GBBS 2025 workshop programme

 

 

Lorra Lorra Bling (say with Cilla Black accent)

Bling factor of WOW! A masterclass to start you on a journey into the world of bead embroidered floral stumpwork. A variety of bead embroidery techniques are stitched onto a wired Dupion silk leaf, then edged with a seed bead picot stitch. You may choose to assemble, cuff, brooch or headband.

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

 

 

 

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This fascinating ornament was inspired by a Sea Urchin. Small quantities of multiple sizes of beads are included in the Cellini Peyote section to create the urchin’s shape and stripes. A lovely shiny crystal is embellished with small drop beads to set off the top of the urchin. We will use a tiny Pumkin shaped version in class to explore the techniques to ensure students will be able to complete Gavroche at home.

Skill level - Intermediate – a good knowledge of Peyote and Herringbone stitch is essential.

 

 

 

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Yosakoi is a a lively, colourful, swirling dance performed at Japanese Festivals. In some cultures, the three points are said to represent land, water, and air, and in other cultures they represent the Holy Trinity.

The crystal centred 3D stars which make up Yosakoi are in three different sizes, all worked in tubular Peyote with increases and decreases, as are the crystal bezels. The necklace chain is worked in Herringbone.

 Skill level - Intermediate – a good knowledge of Peyote and Herringbone would be useful.

 

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When is a square not a square? When it’s a diamond!

Playing with angles to create something more interesting than a straight line. These squares are made using Cubic Right Angle Weave (CRAW), strengthened and connected with gemstones and seed beads, to create a beautiful bracelet.

Skill level: Suitable for more advanced beaders who have a mastered CRAW.

 

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A square frame is created by weaving Tila and seed beads together then adding a Herringbone edge to complete the shape.  A crystal-embellished Rivoli nestles at the top of the frame with some optional crystal and dagger fringing at the bottom.  The centrepiece is finished with an embellished Right-Angle Weave chain with a double Peyote toggle to close.

Skill Level: Suitable for beginners, but knowledge of Herringbone and Right-Angle weave is required.

 

 

Friday 9th May

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Another masterclass of bead embroidery.

The pearly ‘peas’ are encased in a heavily encrusted bead embroidered pod of Dupion silk to create a fantastical whimsy to be proud of.

Skill level - Intermediate / advanced

 

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Learn how to make a Cellini Cube.

The construction method defies the eye but is relatively straightforward to bead. Multiple small elements using several sizes of beads create the undulating sides which are very tactile.  The cube measure approx 7cm on its sides and is self-supporting. You can also use your imagination to make other shapes or containers with the basic elements.

Skill level - Intermediate to Advanced– a good knowledge of Peyote and Herringbone stitch is essential.

 

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'Flash, ah-ah……. I hope you are all singing along!

Double sided zig zags are linked with 3mm bicones and fronted with a bezelled pear, all joined together with a rivoli clasp.

Using tubular Peyote with increases and decreases and a step up on every row, this dramatic and fun piece of jewellery stands slightly proud of your neck for a slightly ruff like appearance. The reverse side is worked in different colours just for the joy of it, it’s a delight to see the extra touches of design underneath as well as on top. Of course, you can make your necklace symmetrically coloured and you may not want Fran's version of glorious technicolour so lots of subtle, and other kit colours, will be available.’

Skill level: Intermediate

 

 

 

 

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Explore bezelling Rivolis, with Herringbone stitch and adding embellishment with crystals and beads.

You will be shown different methods of embellishing, sometimes less is more, sometimes you feel like cramming every technique you know into one piece - you decide how much you use.  Make multiples and connect together for a bracelet or necklace.

 Skill level: Intermediate beaders

 

 

 

 

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Using odd-count Peyote and Brick stitch, create beaded bells that are embellished with sparkling bicone crystals featuring dagger and crystal tassels, then added to a twisted Herringbone rope to make an extravagant lariat.  Alternatively fewer bells could be used to make a necklace, scissor fob or decoration.

Skill level: Suitable for beginners, knowledge of Peyote, Brick stitch and Herringbone would be useful.

 

 

 

 

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“Ocean Waves” is an exquisite, unique, embroidered pendant inspired by nature, in particular tropical seas.

The inherent beauty of the Shibori Silk Ribbon is enhanced using quality Japanese seed beads in conjunction with glass-shaped beads, sparkling rhinestone chain and sequins. The end result is a statement piece of personal bespoke jewellery. The combination of blues, greens and turquoise accents of the Shibori capturing the idea of wave movement in the oceans

 Skill level : Intermediate beaders, a knowledge of embroidery techniques would be an advantage.

 

 

 

 

Saturday 10th May

 

 

Learn how to make this stunning brooch using bead embroidery techniques.

Dupion silk is wired and embroidered using chatons and beads - a lovely way to begin your journey into bead embroidered floral stumpwork.

Skill level :  prior embroidery knowledge not necessary.

 

 

 

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Helen has been exploring variations of the classic ‘pod’ shape using some novel increase sequences which can produce rounded, angular and asymmetric shaped pods using single drop Peyote stitch - this workshop will include instructions for at least three examples which illustrate this.

Simple colour patterns are added to make the stitching more interesting whilst making multiple elements and building the final shapes. Helen will also give you insight into additional shapes she is developing using the same techniques.

Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced – a good knowledge of Peyote and Herringbone stitch is essential.

 

 

 

 

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A swish of double-sided 3D fans in graduated sizes and a kaleidoscope of colours, suspended from a half tila chain. Tubular Peyote with increasing and decreasing. 

Skill level: Intermediate

 

 

 

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This necklace was inspired by the plethora of circles used by Gustav Klimt in his artworks.

A collection of Herringbone circles, with varying degrees of embellishment. Some reversing of the colours makes an interesting combination and they are connected by a series of different links, then suspended from a chain of embellished, Right-Angle Weave.

Skill level: Suitable for all levels, knowledge of Herringbone, Peyote and Right Angle Weave would be useful.

 

 

 

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Inspired by an enormous climbing Clematis Mairi regularly sees on her walks, a netted test tube of seed beads and mini Gemduos with some tiny sparkling crystals forms the base of this hanging vase.

The four-petal flowers have a sparkling crystal centre with frilly stamen and are constructed using Peyote stitch.  The flowers and Herringbone leaves are placed along a spiral staircase stem which winds round the vase

 Skill level:  Intermediate or enthusiastic beginner.  Knowledge of Peyote required - Herringbone and Netting would be useful.

 

 

 

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“FIN” is a gorgeous eye-catching brooch that is great fun to make - an ideal accessory to wear with your favourite outfit(s), being spectacular yet versatile.

This captivating jewellery piece successfully combines quality Japanese seed beads, colourful sequins, sparkling rhinestone cup-chain and stunning Shibori Silk ribbon in a selection of vibrant colours. The result is a striking, bespoke jewellery piece, a one of a kind.

Skill level: Intermediate beaders, a knowledge of embroidery techniques would be an advantage.

 

 

 

 

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If you are looking for a new and fun way to create isosceles triangles, this class is for you.

Using Delica beads you will learn a new way to create the elongated triangles and create a contemporary 3D piece of jewellery, by joining the triangles into a gorgeous hexagonal medallion suspended from a warped square bail. Not forgetting that all important bling, a bezelled rivoli will be inserted in the centre of the medallion.

 Skill level: Intermediate

 

 

 

 

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Click here to download the booking form

More workshops (both in-person and online) will be added to our programme of events later in the year, so please check your upcoming newsletters, Journals and our online shop for further information: https://members.beadworkersguild.com/shop .