Bead Cruise 2025 Classes

Full-Day and Half-Day Classes

One full-day class and one half-day workshop are included in the Bead Cruise Registration. 

Kits are required for classes, kit prices are subject to change. Kits are purchased directly from instructors.  

Bonus Classes - (Optional with an additional fee)

 Students can pick one class per session/time.  Times will be noted on the registration form.
You must be registered as a Bead Cruise Participant to sign-up for the optional class.  

Skill levels - IMPORTANT PLEASE READ
Intermediate - means you have taken other classes to learn the technique or have completed several projects on your own using the required technique. 

Advanced Beginner - experience with seed beads is required and familiarity with the required stitches.

Beginner/All skill levels - Whether this is your first class or you've been making jewelry for years, you'll enjoy these classes. 

Some projects are time-intensive and will not be finished during class.  Students are given detailed instructions and taught the skills needed to complete a project.   

Full Day Classes

Serenity

Instructor: Kinga Bledsoe

Date/Time: Thurs. May 1st • 9am-4pm

Skill Level: Intermediate+

Technique: Bead embroidery backstitch, peyote, brick stitch, working with textile.

Kit: $ 125-135

Kit includes: All the beads, focals, foundation, leather and silk ribbons as pictured to complete the project as shown

Class Description: A trendy, fun, summery beautiful design that celebrates warm breezes, sand between the toes and tasty drinks with small umbrellas. It's as well balanced and harmonious as a mandala and while it may look very simple, to achieve the results of perfect balance there are definitely unusual steps to take that will tickle the mind of the accomplished bead embroidery connoisseur and will empower them to use these new skills in their own designs. The class is also suitable for intermediate bead embroiderers. 

The idea of using silk ribbons as ties came to me quite a few years ago, but I haven't explored the possibilities in designs till recently. The ribbons make for a functional, attractive and versatile bracelet that will fit all wrist sizes without having to worry about resizing anything.

Prerequisites: Basic working knowledge of peyote beeping and bead embroidery
Students should bring: E6000, white gel pen, choice of size 11 needle, thread, sharp, pointy, small scissors.

Garden Folly Necklace

Instructor: Jayashree Paramesh

Date/Time: Thurs. May 1st • 9am-4pm

Skill Level: Suitable for Intermediate level students familiar with techniques mentioned.

Techniques: Circular peyote, Right angle weave, Hubble stitch for strap.

Kit: $120

Kit includes: Kit includes everything to complete this necklace including all the beads, crystals, rhinestones, and clasp along with a fully illustrated printed set of instructions.

Class Description:  Garden follies were constructed as extravagant decoration for gardens and offered a stunning view of the sprawling grounds in 17th and 18th century England and France. They were designed to look like temples from Greece and Rome, Chinese pagodas, Moorish architecture, and served as elaborate displays of landowner’s wealth and were inspired by their exotic travels. Ancient Greek temples and ruins were a favorite theme for follies, and they transported visitors to the heart of Greece while wandering through the manicured gardens. Garden Folly Necklace is inspired by Greek and Roman temple ruins. The sparkly pendant features several bezelled crystal flowers and decorative components stitched with rhinestones, bicones and other beads. At the bottom, a large crystal flower catches the eye. The simple and elegant necklace strap is lacy, not unlike the lattices in the garden that support climbing roses and vines. Kits will be available in several colors. Length: 25” long, not including pendant. Pendant: 5 ½” by 2 ¼”

Students should bring: Needles, thread, scissors and beadmat

Compound Bead Lariat

Instructor: Gail Crosman Moore

Date/Time: Friday, May 2nd • 9am-4pm

Skill Level: All Levels Welcome!

Techniques: Shrink Plastic

Kit: $58

Kit includes: To include all supples and materials, shrink plastic, chain, bails, all colorants and tools!

Class Description:  This full day class will take you through the construction of a 48” lariat that can go over your head twice.
You will have a choice of opaque or translucent shrink plastic and chain color.

We will be practicing on some other pieces to get warmed up!

