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CLASSES 2020
There were 22 free classes to choose from
at The Original Texas Bead Retreat
in 2020!

 Sign-up info for classes

For the past 21 years the Texas Bead Retreat has offered free classes.   Classes are taught by attendees who volunteer their time to prepare instructions and take time to teach fellow beaders.  Some teachers offer kits at a nominal cost.  A big hearty thanks goes out to our attendees who volunteer!

 Each participant may sign up for THREE classes. You'll pick your top three choices, including the class numbers, along with three back-up choices in case your first picks fill up early, and send them to beth@texasbeadretreat.com .   Be careful not to schedule yourself for more than one class in the same time slot!  Please look at the schedule closely as there are two two-part classes this year. Two-part classes count as one class. If there's space available, you may sign up for additional classes at the retreat.  Many supplies are available from our on-site bead vendor -  Lori Clarida, of Wild Beads.

We're again offering Early Bird Classes for those of you who just can't wait for the official Friday start of the retreat!

Be sure and bring needles, thread, bead mat, light, glasses, thread conditioner, scissors or thread burner - all your basic working supplies. These are typically not included in kits.

You also need to bring all required tools unless otherwise noted. Keep in mind that when instructors make tools available for class use, there might not be enough to go around, which can mean waiting your turn. Just a heads-up in case you're the antsy type.

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Thursday Classes

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Class 1     Thursday 1-5 PM      Hall A
Precious Metal Clay (PMC)

Instructor: Barbara Bessire
Difficulty Level: Suitable for all levels
Time to Complete: Class time with burnishing completed by instructor for delivery the next day
Kit: Yes .960 PMC silver, 25 grams - $80.00
Supply List: .960 PMC silver, 25 grams
Tools: Instructor will provide everything needed to complete a small project. Texture sheets, tiny cutter, and blades.

Class Description:  Learn some introductory techniques and tips for working with PMC (Precious Metal Clay). Learn how to create a unique one of a kind silver treasure.
Note: A strict maximum of six students per class is requested. Not to fret we are offering the class at three different times: Classes 1, 5, and 17.



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​​Class 2 & 18    Part 1, Thursday 1-5 PM      Hall B  (Class 2)
                         Part 2, Saturday 1-5 PM       Hall B  (Class 18)

Embellished Peyote Star
Important Note: This is a two-part class! You must sign up for Class 2 and Class 18, but they will count as one class. You may still sign up for two additional classes. (Yay!)

Instructor: Alli Cormier
Difficulty Level: Suitable for all levels
Kit: No
Supply List: Part 1 – Star. Delicas in two colors, 3 grams main color; 2 grams layer color
Supply List: Part 2 - Embellishment. One size 8 bead,  44 3mm firepolish, 10 4mm firepolish, 1 gram size 15’s
Tools: One-G preferred but Fireline is okay, size 11 and 12 needles and all other regular beading tools

​Class Description:
Part 1: Learn how to bead and construct a star. 
Part 2: Learn how to layer and embellish the star created in Part 1. (Sign up for Class 18)
Techniques: Peyote and embellishing

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Prelude Workshop   Thursday 2-4 PM      Trinity A
     Required if you are taking Class 7 on Friday!
Berries Kumihimo Bracelet


Instructor: Dawn Wright
Difficulty Level: Advanced/Difficult   This class requires participants to have prior Kumihimo experience. This is NOT a beginners class.
Maximum Students: 10
Kit: $12
Supply List: Kumihimo wheel, 8 bobbins, weight, scissors, size 11 and 8 seed beads, magatamas, conso cord.
Tools: Standard Beadsmith Kumihimo wheel, 8 bobbins, weight, scissors

Workshop Description:  Prepare for Friday's class by loading the beads for this bracelet project. Precise bead count and stringing are critical to the success of this bracelet. Spend time with Dawn to get the basics down right.







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Friday Classes

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Class 21   Friday  9-11 AM      Hall A
Sweet Little Pendant

Instructor:
Beth Dewey
Difficulty Level: Beginner 
Kit: $40 or a little more depending on the lampwork in the kit you select
Supply List: Bead backing for the embroidery, a focal cabochon (cab), assorted seed beads to compliment or otherwise work with the cab, accent beads like little disc beads, firepolish, crystals or a happy combination of any or all of these, flat lampwork disc beads or accent beads of your choice, Ultrasuede or other backing for the finished pieces, and thread of your choice (call me crazy but I particularly like OneG)
Tools: Lighting, a work surface, needles 10 and 12, scissors or a thread burner.

