melon beads. 
Students will Learn: 

A modified and embellished version of right angle weave; Spiral rope; beaded beads; color placement; finishing techniques to enhance your beadweaving skills.  Also discussion about how other larger beads found in their bead stores can work to create several styles of this design.
Prerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful.
Project will not be completed in class.

Name: Three Wishes
Skill Level: Intermediate +
Duration: Full Day 
Description:
Bezel a beautiful Swarovski base and then create a RAW and Peyote Embellished bottle using beautiful luminescent acrylic beads as the foundation.
Dangle your beautiful bottle from an embellished Prismatic Right Angle Weave necklace.
Students will Learn: 

Peyote; Right Angle Weave; Prismatic Right Angle Weave; color placement; finishing techniques to enhance your beadweaving skills.  Also discussion about how other larger beads found in their bead stores can work to create several styles of this design.
Prerequisites: Working knowledge of Right Angle Weave.
Project will not be completed in class.

Name: Trifecta
Skill Level: Intermediate
Duration: 1/2 Day 
Description: Fanciful embellished chatons create three perfect flowers to sit atop a versatile SuperDuo base. This pretty bracelet has various design options and will give you the skills to create several different pieces of jewelry from the same elements and rope base.
Students will Learn: 

A bezeling technique with herringbone; embellishment techniques; create an intriguing SuperDuo rope that can be adapted in endless ways. Spark your creativity with discussions on the unlimited variations with these techniques. Prerequisites:
Basic bead stitching experience.
Project will not be completed in class.
* Will be taught at Bead&Button 2016

Name: Sierra
Skill Level: Intermediate
Duration: 1/2 Day 
Description: Create beautiful elements using various sizes and shapes of beads, then join them together with sparkling Swarovski crystal beads. The endless color combinations and variations of the elements will allow for explorations of numerous design possibilities.
Students will Learn:
A unique thread path that is right-angle weave and netting to create little beaded elements, one built off the next.  Use of some of the newer bead shapes will help ignite your imagination on the carious ways these new beads can be used.

Prerequisites:
Basic bead stitching experience.
Project will not be completed in class.
* Will be taught at Bead&Button 2016

Name: Desert Blossoms
Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Duration: Full Day 
Description: Bezel and embellish several sizes of beads, then attach them to a winding rope of cubic right-angle weave. So many variations are possible when you learn these techniques. 
Students will Learn: How to bezel with peyote stitch around various sizes of round beads; how to create dynamic flowering embellishments; how to secure your beaded baubles with a slinky CRAW rope while discovering endless design possibilities with these versatile techniques.
Prerequisites:
Working knowledge of Peyote.
Project will not be completed in class.
* Will be taught at Bead&Button 2016

Name: Celebration
Skill Level: Intermediate
Duration: Full Day 
Description: Capture sparkling Swarovski rivolis in explosions of color and light. Then place them atop an easy, but versatile, beaded rope featuring SuperDuos in this very fun class. A tassel of fringe completes the theme.  
Students will Learn: Several beadweaving stitches; lots of embellishment techniques; how color placement of beads creates a balanced and attractive piece of jewelry that you’ll cherish forever. 
Prerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful.
Project will not be completed in class.
* Will be taught at Bead&Button 2016

Name: Tango
Skill Level: Intermediate +
Duration: Full Day (Necklace portion not shown)
Also available as a 1/2 Day without the necklace.
Description:
Create an alluring bauble by covering a glowing large bead with modified RAW and Netting techniques adding embellishment, a beaded bead and lush dancing fringe. 
Students will Learn: 

A modified and embellished version of right angle weave; netting; Embellished Chenille stitch; fringing;  color placement; finishing techniques to enhance your beadweaving skills.
Prerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful.
Project will not be completed in class.

Name: Arabesque
Skill Level: Intermediate
Duration: 1/2 Day
Description: 

Using Czech glass two-hole triangle beads, you'll create Arabesque motifs that are joined together to produce this stunning bracelet. The same technique, when turned at various angles, creates a limitless number of designs.
Students will Learn: 

A modified and embellished version of herringbone; color placement; finishing techniques to enhance your beadweaving skills.
Prerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful.
Project will not be completed in class.

