Class Proposal: Freeform Peyote Bubble Necklace or Bracelet
Construct a one-of-a-kind necklace or bracelet using peyote stitch and glass beads. Rapid increasing and decreasing as well as variation in bead sizes provide a free form sculptural quality. Short fringes and shaped beads such as teardrops, magatamas, fringe beads (tiny magatamas), discs, leaves and/or flower shaped beads Provide the surface bubble texture. The necklace or bracelet will be constructed in units with loop in loop hinges and/or braided areas to provide movement and relieve stress. Large accent beads may be incorporated if desired but are not necessary. This is an intermediate level class. Prerequisite is a comfortable working knowledge of peyote stitch.
Two all day sessions: Day one covers construction of units. Homework (necklace) is to complete units (bracelet could be near ready in class). Day two covers assemblage of units and evaluation of reduction of stress points. Also, catch variations will be discussed.
As time permits, I like to include discussions of color palettes.

Class Proposal: Loopy Birdsnest Earrings/Day of assorted beaded earrings
Make a pair of earrings by constructing a nest of intertwined bead loops. Finish by fringing or bugle bead spikes. This is about a 3 hour class.
For an all day class, we can move on to loopy peyote earrings and a variety of freeform peyote earrings as time permits. (Add a pair of larger beads to the materials list).

Class Proposal: Beaded Brooch
Set a focal piece of artist glass in a nest of seed and "E" beads. The basis of the beadwork will be constructed of brick, also known as comanche stitch. A knowledge of brick stitch is helpful but not necessary. Specialty beads such as triangles, hexagons, cylinder and/or square beads as well as beads that are drilled off center such as magatamas, teardrops, fringe beads, discs, spears, leaves and flowers add extra interest. A beautiful piece can be finished in a one day class.

Class Proposal: Convertable Beaded Brooch-Necklace
Set a silver charm or fancy shank button in a nest of seed and "E" beads. The basis of the beadwork will be constructed of brick ( also known as comanche stitch) or peyote. A knowledge of brick or peyote stitch is helpful but not necessary. Specialty beads such as triangles, hexagons, cylinder and/or square beads as well as beads that are drilled off center such as magatamas, teardrops, fringe beads, discs, spears, leaves and flowers add extra interest. A pinback with attached bail will be used through which a detachable silver chain or beaded cord can be used. A beautiful piece can be finished in a one day class.

Class Proposal: Painting with Comanche Stitch
Explore depicting two-dimensional scenes such as landscapes, flowers or faces using comanche (also known as brick) stitch. Starting with a drawing or photo, the design will first be simplified by making a torn paper collage. The collage will serve as a basis for creating a picture in flat comanche. The advantage of comanche over loomwork in expressing a design is that the direction of the stitching lines will be constructed of bead ladders which can be made to extend in any direction following the lines of the design. Curves can also be smoothly reproduced. A variety of bead sizes and shapes incorporate nicely as well. A class of at least two days is recommended. A materials charge will cover shared paints and papers.

Slide lecture: Non-Wearable Beadwork
Following a very quick overview of beadwork designed for purposes other than body adornment from a variety of human cultures and eras, the non-wearable works of contemporary artists in the bead medium will be explored. Wall pieces, sculptures, bags and purses, human and animal figures, political statements and items of delightful whimsey will be included. Too often thoughts about beadwork are limited to pretty jewelry; and while beadwork jewelry can certainly be fabulous, it is by no means the entirety of expression possible with the sensuous medium of beads.

Fees
I charge $350/day plus transportation, room and board expenses. The slide lecture is $150. For the lecture, I bring, if feasible, my personal collection of ethnic and contemporary beadwork for display.