Introducting  new style of class:  Stash Busters!

Class is held Saturdays, 2-4 pm Central via Zoom. December 2 and 9th.  Sessions will be recorded for students to use for a month after the final session.

Looking for a fun and creative project that will help you declutter your stash?  Beading is beloved the world over, and this project is a great way to gather up those odds-and-ends beads from your collection to make a beautiful shawl pin (also works great in your hair or could be a barrette!).  In our first session, we’ll use a single-thread technique to begin beading our design around a central bead or button of your choice, with lots of options for customization.  In the second session, we’ll focus on trimming, assembly, and edge finishing options.  Each one will be delightful and unique, as we use beads and backings from our stashes.

These creations are also great as gifts or as a small item to add to your collection of handmade goods for sale.  Once you learn how to make them, it’s likely no beads are safe!  You are welcome to work on as many barrettes as you desire during class.

Materials to gather from your stash:

• Craft felt, wool felt, washed wool fabric, pellon, etc. (fabrics that do not fray) in a harmonious color to your beads. One piece we will bead onto, and one piece will back the design.  Backing material can be as small as the size of your hand spread out for the beading fabric, even less needed for the backing.
• Beads—literally anything you would like to try on your project that you can get a thread through. Choose one larger bead or button as your center for the design.
• Sharp beading needle, or needle with an eye small enough to fit through your beads.
• Thread of your choice—I’ve used nylon beading thread, silk beading or sewing thread, or even regular sewing thread. If you have thread in a color that is harmonious with your beads, this is nice but not mandatory.
• If you are using nylon thread, you will want to have a way to melt your starting and stopping knots (set of matches or a lighter works), so they do not unravel.
• A stick or short dowel to thread through the pin
• Fabric and thread scissors.
• Sharpie or marking pen.
• Barrette back (or pin back if you want it to be a brooch).

Please make sure the email you use during the checkout is the email you’d prefer Laura uses for class communications.  This is the email that will receive your Zoom link before the first class.  Thank you, and happy creating!

Because there are no materials shipped to you as part of this class, unless you’d like other offerings, you can choose “Farmstead Pickup” in the checkout.