'Web Pendant' Class

Here is a sneak preview of the project that we will be creating in our October 'Web Pendant' class. The cabochon used is a turquoise oval shaped one with accompanying seed beads in different hues of gold. The finished pendant is simply strung onto a 16" gold-plated 3mm neck wire (will be provided as part of the materials). Alternatively, students can create their own necklace chains.

Bead Embroidery

Many beaders shy away from bead embroidery because it seems complicated and there are few resources on this technique. However, once you learn it, you may probably find it one of the most satisfying beadwork you have done. I personally like this technique alot because there are so many variations you can apply and each gives a different effect.

In October, we are conducting our Bead Embroidery classes again. For beginners who are totally new to bead embroidery, our 'Embroidered Ring' is a good project to get started. The basics of this technique will be covered during the class and it is also a pre-requisite lesson for our subsequent intermediate bead emboridery classes.

Once you have mastered the basics, you can move on to our 'Web Pendant' project which covers more embroidery techniques, the dos and don'ts and of course our very own "web" design on the cabochon.

The 'Embroidered Cuff' is another intermediate class which we had conducted earlier this year. Due to a positive demand for this class, it will be re-run again soon. Hence, if you think you like to learn how to make the cuff but do not have the basic knowledge, do sign up for our 'Embroidered Ring'.

Class is Full

Thank you very much for your kind support. Our October 'Web Pendant' class is fully registered at the moment. If you are interested in this class and wish to be put on waitlist, please kindly email us or leave a comment here. We may re-run the class again if we have sufficient number of students.

Fused Glass Cabochons

I like to work with fused glass cabochons and have incorporated them in many of my projects. In our forthcoming class on 'Web Pendant', besides beading on a gemstone cabochon, the students will also be introduced to bead embroider on a glass cabochon. These glass cabochons have to be purcahsed separately (not part of the course fee) and it is not compulsory for students to purchase.

The glass cabochons used measure 4cm by 4cm square and will be specially fused by Creative Escape. They are also available for custom order to the public. Please place your order through our site and send it in by 10 October. If you have any queries, feel free to contact us at info@beadygirl.com.

October Classes

Our October classes are now open for registration. As many have expressed interest in the classes, we would appreciate your kind registration and payment in order to secure the seats.


Embroidered Ring
Bead embroidery is a technique for adding beads onto fabric using traditional embroidery stitches. In Part I of our 'Art of Bead Embroidery' series, we will be creating a vintage looking ring with black onyx cabochon and beautiful seed beads. We will learn about the basic cabochon beading, edge variation and edge stitching. This is a pre-requisite class for our 'Web Pendant' project on 25 Oct.


Level: Beginner
Technique: Bead Embroidery
Class: 1 session (2 hours)
Course Fee: $60 (inclusive of materials/loan of tools)
Date/Day/Time: 11 Oct 09, Sunday, 3pm - 5pm
Registration: Online or in person at Beads Cage LIMITED SEATS LEFT


Web Pendant
In Part III of our 'Art of Bead Embroidery' series, we will learn more about the different edge variations, creating a bail and a unique webbed design by Cynthia for a focal pendant. We will also discuss about the different types of cabochons that are suitable for bead embroidery and the accompanying materials. Students will be using a Turquoise Cabochon for the class project and are encouraged to work on a glass cabochon as well. (Note: The glass cabochons have to be purchased separately.)

Level: Intermediate (Knowledge of basic bead embroidery is required)

Technique: Bead Embroidery
Class: 1 session (2 hours)
Course Fee: $70 (inclusive of materials/loan of tools)
Date/Day/Time: 25 Oct 09, Sunday, 3pm - 5pm
Materials:Turquoise Oval Cabochon
Registration: CLOSED. PLEASE EMAIL US IF YOU WISH TO BE PUT ON WAITLIST.

September Classes

Our 'Peyote Stitch Frenzy' series are back! They are suitable for novices who would like to learn about seed bead weaving or experienced beaders who would like to bring their jewellery making skill to a new dimension.

Pearly Ring - A beginner's course on Peyote Stitch.

Level : Basic
Date/Day/Time : 6 Sep, Sunday, 3pm - 5pm
Location : Beads Cage @ Centrepoint
Registration : Closed. Class is FULL.

Rivolis Chain Bracelet - An intermediate class on Peyote Stitch which focuses on creating bezels for rivolis/cabochons.

Level : Intermediate (Basic knowledge of peyote stitch is required.)
Date/Day/Time : 13 & 27 Sep, Sunday, 3pm - 5pm
Location : Beads Cage @ Centrepoint
Registration : Online or in person at Beads Cage

Vacation Notice 13 - 24 August 09

I will be travelling from 13 - 24 August. Our online store will be closed during this period and any orders received will be processed after my return. If you have any queries on the classes, please kindly contact Beads Cage directly.