Class Description: Bead embroider whatever your heart desires. Add some funky fringe using lamp work discs. Create a hanger for your pendant using brick stitch and secure it to minimize flipping.
Techniques: Bead embroidery, brick stitch, peyote stitch, and a little stringing.




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Class 4    Friday  9-11 AM       Hall B
Barrel Weave Chainmail Bracelet


Instructor:  Claire Rayburn
Difficulty Level:  Beginner
Maximum Students:  12
No kits.  Wild Beads will have the jump rings in a wide variety of colors.
Supply List:  18-gauge 3/16" jump rings.  Two small bags.
Tools:  2 pair flat nose pliers. Smooth works best so you don't scratch the jump rings.
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Class Description:  This is a fun weave that lends itself to using two colors of jump rings.
Techniques:  Barrel Weave chainmail





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Class 5     Friday  1-5 PM      Hall A
Precious Metal Clay (PMC)

Instructor: Barbara Bessire
Difficulty Level: Suitable for all levels
Time to Complete: Class time, with burnishing completed by instructor for delivery the next day
Kits: $80  Kit includes 25 grams .960 PMC silver
Supply List: .960 PMC silver, 25 grams
Tools: Instructor will provide everything needed to complete a small project. Texture sheets, tiny cutter, and blades.

Class Description:  Learn some introductory techniques and tips for working with PMC (Precious Metal Clay). Learn how to create a unique one of a kind silver treasure.
Note: A strict maximum of six students per class is requested. Not to fret! We are offering the class at three different times: Classes 1, 5, and 17.


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Class 6     Friday 1 – 5 PM      Hall B
Felted Cuff


Instructor: Edwidge Denyszyn
Difficulty Level: Suitable for All Levels
Maximum Students: 15-20
Kits:  $10.  Kits include silk and the proper wool for felting; not all wools are usable.
Supply List: Wool fibers and silk
Tools: Soapy water 

Class Description: Be ready to have fun with soapy water, wool fibers, and silk. Once your cuff is dry, you can embellish it with beads. Part of the class is learning about what and where to buy the right wool. There will be several colors to choose from.
Techniques: Felting
Note: You can use the cuff you make in this class in Class 13 on Saturday, New Life for UFOs.
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Class 7   Friday 1-5 PM      Trinity A
               You MUST attend the Prelude Workshop Thursday 2-4 PM ! 

Berries Kumihimo Bracelet


Instructor: Dawn Wright
Difficulty Level: Advanced/Difficult   This class requires participants to have prior Kumihimo experience. This is NOT a beginners class.
Maximum Students: 10
Kit: $12
Supply List: Kumihimo wheel, 8 bobbins, weight, scissors, size 11 and 8 seed beads, magatamas, conso cord.
Tools: Standard Beadsmith Kumihimo wheel, 8 bobbins, weight, scissors

Class Description: This is a pattern by Elena Tolochko, who graciously gave me permission to “walk her designs around the world.”  It is a fun and interesting way to use all sizes of seeds beads and magatamas to create a beautiful bracelet.  This is one you will really enjoy!
Techniques: Standard 8-Strand Braiding


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Class 8 is FULL!
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Class 8    Friday 1-5 PM      Trinity B
Peyote With a Twist Not Bead Crochet (Peytwist)


Instructors: Jo Schreiber and Georgia DiFranco
Difficulty Level:  Must be familiar with peyote stitch
No kits
Supply List:  Three different colors Size 11 (or 8) seed beads - one main color and two contrasting colors. It is important in learning this technique that the three colors are easily distinguishable from each other.
Tools: Seed beads, needle, thread of your choice, lighting, bead work surface, scissors or thread burner.

