Learn the basics of off-loom sculptural geometric beadwork! 8-Part Series Workshop Date: Tuesdays, March 17-May 5, 2026 Time: 6pm-9pm Description: Geometric Bead Weaving is an all-levels course which will introduce participants to the basics of off-loom sculptural geometric beadwork. These techniques are simple, but can create exciting, complex projects relevant to jewelry design, soft sculpture, textile arts, and fashion embellishments. Participants will learn basic bead weaving stitches, how to weave shapes in glass and complex forms with seed beads, and how to join these shapes together to create fabrics, forms, and small structures. Aftera series of demos and exercises, students will design their own project; this may be a small sculpture, a wearable piece, an ornament, or purely experimental. During the workshop, students will receive one-on-one guidance from the instructor, a series of materials, patterns and instructional resources to take home, and design inspiration from sample projects. All necessary materials will be provided by the instructor, but participants may be required to purchase extra beads to complete their projects.*Resources for buying supplies are listed below, and more will be provided during class. *It is the instructor’s goal to make this workshop as accessible as possible; if purchasing extra materials for a project is an undue financial strain, participants may work with the instructor to create a project that can be completed using provided materials. We really want you to join us in the studio! Full and partial tuition scholarships are available to offset some of the financial burden of attending a class. Please fill out the application here; you can expect to hear from someone on the CC staff within 2 weeks. If you have any questions, email Allison Jones, Director of Programs & Residencies, at ajones@contemporarycraft.org, or leave a voice message for her at 412-465-1633. Tuition: $295 + $45 materials fee Materials: The instructor will provide ample materials for class use, but the variety of color, size, and brands of beads, needles, and threads available will not be exhaustive. Participants who have strong preferences or specific visions for their projects should bring their own materials. Guidlines for bringing materials are listed below. Beads: Instructor will provide a selection of glass seed beads in different colors, shapes, and sizes. At least 50g and two different colors of glass cylinder beads (such as Miyuki brand Delicas or Toho brand Aikos) in size 0/8, 0/10, or 0/11 are recommended for this workshop, but any glass seed beads will do. If purchasing your own, they can be purchased after the course begins. Needles: Each student will be provided two size 11 beading needles. Needle threaders will be available for use. Size 10, 11, or 12 long beading needles are ideal. Quilting and embroidery needles may not be slim or long enough to string glass beads. Thread: Nylon beading thread in a limite...
