What's on my bead mat - October edition!

I thought that it was time to give you an update, on my beady activities! Well, my bead mat is actually a disgrace right now, so I decided to do my bead mat update, off the bead mat this time!! But the good news, is that I finished off a couple of projects this month.

First, my “Silly Goose” doll is now complete. Isn't she adorable? All the beading was finished in September, but I still needed to work out her hair. I normally add it right after I bezel the face, but this time the doll was telling me to mix up her media, and give her some needle felted hair. I had the needles, I had the hair…..all I needed to do, was…..wait for it…….actually do it!!!! I anticipated a lot of down time, at the recent BeadFX, Artisan Trunk show, so I used that free time, to do the deed. I’m not sure why I waited so long, but I did, so no excuses! As a freeform diva, I’m thinking that this doll is my favourite! I’ve been told that she doesn’t really look like a goose, but I’m committed to that name, and am not able to think of her in any other way. So much so, that I’m thinking that a wire nest is in order! What do you think? Although not green, I’m thinking that her riotous hair reminds me of someone else’s hair. I wonder who that could be? Giggle!

Next, I worked on a leaf shape, that I had hanging about. I quickly sketched a flower shape, that I’ve been doodling since I was a teenager, and then proceeded to bead it. This flower would normally have five petals, but there just wasn’t room for all five on this piece, so I elected to go with just four (although it doesn't follow my rule of one, three or five!). As a side note, I’ve drawn, painted, collaged, and free motion stitched this shape in the past, so I just had to bead it! The stitches used are a combination of beaded back stitch, and boucle or moss stitch (I also know it as the bocce stitch, but as I’ve never seen anything about that stitch in writing, I’m going to ignore that name). I’ll let the piece rest for a while, but I think my muse is trying to persuade me to incorporate it into a freeform necklace. Hmm, we’ll see!

Last, but not least, the little bead embroidered pendant, is something I finished off in my Nature’s Mood: Bead Embroidered pendant workshop, this past Saturday. It’s a class sample I started the last time I ran the class. My students were absorbed by their stitching, and the quiet was almost deafening! I hadn’t planned it that way, but It did give me time to get some stitching of my own done. Lucky me! After I initially planned the piece, I thought the stone/shell combination, reminded me of a rickety fence. However, now all I can see are sailboats! I'm not sure how I'll finish it off, but I suspect that leather might be part of the solution! It's not scheduled yet, but if you're interested in taking the class, I do plan to run it again in the spring.

Where will I go next? I have some ideas percolating, about the driftwood I picked up a couple of weeks ago, or perhaps my muse will let me start working on the naked purple doll! Or better still, I should clean off my bead mat! Sheesh! What are you working on, and what does your bead mat look like today?

Love Soutache and Bead Embroidery?Have a class with Amee K. Sweet-McNamara!

Calling all Soutache and bead embroidery lovers - and everyone else who loves working with a needle a thread! Join us for a class with artist Amee K. Sweet-McNamara! 

Amee uses Soutache and Bead Embroidery to create textile jewelry with sinuous, organic shapes in brilliant hues. She takes her inspiration from all things color-saturated. Mucha posters, Venetian glass, Renaissance paintings, and Hollywood dance-costumes have all, at one time or another, influenced her creations. Formally educated in both, Interior Design and Fine Art, Amee is a member of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen. She teaches out of her studio in Merrimack, New Hampshire, and venues across the country including The Craft Center at the LNHC headquarters in Concord, New Hampshire.

Potpourri Pendant
Friday, May 13; 10:00am - 5:00pm
Experiment with an assortment of techniques. Adventurous Beginners will learn the basics of Soutache & Bead Embroidery, working with Shibori Ribbon, Traditional Bead Embroidery & Kumihimo braiding and more. Pendant templates include a variety of shapes and kits will be offered in a variety of colour-ways.