Name: Enchanted
Skill Level: Intermediate
Duration: Full Day
Description: 

Embellish like crazy!
Peyote bezel around a gorgeous Czech glass button, then cover the back with intricate net stitch.  A working bail will be added so you can attach your new pendant to different necklaces depending on your mood or the occasion.  Branch fringe loaded with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS and assorted Japanese seed beads complete the look of this luscious pendant.
Students will Learn: 

Peyote, Netting, Fringing.  A very fun class that will teach you about color placement of beads to create a balanced and attractive piece of jewelry that you’ll cherish forever.
Prerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful.
Project will not be completed in class.

Name: Moonflower
Skill Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Duration: Full Day
Description:
Bezel around Swarovski chatons, then using a modified peyote stitch technique create petals that bloom from each bezel to form the lovely little ‘Moonflowers”. Three variations of the flower rest upon a modified St. Petersburg chain and one flower finishes the hidden snap closure. 

Students will Learn:
Create texture and depth in beadwork by layering various elements upon a beaded base; create eye-catching embellishments with splashes of color; finishing techniques that will enhance your bead-weaving skills. 

Prerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful.
Project will not be completed in class.

Name: Alessandra
Skill Level: Advanced
Duration: Full Day
Note:  Project may appear slightly different from example shown as it has been reworked to remedy an engineering issue.
Description:Regal beauty and defender of mankind are definitions of the name Alessandra. Create several beautiful components with seed beads, pearls and crystals to form this stunning necklace.
Students will Learn:
Combine modified Herringbone, Right Angle Weave and Stringing techniques to create your own stunning and regal collar style necklace using sparkling, vibrant Swarovski crystals and pearls combined with elegant shades of seed beads.  
Prerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful.
Project will not be completed in class.

Name: Second Season
Skill Level: Intermediate
Duration: 1/2 Day or Full Day
Description:
Create a beautiful trellis with beads with a lush floral theme dripping with beaded flower petals and Swarovski crystals and pearls.
Students will Learn:
This modified cubic right-angle weave technique will broaden your skills at creating decorative ropes while the fringing techniques will allow for a fun and colorful time to just play; color theories and finishing techniques will enhance your bead-weaving skills.
Prerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful.
Project will not be completed in class.

Name: Shapeshifter
Skill Level: Intermediate
Duration: 1/2 Day
Description:
Using several of the new bead shapes you'll create a bracelet with a totally unpredictable thread path.  These skills can be used to explore how the various new 2-hole beads can be used in conjunction with one another to create visual beaded works of art.
Students will Learn:
This modified right-angle weave technique will give you the skills to see unlimited variations of the interplay between different bead shapes; color theories and finishing techniques will enhance your bead-weaving skills.
Prerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful.
Project will not be completed in class.

Name: The Snake Charmer
Skill Level: Intermediate Advanced
Duration: Full Day
Description:
A sinuous rope of cubic right-angle weave gently curves and binds several sparkling Swarovski Elements into an enticing shape. Beautiful netting encloses the back of the elements for comfort and protection against wear.  
Students will Learn:
How to bead decorative peyote stitch bezels with a beautiful web of netting attached to secure the stones; use of various colors to create the illusion of movement in the cubic right-angle weave rope that bends around the beaded crystals; color placement details; finishing techniques.  
Prerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful.
Project will not be completed in class.

Name: Palace Jewels
Skill Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Duration: Full Day
Description: The grandeur of times past explodes in this regal pendant. Using Czech buttons, Swarovski Fancy Stones & crystals as well as lush colors of seed beads, you'll stitch this beauty and make your royal dreams come true. 
Students will Learn:
Bezel and embellish the buttons and stones with right angle weave and then secure with intricate netting (the back is almost as beautiful as the front!). A versatile Peyote stitch bail adds just the right amount of security to complete this beautiful pendant. 
Prerequisites: Ability to work with 15/0 seed beads helpful.
Project will not be completed in class.

That's all she wrote!