Course Outline:

This four week class is a continuation of Cindy's earlier Basic Bead Stitching 101 class. It will focus on Peyote/Brick Stitch--Combining Stitches, Russian Coralling Technique, Dutch Spiral and St Petersburg Chain. Each week will focus on a different stitch. These are not project based classes, so each week you will make a very basic piece designed to learn the technique only.

Here is an opportunity to expand your repetoire of beading techniques, gain inspiration from a variety of examples, and let your imagination show you were you can go with these techniques.

Week One: "Peyote/Brick Stitch--Combining Stitches"

Create a peyote band bracelet with a brick stitched edging. In this class we will go over the basics of flat even count peyote and then we will learn how to add brick stitch to take your peice beyond the bounds of straight peyote. The idea is to learn the skill but at the same time you will be starting a bracelet that you finish at home.

Supplies: 2 colours of size 8 seed beads and a clasp appropriate to a band bracelet or bead/button and loop clasp can be used.

Week Two:  "The Russian Coralling Technique or Fringing as a final product"

Create a fluffy floating bracelet or necklace or both. In this class we will learn the Russian Coralling technique and how to build on itself, we will also discuss the merits of fringing off of a beadwork base. We will learn the technique as you work on your finished product which can be as big or small as you like as you will be required to finish the project at home.

Supplies: Size 11 seed beads in 2 colours and any clasp of your choice or a bead/button loop closure may be used.

Week Three:  "Dutch Spiral"

This stitch is an odd count variation of tubular peyote. In this class we will  review spiral peyote and not only learn a variation on odd count tubular peyote but also a variation on the usual 'Dutch Spiral'; a variation I find much more satisfying. A number of possibilities will be discussed but this is a project you will need to finish at home.

Supplies: 130 x 4mm beads ( these can be pearls, stone chips, round beads, drop beads, etc.) , 3 colours size 11 seed beads and size 15 seed beads and a clasp of your choice. You may also wish to have a focal bead but this is optional.

Week Four:  "St.Petersberg Chain or The Path of the Diagonal Peyote"

This chain stitch is sure to set off anyone's neck -- on its own or embellished! In this class we will learn a variation of flat peyote created following a diagonal path. This necklace comes to a natural V point at the centre from which any number of emellishments can be hung. Even on its own it will create a beautiful neck line for you. This is a project that we will be able to start in the classroom but you will need to finish at home.

Supplies: 2 colours delica beads or main colour in delicas with accent size 11 colour.
You will also need a clasp which you will attach at home. Embellishments will be discussed and samples shown but embellishing will have to be done at home after the class.

Technique Focus: Beginner Stitching Techniques