Sou-Tassels
Saturday, May 14; 10:00am - 5:00pm
Tassels make beautiful, textural enhancements for everything from clothing to jewelry to home decor. But the solid, upper portion of traditional tassels, are worked around wooden forms which can be expensive, difficult to find and time-consuming to cover. The bodies of our "Sou-tassels," are created using Soutache & Bead Embroidery which makes firm but opulent, sculptural outer forms to surround the fringe of the tassel. This technique can be easily modified, changing size and shape. Adventurous Beginners will learn many of the Basics of working with Soutache while Intermediate Soutache artists will be delighted to add this brand new technique to their creative toolbox! Kits will be made available in a variety of color-ways and include soutache, beads, tassel skirt and thread and will make one “jewelry-scaled” tassel – ideal for a pendant which can be strung on student’s choice of chain, cord or ribbon (not included).

Tuffet Lily
Sunday, May 15; 10:00am - 5:00pm
For Soutache & Bead Embroidery Students looking for “the next big thing,” “Tuffet Lily” has arrived. Learn the secrets of making rich, truly three-dimensional pieces by working “inside out,” “Sculpting with SuperDuos” and “Border Backing.” The finished pendant may be hung on ribbon, chain or bead-chain (not included). This is an Intermediate-Level Class so students should come having a firm grasp of Soutache Basics including Stacking & Aligning, Shaping Stitches, Two-Sided Joins, Backing & Edge-Beading.  Project will not be finished in class but Amee Runs with Scissors’ “Whole Story,” step-by-step, full-color instructions will make it easy to finish at home. Kits will be offered in a variety of colourways.

Special Offer: Take more than one class with Amee and save!

• One class: $200 + HST
• Two classes: $380 + HST (Save $20)
• All three classes: $565 + HST (Save $35)

Note: Kits are required for purchase from Amee for her classes which will include all materials needed for the projects. As an added bonus, Amee is offering her kits at par for her students at BeadFX! Thank you Amee!

For complete information about each class, including applicable kit fees, is on the class page. Click on 'Classes' and follow the links to the May class calendar and Amee's classes.

Meet and Greet added to Linda Landy's weekend of classes

Have you marked your calendar for Linda Landy's classes? Linda Landy, author of Textured Bead Embroidery published in October 2014, will be coming to BeadFX to teach three exciting classes. Linda's classes are applicable to all experience levels, whether you are an experienced bead embroiderer or are learning about the techniques for the first time. 
 
In addition to her classes, you will also have an opportunity to meet Linda at an informal Meet & Greet on Friday, April 17 from 6:00 - 7:30pm. We will have copies of Textured Bead Embroidery available and Linda will have kits and patterns available for sale as well.

Textured Bead Embroidery Workshop
Friday, April 17; 10am - 5:00pm
Designed for both novice and experienced bead embroiderers, Textured Bead Embroidery Workshop is an intensive study of a new approach to bead embroidery which features unconventional works that are sculptural, three dimensional, dynamic and very textured. During this hands-on workshop students will work with a wide array of seed, glass and pearl beads to create a bead embroidered cuff. Students will learn how to use pearls, drops, daggers, hexes, triangles, Czech glass and more in uncommon orientations to create dramatic effects. In addition to a review of the basics including backstitch, stop stitch, bezels, bails and fringe, students will learn specialty Textured Bead Embroidery techniques like layering and clustering; three-dimensional engineering; finishing options and the design concepts that give this format its distinctive appearance. All experience levels.

Iconic Bead Embroidery Earrings
Saturday, April 18; 10:00am - 5:00pm
Explore three-dimensional bead textured embroidery with these elegant cone-shaped drop earrings sprinkled with pearls and crystals in patterns inspired by art deco architecture. The secret to these light-weight earrings is the texture created by the blending of seed bead shapes, colors and finishes. Students will learn basic bead embroidery techniques including the back stitch and stop stitch on a printed template; how to transform it into a three dimensional cone; how to finish it with lining, edging, embellishment and fringe; and how to use wirework techniques to transform it into an earring.All experience levels.