Class Description:  Create a peyote tube working at a diagonal, not in the round, weaving beads that look as if they were crocheted, but they're not.
Techniques: Peyote stitch 





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Class 9 almost full!
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Class 9   Friday 8-10 PM      Hall A
Chainmail Cuff

Instructor: Linda Dallas
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Maximum Students: 10
Kits: $20  Kit includes all materials needed to complete a bracelet
Supply List: 84 bright aluminum 16 ga awg 1/4" rings, 42 bright aluminum 16 ga age 5/32" rings, 21 anodized aluminum 16 ga 1/4" rings, 84 anodized aluminum 16 ga 5/32" rings, one lobster clasp or 2-holed slide clasp, and 4 small rings for clasp
Tools: One snub nose pliers and one bent nose pliers

Class Description: Climb to new heights with this ladder helm weave.  Not your momma's helm weave. Easy to do, but looks complicated and stunning. 
Techniques: Chainmail, helm weave












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Class 10   Friday 8-10 PM      Hall B
Bead Crochet Bracelet

Instructor:
Riva Johnson
Difficulty Level: Intermediate 
Maximum Students: 15
Kits:  $25  Kits include a Size 0 crochet hook (Clover soft touch steel hook, $12.99 at JoAnn’s), thread, beads, 2 cones, clasp and wire to attach the bracelet to the cones and clasp.  Not required to buy a kit but it is very important to have the right size crochet hook and thread.  I bought 10 crochet hooks so only 10 kits will be available unless more than people ask for kits in advance. 
Supply List: Cotton pearl thread size 8 or an equivalent (beading thread and Fireline will not work. They are too thin), size 8 seed beads in 6 different colors (it is important that they are easily distinguishable from each other), about a foot of wire, 2 cones with a 10mm opening, and a clasp
Tools:  A crochet hook size 0 (1.75mm), scissors, beading mat, small pliers to attach clasp, and a twisted beading needle.

Class Description:  Learn how to do beaded crochet which, like most spiral techniques, is not hard once you get it started.  Starting can be very confusing but this class should let you conquer that. I found out the hard way that having the right crochet hook and right size thread are really critical to learning this technique.  I do not crochet and I learned how to do this on my own after some failed earlier attempts.  I think this class and what I learned from my prior failures will help you avoid a similar fate 
Techniques: Bead Crochet
Note: It will be very helpful if you let Beth Dewey know when you sign up for this class if you would like to purchase a kit from the instructor.




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​Class 11   Friday  8-10 PM      Trinity A
Hearts Entwined

Instructor: Michelle Roy
Difficulty Level: Basic 
Kit: $35-$50 range
Supply List: 25 grams each 2 colors of Superduos, 20 grams size 11 seed beads, 5 grams size 15 seed beads, clasp, needle, thread
Tools: Needle, thread, work surface, lighting, scissors

Class Description: Using only SuperDuos and seed beads, this beautiful necklace is a simple design of loops that create a heart shape inside, entwined along the entire necklace. The sample is 20 inches (51 cm) long but you can make it as short or as long as you like just by extending the foundation row.
Techniques: Bead weaving and stringing.




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Class 12 is FULL!
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Class 12  Friday  8-10 PM      Trinity B
Embellished Coil Basket

Instructor: Darquis DeCoz 
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Maximum Students: 12
Kits: $25-$35  Kits include cotton cording, yarn or waxed cotton/linen, large round tip needle, two size 10 beading needles in case you break one, beading thread, wax, mixed color seed beads in various sizes, glass bead flowers, leaves and drops, and small and larger pearls
Supply List: See above for materials. 
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Tools: Scissors, small tray to work from to hold your beads, and a creative mind!

Class Description: In this class you will learn how to make a basket using a coiling technique. With a cotton cord as the core and wrapping it with yarn, waxed cotton/linen you will be surprised at what you can create. You will learn how to taper your ends to add more cording and how to end and start a new thread. 
Since Darquis enjoys beading, she will teach you a simple beading technique to embellish the edge of your basket, then will demonstrate how to sew on the flowers, leaves, drops and pearls, to create a most beautiful piece of art. You will enjoy making and giving these little baskets to friends and loved ones.
Techniques: Basket weaving and bead embellishment

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​Saturday Classes


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Beth's UFO jar
Picture Start of a UFO cuff project
Class 13   Saturday 9-11 AM      Hall A
New Life for UFO’s as Embellishment Pieces