Students will learn how to: Design and execute this 48” Lariat using Shrink Plastic, molds and several different colorants.

Prerequisites: None!

Students should bring: If you already have Prismacolor pencils or Posca pens you might want to bring them. I will have some of everything we need.

Wisteria

Instructor: Beki Haley

Date/Time: Friday, May 2nd • 9am-4pm

Skill Level:  Beginner - Intermediate

Techniques:  Netting, Spiral Herringbone, CRAW (for the toggle)

Kit: $62

Kit includes: An assortment of Size 11, 15 & 8 seed beads. Czech glass Firepolish, Step-by-step illustrated instructions. Follow-up video tutorial for the CRAW toggle which we may not get to in class.

Class Description:  Indulge in the delicate allure of springtime with this beaded lariat necklace featuring a captivating wisteria focal. This piece showcases the beauty of nature through a simple netting technique, creating intricately detailed wisteria blossoms that cascade gracefully from the necklace. The Spiral Herringbone stitch adds a touch of elegance and fluidity, enhancing the necklace's enchanting charm. Perfect for those who appreciate the harmony of nature and artistry, this lariat necklace is a timeless adornment that effortlessly captivates the imagination.

Prerequisites: An ability work with small seed beads.

Students should bring: Needle, thread, work surface, and magnification if needed.

Half-Day Classes

Delft Blue

Instructor: Kinga Bledsoe

Date/Time: Saturday, May 3rd 1pm-4pm

Skill level: Intermediate Bead Embroidery Skills

Technique:  Various bead embroidery stitches, working with leather

Kit: $135

Kit includes: All the beads, focal, foundation, leather needed to complete project exactly as shown

Class Description: Delft Blue follows a long line of  signature pendant projects I have taught during the last decade. The finished piece is small and really wearable and quite precious: Besides the unique  artist made acrylic component that looks like a china shard, there is a set of two beautiful druzies surrounded by 2mm  mother of pearl and lapis  rondelles. Two sodalite beads and two delft blue ceramic beads painted with windmills add more detail and visual interest and for some sparkle, there are Swarovski bicones. The cord is a bespoken velvet cord, manufactured in the EU and the closure is a Green Girl Studios mermaid button. As usual, the backing is beautiful Italian lambskin in a matching color. 

Prerequisites: Students should have completed a few bead embroidery projects that include peyote bezels.

Students should bring: size 11 needle and thread, sharp, pointy and small scissors, E6000, white gel pen

Shell Yeah! Necklace

Instructor: Jayashree Paramesh

Date/Time: Saturday, May 3rd • 9am-Noon

Skill level: Intermediate. Must know basic stitches.

Technique: Bead Embroidery

Kit: $80.00

Kit Includes: Kit will include all beads, ceramic shell beads, Swarovski crystal, rhinestones and other beads, Ultrasuede, ball chain, other findings and clasp.

Class Description:  Beach and ocean lovers, rejoice! The beauty and bounty of oceans comes alive in this captivating Shell Yeah Necklace. The pendant features 4 ceramic hand-painted shells, studded with Swarovksi crystal in the center and surrounded by rhinestones, pearls and seed beads. This meticulously bead embroidered pendant dangles from a matching multi row shimmering ball chain rope.

Students should bring: their own needles, thread, beadmat, glue, scissors, wire cutters and other common supplies.

Canopy of Frillz

Instructor: Gail Crosman Moore

Date/Time: Saturday, May 3rd • 9am-Noon

Skill Level: All skill levels welcome

Kit: $54

Kit includes: Everything necessary~ Shrink plastic, Vintage beads, handmade sterling earwires, all colorants and tools for molding shrink plastic.

Class Description:  In this 1/2 day class we will be creating a pair of earrings, featuring layers of shrink plastic and beads, creating rhythm through spacing. They end in a sweet component we will create out of vintage beads.

Students will learn how to: Students will learn how to create a simple component to add to the shrink plastic earring blanks we will decorate, shrink and assemble.

Prerequisites: Must be comfortable with needle and thread. It’s fiddly, in a good way!