Unleashed
Sunday, April 19; 10:00am - 5:00pm
This brooch/pin takes bead embroidery to a new dimension by creating the illusion of fireworks exploding from the center of a natural stone cabochon. After the cabochon is bezeled and embellished with Keishi pearls, Czech glass daggers, glass pearls and more, a cluster of keishi pearls and wire is embedded in the stone. All experience levels.

The class samples are on display at BeadFX now -- come out and see how beautiful they are!


Cost per class: $160 + HST
Take additional classes and save:
Take any two classes: $300 + HST (save $20)
Take all three classes: $435 + HST (save $45)

Complete information about each class is on the website, including materials to bring to class and any applicable kit fees.

Bead Embroidery Artist Linda Landy Coming to BeadFX!

Have you discovered the joys of bead embroidery? If so, you already know the variety of applications it can give you. Everything from structured collars and jewellery, to intuitive images, to surface embellishment for quilts and fabrics, and for 3-D objects of art, bead embroidery will inspire amazing works of art you can call your own! If you haven't done bead embroidery, you're about to be dazzled!


Linda Landy, author of Textured Bead Embroidery published in October 2014, will be coming to BeadFX to teach three exciting classes. Linda's classes are applicable to all experience levels, whether you are an experienced bead embroiderer or are learning about the techniques for the first time.

Textured Bead Embroidery Workshop
Friday, April 17; 10am - 5:00pm
Designed for both novice and experienced bead embroiderers, Textured Bead Embroidery Workshop is an intensive study of a new approach to bead embroidery which features unconventional works that are sculptural, three dimensional, dynamic and very textured. During this hands-on workshop students will work with a wide array of seed, glass and pearl beads to create a bead embroidered cuff. Students will learn how to use pearls, drops, daggers, hexes, triangles, Czech glass and more in uncommon orientations to create dramatic effects. In addition to a review of the basics including backstitch, stop stitch, bezels, bails and fringe, students will learn specialty Textured Bead Embroidery techniques like layering and clustering; three-dimensional engineering; finishing options and the design concepts that give this format its distinctive appearance. All experience levels.

Iconic Bead Embroidery Earrings
Saturday, April 18; 10:00am - 5:00pm
Explore three-dimensional bead textured embroidery with these elegant cone-shaped drop earrings sprinkled with pearls and crystals in patterns inspired by art deco architecture. The secret to these light-weight earrings is the texture created by the blending of seed bead shapes, colors and finishes. Students will learn basic bead embroidery techniques including the back stitch and stop stitch on a printed template; how to transform it into a three dimensional cone; how to finish it with lining, edging, embellishment and fringe; and how to use wirework techniques to transform it into an earring.
All experience levels.

Unleashed
Sunday, April 19; 10:00am - 5:00pm
This brooch/pin takes bead embroidery to a new dimension by creating the illusion of fireworks exploding from the center of a natural stone cabochon. After the cabochon is bezeled and embellished with Keishi pearls, Czech glass daggers, glass pearls and more, a cluster of keishi pearls and wire is embedded in the stone. All experience levels.

Cost per class: $160 + HST
Take additional classes and save:
Take any two classes: $300 + HST (save $20)
Take all three classes: $435 + HST (save $45)

Complete information about each class is on the website, including materials to bring to class and any applicable kit fees.

It's Summer! A Great Time to Relax and take a July Class!

Finally, we've hit summer! School is out, vacations have begun and it's time to relax. No need to stop learning - come on out and take a class with us. Comfort alert - our classroom tends to be a little cold at times, so it's always a good idea to bring a sweater or a light pashmina to put around your shoulders.

We have some new classes during the first half of July - Tracey Neidhardt is sharing how to make a beaded ring using brick stitch; Malliga Nathan is bringing us a necklace using hammered wire and Boro Swoop drops; and Anne Marie Desaulniers is teaching another mixed media project to create tiny Treasure Boxes (they are beautiful!). Cindy Goldrick is bringing us two new classes - Mold Making for Resin and Paper Clay Components and Playing with Fire: Enameling Fold Formed Components.