​Instructor:
Colette Chapman
Difficulty Level: Beginner 
No kits, but among the possibilities for a foundation cuff are taking Class 6 for a cuff you can make yourself, or purchasing a cuff from Edwidge.
Supply List: UFO’s (unfinished objects) like test components, parts of a project that didn’t want to be what it was supposed to be, something you started but abandoned, little orphaned bits, plus beads to work with the UFO, and a cuff to attach them to.
Tools: Needle and Thread, work surface, lighting, scissors

Class Description: Bring your UFOs (unfinished objects that have no home) and create a cuff using a felted wool base. You can either create a cuff yourself in Edwidge Denyszyn's felted cuff class -Class 7- on Friday, or you may purchase a completed felt base from Edwidge for $15.
Techniques: Bead embroidery






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Class 14    Saturday  9-11 AM      Hall B
It’s a Wrap Leather/Super Duo Bracelet 

Instructor:
Nina Owens
Difficulty Level: Beginner 
No Kits
Supply List: Leather Cord (round or flat) double the length of bracelet plus 8 inches, Super Duos (or mini super duos), Fireline (I use 8# test) or your preferred brand beading thread, Thread Magic or beeswax, needle, and metal button (shank style works best, though you can use flat ones if the holes are big enough to fit the leather through)
Tools:  Lighting & a work surface
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Class Description: Create a woven bracelet with a serpentine look.
Techniques: Weaving
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​Class 15   Saturday  9-11 AM      Trinity A
Pineapple Chainmail Earrings

Instructor: Eileen Welnikki
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Time to Complete: 
Kit: $20  Kit includes jump rings and ear wires to complete a pair of earrings.
Supply List: 70 jump rings, 18 gauge 5/32 inch ID (if making earrings with two colors, you'll need 40 rings in color A and 30 rings in color B); 2 jump rings, 18 gauge 1/4 inch ID; 1 pair of earring hooks
Tools: 2 pair of pliers. Eileen likes to use 1 pair of needle nose and 1 pair of bent nose.

Class Description: Use chainmail to create a fluid pair of pineapple-shaped earrings.
Techniques: Chainmail, attaching jump rings in a pattern.





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Class 16   Saturday  9-11 AM       Trinity B
Anjou Set


Instructor: Michelle Roy
Difficulty Level: Intermediate.  Must be comfortable using multi-hole beads and working in right-angle weave.
Kits: $20-$50, priced by project. Anjou kits are all separate - pendant, bracelet, and earrings.
Supply Lists: 
Anjou Pendant:  18mm cab or rivoli, 4 pcs each Zoliduo,
8 4mm bicones, 20 3mm bicones for the cab, 16 3mm bicones for the rivoli, 8 Dropduos, 4 Diamonduos, 11/0 Delica and 15/0 seed beads

Anjou Bracelet:  8-11 2-hole cabs, 16-22 Diamonduos, 32-44 Dropduos, 16-22pc each Zoliduo right and left, 32-44 3mm bicones, 14-20 4mm bicones, 5grams 15/0 seed beads

Anjou Earrings:  2  2-hole cabs, 2 Diamonduos, 8 Dropduos, 4pc each Zoliduo, 8 3mm bicones, 15/0 seedbeads

Tools: Needle, thread, work surface, lighting, scissors

Class Description: Use several of the new shaped beads to weave a complicated-looking beauty.
Techniques: Multi-hole beadwork, RAW (right angle weave) , peyote. Tension control is very helpful with this pattern



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Class 17     Saturday  1-5 PM      Hall A
Precious Metal Clay (PMC)

Instructor: Barbara Bessire
Difficulty Level: Suitable for all levels
Time to Complete: Class time, with burnishing completed by instructor for delivery the next day
Kits: $80  Kit includes 25 grams .960 PMC silver
Supply List: .960 PMC silver, 25 grams
Tools: Instructor will provide everything needed to complete a small project. Texture sheets, tiny cutter, and blades.

Class Description:  Learn some introductory techniques and tips for working with PMC (Precious Metal Clay). Learn how to create a unique one of a kind silver treasure.

Note: A strict maximum of six students per class is requested. Not to fret! We are offering the class at three different times: Classes 1, 5, and 17.


