GBBS 2027 workshop programme - The Beadworkers Guild

Hollow Forms

Heather’s hollow forms masterclass explores how to create, shape and stabilise hollow beaded forms. On the day, the focus will be on beaded beads, which are the starting point for making larger hollow forms. The techniques are many, the embellishment richly detailed. This is a fascinating class for bead work enthusiasts.

Skill level – Intermediate / advanced, plus a sense of adventure!

Create a stunning Pyramid Treasure Box woven entirely with delicate size 15 Delica beads. At first glance, it appears to be an elegant beaded pyramid—but inside lies a cleverly designed hidden storage system.

This intricate architectural piece opens to reveal a removable triangular box at the centre with a Swarovski Crystal adorned lid. The addition of this box gives rise to three additional triangular compartments tucked neatly into each corner. Perfect for storing small rings, earrings, and tiny treasures, this design is both functional and beautiful. Woven with precision and attention to detail, the finished piece is delicate in appearance yet surprisingly sturdy—transforming geometric beadwork into a miniature sculptural keepsake.

 Skill level – Intermediate - advanced

Isis was the goddess of healing, magic, and protection. Turquoise is an ancient stone of protection, wisdom, and communication. Copper has healing properties. This neckpiece is a substantial piece of work connecting the two.  With bezelled cabochons and layered embellishment the cabs are connected by freeform strands of beadwork adorned with

Turquoise crystals. To complete the ensemble it has a netted rope and with custom made fastener.

 Skill level – Intermediate - advanced

Using low cabochons snugly bezelled with seed beads (plus a sprinkle of crystals for good measure), we’ll create a selection of little hexagonal motifs. Quick to bead and wonderfully versatile, you can join them together for jewellery, stack them into a small dish, or let your imagination run wild and see what clever ideas the hexes inspire.

 Skill level – Suitable for Intermediate beaders, with knowledge of Peyote.

This enchanting brooch was inspired by vintage botanical gardens, it serves as a wearable symbol of love and the natural beauty of flowers. The brooch features a central raised 3D heart motif framed by delicate floral accents. It is designed to catch the light creating a sophisticated aspect that stands out on any fabric. An ideal gift for a good friend or for your own collection.

 Skill level – Suitable for all skill levels.

You will be doing bead weaving and bead embroidery to create this embellished tin.  Your tin will be 9.2cm long x 5.8cm wide x 2.3cm tall.  The techniques in this project are applicable to many tin sizes and shapes, so you can go forth after class and bead all those little tins you have been saving. The project also includes a needle minder, thread keeper and scissors for you to embellish with beads.  They all fit in the box so you will have a portable little stitch kit. Class kits will be available in a variety of designs, all of which will feature a vintage Philippine shell cabochon surrounded by seed beads, crystals and vintage parts.

 Skill level – Intermediate

Friday 7th May

Inspired by Ammonites from our Jurassic coastline, the Planispiral pendant is a deceptively clever use of simple beading techniques. Richly embellished with pearls and crystals, with a beautiful beaded tassel to add yet more detail. This is a classic Heather design!

Skill level – Intermediate / advanced

Create a stunning star-shaped pendant centred around a sparkling crystal navette. Using Peyote stitch with increases and decreases, you'll learn how to form this eye-catching celestial focal piece before suspending it from a beautifully fluid beaded chain.

A sparkling design that's out of this world!

 Skill level – Intermediate - advanced

This design is an exercise in combining colour to great effect. The open three dimensional triangles are sized to fit one inside the other, the strap is beaded chain maille and tiny triangles in a cufflink style fastener, completes the necklace.

 Skill level – Intermediate

We’ll use Herringbone stitch to build a cute little cage with a square base, each corner sparkling with crystals. Curved Herringbone arcs sweep up the sides, dressed with glittery St Petersburg frills, and the whole thing is finished off with a handy loop so you can hang it wherever you like. To top it all off, there’s a crystal stopper—complete with its own loop—perfect for showing off a favourite bead or even a pair of earrings.

 Skill level – Suitable for intermediate beaders with knowledge of Peyote, Brick stitch and Herringbone.

This eye catching beaded spiral necklace features different sizes of seed beads, small bugles and peanut beads handwoven into a stunning design. The stitches used allow the different beads and colours to create an intricate undulating texture that is flexible and so sits nicely around the neckline. You will learn about dimensional bead weaving, use of colour and the graduated bead sequence that shapes your work into this fluid, structural and graceful spiral.

 Skill level – Suitable for all abilities.

During this workshop, you will learn how to create elegant triangular beaded components that come together to form a striking pendant. Using Miyuki Delica beads, you will bezel sparkling rivolis or chatons before joining the triangular elements into a beautiful nine-sided medallion. The finished pendant is suspended from a coordinating triangular bail, creating a distinctive piece of jewellery with a contemporary geometric design. The same techniques can then be used to create a beautifully matching pair of earrings.