Students should bring: Please bring your favorite needles, thread and scissors.

Moondrops

Instructor: Beki Haley

Date/Time: Saturday, May 3rd 1pm-4pm

Skill Level: Experienced Beginner

Technique: Peyote and Couching

Kit: $45

Kit Includes: Pear shaped Crystal, Miyuki Delica Beads, Size 15° seed beads, Pearl Cup Chain, Step-by-step illustrated instructions.

Class description: Moondrops encapsulates the mystique of a moonlit night in a single pendant. At its heart lies an ethereal drop focal, shimmering with the soft glow of celestial beauty. Encircled by a unique peyote bezel with delicate pearl cup chain adding a touch of elegance, reminiscent of moonbeams dancing on water. Embrace the enchantment of the night with your own Moondrops Pendant.

Students should bring: Needle, thread, work surface, and magnification if needed.

Bonus Classes

Bonus classes can be added on for an additional $55 per class

Kai

Instructor: Kinga Bledsoe

Date/Time: Sunday, May 4th • 9am-Noon

Skill Level: Intermediate Bead Embroidery Skills

Technique: Working with leather, peyote bezel    

Kit: $75

Kit includes: All the beads, focal and leather needed to complete a bracelet exactly as shown. This kit comes with glovers needle

Class Description: Description: Kai means sea in Hawaiian. This bracelet is a tribute to the lush, playful colors of the islands and the water surrounding them. In the center of the composition there is a dichroic glass focal. It has an elongated shape which is really eye catching but it's a shape people tend to have a hard time incorporating into their bead embroidery. Because of the unique construction of the bracelet base stabilizing and supporting the long rectangle, this simple bracelet is a bit of an engineering marvel that will fit anyone's wrist perfectly. Given the nature of the focals being handmade, all will be slightly different in pattern and size. 
Prerequisites: Working knowledge of building a peyote bezel  
Students should bring: sharp, pointy and small scissors, white gel pen, size 11 beading needle, E6000

Miette

Instructor: Kinga Bledsoe

Date/Time: Sunday, May 4th • 1pm-4pm

Skill Level: All Skill Levels Welcome!

Technique: Bead embroidery backstitch, working with leather

Kit: $45 & Up

Kit includes: All the leather, beads, foundation, pearls needed to create the bracelet as pictured.This kit also includes matching thread and glovers needle

Class Description: Miette means crumb in French. Since this is an itty bitty sweet little bracelet, I think Miette is just the perfect name for it. This class is great for all skill levels: we will be working with really soft Italian lambskin to create this light, ethereal composition. The undulating curves of vines are directly bead embroidered onto the leather. The freshwater pearls look like berries. The overall effect is sort of Art Nouveau-esque  while the fit is dreamy soft and comfy. The closure is a Czech button.Due to the importance of matching the thread to the project, this kit will come with a matching spool of OneG and a glover's needle for those who love the look of leather but feel like working on this would be too hard on their hand.  The only problem I foresee with this design is getting addicted to making these in every color of the rainbow. 

Prerequisites: Some familiarity with bead embroidery would be great but this class is suitable for absolute beginners as well
Students should bring: White gel pen, E6000, size 11 beading needle and a pair of sharply, pointy and small scissors

Designing For Volume - from 2D to 3D

Instructor: Gail Crosman Moore

Date/Time: Monday, May 5th • 1pm-4pm

Skill Level: All Levels Welcome!

Technique: Embroidery

Kit: $56

Kit includes: Felt, stiffener, sequins, findings and some beads

Class Description:  Share my passion in turning 2-D material into 3-D. This class has two parts~ We will be designing and stitching our final pieces together. We will need to treat the pieces in order to stiffen, they need drying time… so, in the meantime I will have some already stiffened pieces that we will be embellishing while the ones that are drying will be to embellish later.
Choices in Many Colors and Function~ Earrings or a Brooch?