Thank you!

'Rivolis Rings' Bracelet Part II

Pre-Order for 'Rivolis Rings' Materials Kit

Step 1:
Choose ten 10.7mm rivolis from the list of colours available as shown below. I used a mix of Fuschia and Light Rose rivolis for mine. You can order as many or as little rivolis you like, no restrictions on the number.

Step 2:
Choose either Size 15 Galvanised Gold Metallic Seed Beads or Size 15 Galvanised Silver Metallic Seed Beads.

Step 3:
Email your request to info@beadygirl.com by 10 August.

Remarks:
- The Delica seed beads will be matched according to your rivolis choice.
- A simple instructional note will be enclosed with the kit.
- Please note that Beady Girl will not be carrying stocks of these rivolis and if you need more, we will have to make a special order.

My "5-minute" Project - Rivolis Rings Bracelet Pt I

No, I didn't stitch this bracelet in 5 minutes time, but in many, many intervals of 5-minute. Now that I am so tied down with my kids and household chores, having time to bead is a rarity. Nevertheless, I am glad to finish this project in time for August.

The 'Rivolis Rings' bracelet was created in conjunction with our September class on 'Rivolis Chain' bracelet. I wanted to show the flexibiity of the techniques in two different designs. Both involve creating bezeled rivolis and attached to tubular peyote rings. These are just two of the designs and there are many ways you can play around with the two elements.

For the 'Rivolis Rings' bracelet, I have used 10.7mm round rivolis and size 15 seed beads to stitch up the tubular peyote rings. This project calls for the size 15 seed beads as they will make the bracelet more intricate as compared to using the size 11 seed beads. The rings are made in varying sizes to make it look more abstract. I finished the project by applying a layer of DesignaSeal to seal in the silver coating on the metallic seed beads.

If you like to learn how to create this bracelet, a similar course on 'Rivolis Chain' bracelet will be introduced in September. Tips on creating the 'Rivolis Rings' bracelet will be discussed.

If you are already an experienced beader and would like to create the 'Rivolis Rings' bracelet, you may purchase our materials kit (see below) and a simple instructional note will be enclosed. Please note that you have to know how to stitch bezels and circular peyote rings in order to complete the project.

Pre-Order for the Materials Kit
~ 10.7mm Swarovski Crystal Rivolis - 10 units ($25)
~ Size 15 Miyuki Galvanised Metallic Seed Beads - 20gm ($10.80)
~ Size 11 Delica Seed Beads - 5gm ($4.50)

Total Kit Cost : $40.30

If you are interested in the kit, please make a pre-order by 10 August by sending us an email at info@beadygirl.com. The kits will be available after 24 August.

August Crafter - Rachel Nelson-Smith

It is my great pleasure to introduce our August Crafter - Beadmaster Rachel Nelson-Smith, who is also the person behind my fanatic over seed beads weaving.

I used to live very close to downtown San Mateo in the Bay Area and there is a beads store called Beading Frenzy which I frequent regularly. On one of those visits, the shop was promoting a course on Basic Peyote Cuff. I did not know what peyote stitch is then as I did mostly stringing and wire-works. However, Rachel's stunning cuff convinced me to sign up for the class. One class led to another and the rest is history.

Rachel is a very talented master beadweaver and has a distinctive style to her works. Here is an extract from her biography "...work is infused with her unique combination of fabrication techniques. With a wealth of knowledge and fearless adventure, needle and tools shape bold and vibrant works alive with enormous energy and dynamism. Finding inspiration in surrounding nature, pure color, and beads themselves, Rachel creates pieces reflecting the world she sees around her." (read about her full bio)

Rachel teaches extensively throughout the country and at national beads show like the Bead & Button in US. Her choice of materials makes her works so vibrant. Not forgetting the designs are unique but yet practical and sophisticated at the same time. I have been fortunate to learn from Rachel as she is always so gracious in sharing her knowledge.

Rachel has had her projects published in several beading periodicals and come this September, she will have her first book, entitled 'Seed Bead Fusion' published! It contains 18 gorgeous projects with detailed directions, designing insights, and etc. A preview of the projects are available at her homepage. It has my favourite Ootheca Cuff project which I am sure anyone will fall in love with it. (Read more about the book from Ms Jean Campbell's review)

To Rachel : Heartiest congratulations on the launch of your book and thank you for the wonderful beading experiences I had with you.

Photos are courtesy of Rachel Nelson.