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Class 18    Part B, Saturday 1-5 PM    Hall B
                  Part A, Thursday 1 PM        Hall B

Embellished Peyote Star
Important Note: This is a two-part class! You must sign up for both parts, but they will count as one class. You may sign up for two additional classes. (Yay!)

Instructor: Alli Cormier
Difficulty Level: Suitable for all levels
Kit: No
Supply List: Part 1 – Star. Delicas in two colors, 3 grams main color; 2 grams layer color
Supply List: Part 2 - Embellishment. One size 8 bead,  44 3mm firepolish, 10 4mm firepolish, 1 gram size 15’s
Tools: One-G preferred but Fireline is ok, size 11 and 12 needles and all other regular beading tools

​Class Description:
Part 1: Learn how to bead and construct a star.
Part 2: Learn how to layer and embellish the star created in Part 1.
Techniques: Peyote and embellishing



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​Class 19   Saturday 1-5 PM      Trinity A
Vintage Lace Cuff


Instructor: Gerri Milton
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Time to Complete: Longer than class time
Kit: $22 Available in 10 colors. Each kit contains enough beads to make a wider cuff.
Supply List: 20 grams Size 11 seed beads, 60 or 102 4mm bicone crystals (depending on width), 5 or 7 strand slide clasp, and 8 lb Fireline or equivalent
Tools: Needle, work surface, light, cutter

Class Description: Create an elegant lacy cuff bracelet weaving seed beads and crystals using square stitch to create the netting look.
Techniques: Square stitch netting




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Class 20   Saturday 1-5 PM       Trinity B
Duchess Lace Necklace


Instructor: Michelle Roy
Difficulty Level: Intermediate, must be comfortable using multi-hole beads and working in right-angle weave.
Kit: $30-45
Supply List: 24 each right and left Zoliduos, 49 4mm bicones, 7 grams size 11/0 seed beads, 3 grams size 11/0 seed beads in a second color.
Tools: Needle and thread, work surface, lighting, scissors
Class Description: Use several of the new shaped beads to weave a complicated looking beauty.
Techniques: Multi-hole beadwork, RAW (right angle weave) and peyote stitch.  Tension control is very helpful with this pattern
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Class 3     Sunday 9-11 AM      Hall A
The First Bracelet


Instructor:  Nancy Trickett
Difficulty Level: Basic
Maximum Students: 12
Kit: Yes, $20  Kits include all beads for the bracelet, plus a slide clasp.
Supply List: Cubes, Size 11's in two complimentary, and a clasp
Tools: Needles, thread of choice, beading surface, task light

Class Description: This is a very special bracelet to me as it was the first bracelet I received in the bracelet swap in 2007, the first time I attended the Texas Bead Retreat.  It took three years for me to learn how to make the same bracelet!  The colors always get compliments, it feels great to wear and is easy to make.  Bracelet can be mostly made in a 2-hour class.  Knowledge of even-count peyote would be helpful, however it's not required.  Bracelet base is even-count peyote stitch with embellishment on top.  It’s a great beginner First Bracelet!
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Techniques: Embellished peyote


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Class 22   Sunday  9-11 AM    Hall B  
Snappy Pendant


Instructor: Julia Kearney
Difficulty Level:  Introductory
Kit: $15 (Students must supply 6-pound Fireline, beading needle and chain or ribbon.)
Supply List: 
* Ginger Snap
* Size 11/0 seed beads
* Size 8/0- seed beads
* 3mm bicones or pearls
* Daggers
* Size 10-12 beading needle
* Lacy’s Stiff Stuff or other beading foundation
* Ultrasuede backing
* 6 lb fireline
* Beading surface
* Chain or ribbon

Tools: Light, scissors or thread burner.

Class Description: In this class students will learn about the foundation used for bead embroidery and will get experience with three stitches: backstitch, brick stitch and fringe.  There will be plenty of time after class to complete most of the project.
Techniques: Bead embroidery, brick stitch edging
Note:  Ginger Snap will be glued to the foundation in advance to make it easier to get moving in the class.  It would be very helpful to know in advance about how many kits to provide. Please let Beth Dewey know when you sign up for this class if you would like to purchase a kit from the instructor. 


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