Prerequisites: Must be comfortable with needle and thread, no wool allergies~

Students should bring: Bring your favorite beads if you’d like, along with your needle, thread and scissors

Winged and Ruffled

Instructor: Gail Crosman Moore

Date/Time: Monday, May 5th • 9am-Noon

Skill Level: Intermediate

Technique: Shrink Plastic & Peyote Stitch

Kit: $46

Kit Includes: I will have all materials, colors, tools, and findings for the shrink plastic as well as some bead combos but If you have particular bead needs~ (color, finish) you could bring a tube of size 8, 11 and 15 that will become your ruffle.

Class Description:  In this 3-hour class, we will design and perforate our shrink plastic wings , add color to customize,  and work on a peyote ruffle addition to finish off the edge.

I approach my ruffle intuitively and I share my process with you but I don’t have written instructions as I approach each project anew.

Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Peyote Stitch necessary

Students should bring: Please bring your favorite needle, thread and light if you need it.

Tiki

Instructor: Sheila Schanne

Date/Time: Sunday, May 4th • 9am-Noon

Skill Level: Intermediate

Technique: Bead Embroidery

Kit: $55

Kit includes : Each of your Tiki will have a selection of beautiful Czech Pressed Glass, hand selected near Prague, as well as a bold color selection of seed beads, fitting with Hawaiian culture. Next, your Tiki is finished off on the back with the softest cork fabric with gold shimmers, and lastly you have a comfortable round leather cord and the perfect findings to complete your necklace.

Class Description: Embark on a journey to the tropics with Sheila’s fun bead embroidered Tiki Pendant. Using Bead Embroidery techniques, weave a tale of tradition and mystique. Inspired by the revered Tiki figures worn by women in the Pacific for generations, this pendant is more than just an accessory—it's a symbol of good luck. Whether worn as a statement piece or cherished as a keepsake, the Tiki Pendant invites you to embrace the spirit of the islands and carry a touch of Pacific charm wherever you go.

Students should bring: A Bead Mat or Tray, Sharp Scissors, small tube of E6000, Size 11 beading needle, 8 lb Fireline, Task Light, White Gel Pen, small ruler

Faerie Star

Instructor: Sheila Schanne

Date/Time: Monday, May 5th • 9am-Noon

Skill level: Ambitious Beginner with Stringing experience

Technique: Ambitious Beginner with Stringing experience

Kit: $35

KIt Includes: Ginkos, Mini Chevrons, 18 mm Rivioli, Seed Beads in sizes 6o, 8o, 11o, and 15o, and a pattern with full instructions.

Description: Faeries are Mythological beings with magical powers, sometimes mischievous Sprites...
Join me in making your own Faerie Star:  A perfect combination of two-hole beads, seed beads and one of those crystals we aren't supposed to say their name 😉
So fun to make and will make a  beautiful necklace pendant or a sweet bracelet with the addition of your favorite bracelet strap. 

Additional supplies you should bring to class: Magnifying glasses if you need them, task light, bead mat, sharp scissors, 6 pound fire line, size 11 beading needle.

Most will finish in class.  Finished Bracelet Sample and additional supplies will be available for purchase in class for those that would like to finish it off that way.

Mermaid Bubbles

Instructor: Beki Haley

Date/Time: Sunday, May 4th • 1pm-4pm

Skill Level: Beginner

Technique: Painting Metal components and gluing on tiny bubbles of glass.

Kit: $45

Kit includes : Patina Paints/Stains; An assortment of metal pendants and focals; Glass Micro Bubbles; Teflon Craft Sheet; Gloves; Apron; Sanding Block; Written reference for the Patina effect.

Class Description: Dive into a world of whimsy with this enchanting collection of metal pieces, each adorned with vibrant paints and stains and embellished with the captivating allure of Mermaid Bubbles. Crafted using a simple and fun technique allowing for boundless creativity. From shimmering pendants to ornate embellishments, let your imagination take flight as you explore the myriad possibilities. Whether adorning jewelry or adding a touch of magic to mixed media art, our Mermaid Bubble creations promise to infuse every project with an irresistible charm straight from the depths of the sea.

Students should bring: Your imagination and creative spirit!