 Skill level – Intermediate to advanced, beaders must be comfortable working in flat and circular Peyote

Coin purses date back thousands of years as small pouches worn on belts or hidden in clothing to carry currency. These small accessories have evolved from medieval frames to modern ones today. This purse is worked using Delica beads in Peyote stitch surrounding an embellished cabochon. Following an illustrated word document, advice is given on the construction of the purse and attaching a clasp.

 Skill level – Intermediate and advanced beaders with knowledge of Peyote stitch

This project turns the humble St. Petersburg Chain stitch into a necklace that looks spectacular. A chunky quartz crystal drop, freshwater stick pearls, Japanese seed beads and Czech fire polish beads come together in a design that solves a problem that often troubles lariat designs. Put it on, place the overlap where you want it and it stays! Class kits will be available in a variety of colours.

 Skill level – Beginner / intermediate

Saturday 8th May

Come and explore Right Angle Triangles to make a choice of projects.

The different angles and novel increases sequences produce a variety of mosaic patterns depending on the colour placement and orientation of the triangles.

Choose from at least four different projects including a glasses case, coaster, needle case or tealight cover to learn how these small elements can result in interesting design options.

 Skill level – Intermediate – a good knowledge of circular Peyote would be an advantage

Celebrate the vibrant beauty of art glass with Chihuly, a stunning statement necklace inspired by the dazzling swirls, curls, and brilliant colours of Dale Chihuly's iconic Isola di San Giacomo in Palude Chandelier II. Originally displayed at the Milwaukee Art Museum, this unforgettable glass installation has captivated countless visitors—including many beaders who admired it during their trips to the Bead & Button Show.

Echoing the joyful movement and flowing forms of the original artwork, this necklace features graceful spirals, vivid colour combinations, and an eye-catching sculptural design. Along the way, you'll learn an alternative technique for creating spirals using Peyote stitch—a fresh approach that adds dimension and movement and may introduce you to a new favourite beading method.

 Skill level – Intermediate - advanced

A sparkling pear cabochon enclosed in a crystal-embellished peyote bezel forms the striking centrepiece of this ethereal necklace. Soft shibori silk ribbons drape gracefully on either side, finished with crystal-beaded ends, and sparkling crystal loops link the ribbons to the central pear in a flowing, harmonious design.

 Skill level – Intermediate

Join us to create this striking brooch using essential embroidery and decorative methods. The “Gilded Rosette” showcases 3 different techniques across 3 petals repeated as a mirror image to make up the 6. This is an opportunity to learn a traditional style of embroidery, enhance your creativity and share new ideas in a friendly atmosphere.

You will learn to manipulate metal threads, beads and sequins which reproduces the look of elegant antique jewellery; appreciate how metal threads can be used to create highlights, texture and 3 dimensional effects with a luxurious finish.

 Skill level – All abilities welcome.

Create a bold, sculptural necklace featuring a series of striking geometric cones. In this workshop, you'll learn my Short Row Peyote technique to shape elegant conical forms from Miyuki Delica beads. Using a dramatic palette of black, white and red, highlighted with flashes of sparkling gold, you'll stitch a collection of patterned cones before assembling them into a contemporary statement neckpiece. Finished with crystals and handcrafted 10 mm ceramic beads, this distinctive design is perfect for beaders looking to explore three-dimensional beadwork.

 Skill level – Intermediate

During the Victorian era scissor cases transformed from purely protective sheaths into highly decorated personal accessories that signalled a woman’s societal status, domestic skill and wealth.

This scissor case is made using Brick stitch starting from the central line following a word document and diagram in Delica beads.

 Skill level – Suitable for beginners with knowledge of Brick stitch

This design highlights my love of beaded beads of all kinds. You will enjoy stitching the large focal beaded bead, plus six smaller ones to fit on a Russian Spiral rope. We will be working with seed beads, two-hole beads and Czech fire polish beads for the beaded beads, and seed beads for the rope. Class kits will be available in a variety of colours.

 Skill level –

With muppet eyes and dripping with sparkling beads, Florence is sure to brighten and delight any sea floor she chooses to settle on. Created with two bead embroidery panels, with herringbone fins and a small purse clasp mouth, Florence is the height of beady sophistication. So much so, she is fairly impractical as a purse, but she does have room for the tube of your absolute favourite beads which she can keep safe for you at the bottom of the ocean.

 Skill level –

Skill level: this is an advanced class, and is quite a big make we will definitely not come close to finishing on the day. (But Flo wants to reassure you it's worth it).

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