crochet slider bead class - update

Just a quick update on the crochet slider class: I worked up a sample in size 11's, with "e" beads for the textured section in the middle. I think this version will work better for the class. The "e" beads were much easier to work with, and still give a nice visual texture.

I removed the tubing from this slider bead, to allow the cord to fit through the center. The work still has a pretty firm feel to it, and is holding it's tubular shape well. It is actually curving with the neklace better than the version with the tube still inside. I plan on keeping this in mind.

For info on the class call the Bedford Art Academy - 540-586-4235

or visit the website: http://www.bedfordartacademy.org/

Crocheted Slider bead

The next class I plan on offering at Bedford Arts Academy will probably be a crocheted Slider Bead class. This is a sample I worked up this morning to see how long it would take. I was able to do this one in about 3.5 - 4 hours. I have already decided that I will not be using the nuggets for the textured area. I feel they are not visually as balanced as the bead soup made up of 6's and 8's, with bugles. I also found that the nuggets are more difficult to manipulate. Since this is to be a beginner crochet bead project, I need to keep the work more manageable.

I will play around with different ways of wearing this bead, and try to post what I come up with.

The class has not had a date scheduled yet. Anyone interested can contact me thru this blog or the Bedford Art Academy website. (Link for the BAA can be found on the left side bar.)

Children's classes Offered this Summer, part 2

This Summer I will be offereing classes for children. In a previous post I showed the fabric friendship bracelets I made up for one of the classes I will be offering.

Another class For the kids this Summer will be making felt stuffies. I will be using original patterns designed by my daughter Becca. (She's 10 and I am very proud!) The samples posted here are all designed and made by Becca.

One of the things I will be stressing in the class class -- patterns are a starting point for learning the basics. I hope to encourage them to go home and experiment with designing their own.

Stuffies have such appeal - not just for kids but grown-ups as well. I love these, in part because they are tiny. Small enough to slip in your pocket and carry about with you, like a secret friend.

The Japanese call them mascots, and in a way they become your mascot - cheering for you along the way. I keep one in my car and always get a smile every time I look at him. (He's a frog Becca made for keeping me company in the car while she is at school.)

Since this is a class I'm offering, I wanted to be sure and get the word out about it. Bedford Art Academy is putting up a new web site: http://www.bedfordartacademy.org/ hopefully it will be up and running later today.

Here's a better view of a bracelet I posted in an earlier post. I will be teaching a class on this bracelet in April. Please email or leave a comment, if you have any questions about the class. The class is offered at Bedford Academy of the Arts in Bedford, Virginia. The class is titled "Intermediate Right Angle Weave."