New Class Offerings available in 2023 and Beyond

  As we head out of the pandemic and start to plan ahead for a return to a "new normal", it's time to plan ahead for upcoming class offerings as well. Keep in mind that the class projects shown here are like a menu for bead stores and bead societies to pick from for my upcoming classes with them.  At the time the classes are scheduled, they may not have finalized their choices yet. Due to sourcing difficulties in today's changing economic environment, not all class offerings may be available at all times.

Brutalist Ribbitorium

This is a full day class complete with all sorts of unexpected delights: pewter Green Girl Studios frogs, Rachel's paint skin cab, velvet, shaped Czech beads. 

The Rachel cab was a special order: I fell in love with the narrow skinny shape and asked Rachel to make me a duckweed and pond scum worthy cab, special for this project. 

The project combines a bead embroidered pendant with CRAW rings interwoven with velvet cord. Very unusual combination and despite its funky inspiration, a very regal looking piece.

This class will be available from the second half of 2023 and at the point of me writing about this, I am not planning on teaching it on Zoom this year, but will most likely offer it through the bead societies and bead stores I am teaching for this year. 

The Astronaut

 Description of the  Astronaut project:

Astronaut bracelet is a small, comfortable and positively odd design. In its center, there is a small cab depicting one of three kinds of astronauts: a pug, a tabby cat and a panda. Upon request, disgruntled bulldog is also an option. Are you not into the descendants of the great Laika? ( First dog in space, although she never came back. I promise you these cosmonauts are well prepared for safe return.) Anyhow, if you don't want space animals, a paint skin by Rachel cab is also an option for this design.

On the surface it is a very simple little thing, but don't let that fool you. The galaxy swirling around our astronauts will bend your mind. So will the unusual use of French wire. 

There is no template given, the placing of the French wire is going to guide your design, mastering the technique is a big part of this class. Because of the lack of the template, you are in charge of the fit: birdie wristed indiviuals can make it narrower by keeping their galaxies from expanding too much, and those of us with more real estate can give the astronauts a bit more space. 

 

Southseas' Treasure Bracelet

Southseas' Treasure was originally created for the 2023 Bead Cruise where it was a great success! 

It's a small project, a freeform bracelet that's centered around the larimar focal. Each stone is a different shape, and the stone's shape is what influences the general shape of the rest of the center portion of the bracelet. Besides the pretty larimar there is a galaxy cab by Melody Cross, a beautiful three dimensional flower crafted out of rainbow metallic lambskin, freshwater pearls, cup chain and other crystals. 

The center portion is affixed to a flat leather band and the closure is a magnetic clasp. Just a very lush, luxurious combination of materials that will make for a relaxing and fun class experience.