Rachel Nelson-Smith • First Wednesday Bead Salon

First Wednesday Bead Salon Information

LEARN TO BEADWEAVE
You are invited to join this once monthly Bead Salon with one of the most knowledgable artists and teachers in the field of beadweaving—Rachel Nelson-Smith. The Bead Salon is held in the middle building classroom of the 17th Avenue Studios where over 40 artists create—adjacent to Rachel’s own studio.
dates

ENROLLING
Reserve your seat with a non-refunable $10 deposit. There are no addition fees other than the cost of materials, if needed. Enroll on here, via PayPal by email, or by credit card over the phone (408-348-7003).

GETTING TO THE STUDIO
The classroom is in the 17th Avenue Studios, middle building, at 1002 17th Avenue in Santa Cruz, California. Click here for a PDF map with directions on how to get to the studio.

POLICY
If you reserve a seat in a session and do not show up, a refund nor replacement session are provided. If you are interested in attending a future Salon, enroll again.

WHAT TO BRING
See the project selections on the other side of this page. Every week will be different so bring what you have and go from there—or request a materials list in advance. Or, consider bringing fashion magazines with something you’d like to duplicate or bead magazines and books with projects you would like to make.

MATERIALS FOR SALE
A selection of seed beads and materials are available for sale in the studio. Cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, PayPal.

CHOOSE A PROJECT
Select from the four introductory beadweaving projects (in Photos) to learn the basics of beadweaving and if beadweaving is for you.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Undertake one of these four projects and learn these things about beadweaving:
beadweaving stitch/technique
beginning and ending threads
beadweaving tools
making beadweaving wearable

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE
The projects require a time commitment outside of the Bead Salon that is an estimated minimum of 6 hours. The acutal amount of time you spend is up to you and your goals for the project. Beadweaving is a time-consuming pursuit. If you use the word “tedious” to describe it, it is probably not for you.

THE COST
Basic beadweaving tools cost about $20 new—needles, thread, scissors/snip, work surface, beeswax—some things you may aready own. Basic beads for a project can cost as little as a few dollars and on up to hundreds of dollars. The quality and quantity is completely up to you.

WHAT YOU ALREADY NEED TO KNOW
No experience is required, only patience and decent eyesight and the ability to sit for an extended period of time.

GOING BEYOND BASICS
If you aready have experience in beadweaving, come discuss your special project with Rachel.

IF YOU HAVE ’EM, BRING ’EM
snips/scissors
beading thread
beading needles
bead mat/worksurface
personal lighting & magnification
sweater

Peyote Stitched Cuff	Peyote stitch is the most widely utilized beadweaving stitch in modern beadwork and is the optimum stitch to begin exploring beadweaving. The glass seed beads and needle used for this project are larger than the average seed bead making it comparatively easy to handle and allowing the maker to focus on learning the stitch and creating something wearable. You will learn about seed beads, make a strip of peyote stitch and finish it with a button and loop closure to make it wearable. No experience is required, only patience and decent eyesight.
Bead Embroidery	A traditional beading technique used by indigineous peoples the world over for centuries, bead embroidery may be exectued true to its roots or as modern as you please. All beadwork is accomplished on a fabric base and results in graphic to organic appearances. Projects may include barrettes, pendants, small and large collars, and more. You will learn about seed beads and assoicated tools and materials. No experience is required, only patience and decent eyesight. If desired you may incorporate wire work techniques as are shown in the image at left to add the five fringe and left and right lengths of the necklace.
Sculptural Peyote	Believe this sculptural version of peyote stitch is just as easy as peyote stitch—even a little more forgiving. This technique works particularly well for those ready to give themselves up to the beads and release themselves from the within the bonds of feeling like everything must be perfect. A variety of beads are used to make this project and it is fun to select them. No, you will not be planning exactly how this finished piece will appear—it will develop as you spend time beading on it. Learn about seed beads and sculptural flat peyote stitch and how to finish a cuff with a button and loop closure. No experience is required, only patience and decent eyesight.
Encrusted Chain	Though this project does not feature a specific beadweaving stitch it is a fun way to become introduced to working with seed beads and the associated tools. You’l begin with a sturdy chain for the base and add layers and loops of beads. There is a small amount of work with wire and findings needed to attach the clasp. No experience is required, only patience and decent eyesight.