We also have a new instructor - Ian Akiwenzie is teaching us a traditional First Nations design with Ojibway Floral Earrings using bead embroidery. Ian is a traditional dancer is creates his own beaded costumes - they are truly amazing! I'm very glad to have Ian joining us.

Also, Open Beading Night and Afternoon Bead Tea will continue through the summer and all are always welcome.

Here are the classes scheduled July 2 - July 15:
(Note, we are closed July 1 for Canada Day).

Friday, July 5
Soutache Foundations
Instructor: Angela Peace
9:30am - 3:00pm


 

Sunday, July 6
NEW Brick Stitch Ring
Instructor: Tracey Neidhardt
12:00 - 3:00pm

NEW Mold Making for Resin and Paper Clay Components

Instructor: Cindy Goldrick

1:00 - 4:00pm

Thursday, July 10
Fire and Ice Necklace
Instructor: Pamela Kearns
6:00 - 9:00pm

  



Friday, July 11
NEW Boho Boro Swoops Necklace
Instructor: Malliga Nathan
6:00 - 9:00pm

Saturday, July 12
NEW Playing with Fire: Enameling with Fold Formed Components
Instructor: Cindy Goldrick
10:00am - 4:00pm

Saturday, July 12
NEW Treasure Boxes: Mixed Media Boxes with a Beaded Flair
Instructor: Anne Marie Desaulniers
10:00am - 5:00pm

Sunday, July 13
NEW Ojibway Floral Earrings
Instructor: Ian Akiwenzie
11:00am - 3:00pm

Details about all classes, including class and kit fees and course descriptions are on our website. Click on 'Classes' and follow the link to the July class calendar.





Bring your projects and join us at our FREE open beading sessions.

Wednesday, July 2
Wednesday, July 9
Open Beading Night
Facilitator: Stephanie Dixon
6:00 - 8:00pm

Thursday, July 3

Thursday, July 10

Afternoon Bead Tea

Facilitator: Pamela Kearns

1:00 - 3:00pm

BeadFX is proud to provide these FREE sessions. In return, we ask that you please use our merchandise in our facility.

July will be 'Hot' with Classes

Can't stand the heat? Come into the air conditioning for some great classes during July! And, yes, you may want to bring a sweater - our air conditioning works very well.

July has some amazing classes, including our new Summer Arts Camp classes for youth. We also welcome three new instructors!

What's new July 1st - 14th: (these are in addition to other repeating classes!)

Tuesday, July 2
Netted V's
6:00 - 9:00pm
Instructor: Maria Rypan

Thursday, July 4
Sprinkled Diamonds (left)
1:00 - 4:00pm
Instructor: Sureka Sriharan

Intro to Bead Embroidery (right)
6:00 - 9:00pm
Instructor: Stephanie Dixon

Friday, July 5
Peruvian Wire Crochet Chain Earrings
4:30 - 8:00pm
Instructor: Gio Paz

Tuesday, July 9
Diamonds, X's and Zigzagging Motifs
6:00 - 9:00pm
Instructor: Maria Rypan

Friday, July 12
Wire Crochet Pendant
4:30 - 8:00pm
Instructor: Gio Paz

Saturday, July 13
Peyote Bootcamp Part A - Flat Peyote
10:00am - 5:00pm
Instructor: Pamela Kearns

Sunday, July 14
Tree of Life
11:30am - 12:30pm
Instructor: Bonni Poch

For complete information about all classes including descriptions, class and kit fees, please consult the website.

Next week: Summer Art Camp classes for youth!

Still time to catch April classes

Wow, can you believe how fast time is flying; before you know it, another month will roll by! Not to worry - there is still lots of time to take some April classes. For complete information, including class and kit fees, please consult the on-line calendar at http://www.beadfx.com/classes.php and click on "April".

Soutache Lesson #1: The Basic Module
Thursday, April 18
6:00 - 9:00pm
Instructor: Angela Peace
This class will introduce students to Soutache Bead Embroidery and how to stitch the Basic Module.  Students will learn how to handle the soutache braid, manage tension, place stitches correctly, define the curve, add beads and how to finish a piece.  These techniques will be used to make a pair of earrings with design options.

