Workshop Description:

Do you have a stash of buttons that you’ve thought would be useful “someday”? Well, this is the workshop for you! Buttons are often as gorgeous as beads, and they make wonderful components in jewellery. With simple knotting and a few seed beads to finish off the toggle clasp, this necklace works up quickly, and is blissful to wear.

This workshop is suitable for all skill levels. Kits are available for this workshop.

Topics covered in the workshop:

• Creating a design layout for your necklace
• Selecting appropriate colours and sizes of buttons
• Creating a toggle clasp from button and beads
• Knotting the necklace together

Create a unique pendant from farbrics with exotic prints. Begin by hand-stitching a little “pillow”, then frame it in an embellished right angle weave chain. By using different fabrics on each side you can create two looks in the one piece of jewellery. This simple and achievable project is perfect for those who love to combine beads with fabric!

Suitable for all skill levels. Kits are available for this workshop.

The project in this workshop uses a zigzag chain technique that is found in Zulu beadwork as well as Native American beadwork. The technique works up quickly, and makes a great bracelet. I have made a couple of changes to the technique – mainly adding extra beads along the edges to give a straighter edge and to enhance the design layout. This workshop is suitable for all skill levels, and can be taught to adults and also children over 9 years of age.

Topics covered in this workshop:

• Zigzag chain technique
• Fiona’s variation – embellishing the edges of the zigzag chain
• Creating the clasp using a shank button and beaded loop
• Beadweaving basics: starting and finishing your threads; keeping good tension in the work; conditioning beading threads

Workshop Description:

These quick and achievable earrings are designed to teach you two threadwork techniques (using beading needle and thread). You will use brick stitch to create a triangle, then add fringing to mirror this shape and complete the look with small drop beads or crystals. This results in diamond-shaped earrings with plenty of bling. This workshop is for all skill levels. Kits are available for this workshop.

Topics covered in the workshop:

• basic brick stitch technique
• regular fringing technique
• beadweaving basics: starting and finishing your threads; keeping good tension in the work; conditioning beading threads
• attaching appropriate findings to complete your jewellery

Workshop Description:

Fiona Hammond will teach you how to make a special bracelet that drapes beautifully over your wrist and feels wonderful to wear. This bracelet is made using the twin chain version of a traditional Russian beading technique called St Petersburg Chain.  This workshop is suitable for all skill levels. Kits are available for this workshop.

Topics covered in the workshop:

• Basic St Petersburg Chain technique
• Creating the twin chain
• Beadweaving basics: starting and finishing your threads; keeping good tension in the work; conditioning beading threads
• Attaching appropriate findings to complete your jewellery

Learn the spiral rope technique while creating a fabulous pair of earrings featuring pearls and seed beads. This is a great way to try out off-loom beadweaving techniques with a quick and achievable project.

Topics covered in the workshop:

• Basic spiral rope technique
• Incorporating different sizes of beads in your spiral rope
• Beadweaving basics: starting and finishing your threads; keeping good tension in the work; conditioning beading threads
• Attaching appropriate findings to complete your jewellery

Learn how to make your own peyote stitch beads while creating a fabulous pair of earrings. This is a great way to try out off-loom beadweaving techniques with a quick and achievable project.

Topics covered in the workshop:

• Basic peyote stitch technique
• Zipping up a peyote strip to make a tube
• Completing your peyote beads with end beads and simple wire loops
• Making additional beaded dangles for your earrings
• Beadweaving basics: starting and finishing your threads; keeping good tension in the work; conditioning beading threads
• Attaching appropriate findings to complete your jewellery

Fiona Hammond will teach you how to make your own Spring Bling Beaded Blossom Brooch featuring a dichroic glass cabochon with peyote-beaded bezel in the centre of the flower. The fabric petals will be provided in the workshop kit, but instructions on how to make your own petals at home are included in the workshop notes.

Topics covered in the workshop:

• Beaded backstitch
• Creating a beaded bezel using peyote stitch (including decreasing, and varying the bead size)
• General construction techniques for the brooch
• Beadweaving basics: starting and finishing your threads; keeping good tension in the work; conditioning beading threads

Learn the brick stitch technique and regular fringing while creating an eye-catching pair of earrings featuring pearls and glass leaf beads. This is a great way to try out off-loom beadweaving techniques with a quick and achievable project.

Topics covered in the workshop:

• Basic brick stitch technique
• Regular fringing technique
• Beadweaving basics: starting and finishing your threads; keeping good tension in the work; conditioning beading threads
• Attaching appropriate findings to complete your jewellery