Create a Felted Brooch
Saturday, April 20
9:30am - 1:30pm
Instructor: Dawn Liu-Smyth
Students will use merino wool roving to design and wet-felt a layered flower brooch.  Students will be encouraged to explore colour and texture as they work with the wool fibres.  Some basic needle felting and bead stitching will also be covered so that students may embellish their brooch. Student will leave with a completely felted brooch and will begin to embellish the centre of their flower with beads.

Jewellery Making 101
Sunday, April 21
11:30am - 2:30pm
Instructor: Pamela Kearns
Do you want to create jewellery for yourself but have no idea where to start? Join us for this 'newbie' course and discover just how easy creating jewellery can be. Participants will be able to create up to three of pairs of earrings and a bracelet. You'll learn how to use headpins, open and close jump rings, create wrapped and simple loops, and discover out how to use crimps. Prepared projects are not used - you will create your own designs using your own assortment of beads brought to class; time will be available during the class to select beads. Silver-plated findings are included as part of the kit fee.

Metal Clay Play Day
Sunday, April 21
11:00am - 4:00pm
Facilitator: Jennifer Tough
Would you like to work on your metal clay projects in a fun, social and supportive environment? Join us during our periodic play days. We will provide access to basic tools and texture plates, but you are required to either bring or purchase your own Art Clay and supplies. You may also peruse our extensive library of videos and books during the day.  Kiln time will also be available for a nominal fee. A facilitator is on-hand to help with tips and answer questions. Note: This is not a class, and is intended only for those that already have some experience with metal clay.

Key to My Heart Peyote Necklace and Bracelet
Thursday, April 25
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: Pamela Kearns
Peyote is one of those basic stitches that, when learned, it opens doors to lots of ideas! Learn how to do flat even-weave peyote and learn how to read patterns to create beaded beads. Wire-wrap the beaded beads and combine with wire shapes and charms to create a necklace or bracelet (or both!). As the peyote stitch takes time to learn and do, students will be able to start the project during class time but complete it at home.
 

Twinkling Twins Bracelet
Friday, April 26
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: Stephanie Dixon
Have you been lusting after the beautiful colours of Twin and Superduo beads, but not sure how to use them? In this class you will create an embellished right angle weave bracelet using seed beads, two holed beads and Swarovski bicones.

Soutache Lesson #2: The Harp Module
Saturday, April 27
9:30am - 12:30pm
Instructor: Angela Peace
This class teaches The Harp Shape Module and will expand on the skills learning the Basic Module class. Techniques to be covered include how to handle the soutache braid, manage tension, place stitches correctly, maintain the curve, and add multiple beads. These techniques will be used to make a pair of Harp Shape earrings with design options.

Hot Connections Bangles
Saturday, April 27
10:00am - 4:00pm
Instructor: Iris Rogers Melamed

In this class you will learn how to successfully create 3 sterling silver bangles from different types of sterling silver wire. We will start by twisting round wire. Next we will measure and form the twisted wire, half-round wire and round wire into "D shapes", making sure that the joins fit perfectly. We will solder our shapes closed and then form the bangles on a bracelet mandrel. Finally we will texture, finish and polish the bracelets.

Intro to Bead Embroidery

Sunday, April 28

11:30am - 2:30pm

Instructor: Stephanie Dixon

Learn the basics of bead embroidery including how to bezel a cabochon, even count peyote, beaded backstitch and how to professionally finish the edges.  Choosing cabochons and basic color theory will be discussed. A small pendant is the beginning project which will not be completed in class.

Also, join BeadFX at the 

15th Annual Knitter's Frolic

Saturday, April 27 - Sunday, April 28, 2013 Frolic Marketplace: Saturday only, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission $5.00 at the door. Frolic Workshops: Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre; 6 Garamond Court, Toronto (near Wynford Drive and Don Mills Rd.)