Top Techniques & Tips from Bead Fest Instructors

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The first time I taught at Bead Fest, there was a huge rainstorm. Roads were flooded and the rain made it extremely difficult but, somehow I made my way to dinner with a group of instructors after the show. I love spending time with people who love to bead – even when we don’t know anything about each other, we speak the same language.

I asked three Bead Fest instructors what they enjoy teaching, trends they’re seeing, and suggestions for things to try. Here’s what they said, in their own words.

Leslie Pope: All About the Shaped Beads

“One of the trends that has been gaining momentum in the last couple of years has been simpler designs (not overly ornate) and projects that do not take days or weeks to complete,” Leslie says. “A lot of my designs fit into that category, so I’m glad my favorite styles are on-trend.

“I wish I could say I do a lot of research and have some scientific method in picking techniques to teach. Because I’m well versed in lots of off-loom bead weaving, I normally focus more on the finished project than an actual technique.

Three tips for any bead weaving workshop:

1. Read all the project instructions first.

2. Be prepared by bringing your favorite work surface and tools (lights, magnifiers, etc.).

3. Have fun in the class – it makes learning something new a lot easier.

“I always get lots of positive responses from my workshops. Of course, my students like the project, otherwise they wouldn’t sign up for me to teach them. I have also been told that I explain difficult things very clearly. And my favorite is that they love the colorways I pick for the finished projects. Leslie Rogalski calls it one of my beading superpowers.

“Currently, I’m more excited about all the new bead shapes and finishes rather than a specific bead-weaving technique. Lately I have been doing more designing using various two-needle stitching techniques, because stitching with two needles is less cumbersome when using two-hole or multiple-hole beads in your beadwork.”

Kim Leahy: Experiment with Herringbone

“Herringbone is so fun! I recommend playing with it as much as you can. Using different beads, combining beads… Changing in the middle of the pattern by either switching color, size or shape of beads creates a wonderful piece. Don’t be afraid to try new things with herringbone, such as using triangle beads for an interesting texture,” Kim says.

“When you’re experimenting with different types of beads with herringbone, you may wish to consider different threads. For instance, 11/0 triangle beads can be sharp so I recommend a woven thread such as Fireline. When working with round beads, single strand thread works nicely if going for a slinky feel, double the thread if you want a stiffer piece.

“Sometimes students have ideas on how to make the pattern better and sometimes they enjoy changing the piece a bit. I like that. It shows they are thinking. I have been lucky in most of my students have been very kind if there is a struggle.

Bead Embroidery

“The bead embroidery trend seems to be here to stay, and I see that getting bigger. The artwork coming from some of the component artists is just fabulous, and it screams bead embroidery. I also feel basic stitches are making a comeback. It’s fun to go back to our roots of seeing what we can do with peyote, herringbone, right angle weave. . .

“I’m excited about bead embroidery. I don’t do a lot of it, but I have been experimenting with Shrinkets and using them in bead embroidery. This is different for me and I am enjoying the journey.”

Maggie Thompson: Kumihimo For All

“Even though kumihimo has gained a lot of popularity in the beading world over the last three to four years, it’s still a fairly new technique for most people,” Maggie says. “However, even in this short space of time, I’ve seen kumi progress from a mostly fiber technique to a bona fide beaded jewelry-making technique.

“In the real estate market, the most important factor is ‘location, location, location.’ In kumihimo it’s ‘tension, tension, tension.’ If your tension isn’t consistent, it won’t matter if you make the most beautiful designs and use unusual findings, focals or beads—your project won’t look good and it won’t become a piece you’re proud to wear. Consistent and medium tension is the one thing I stress the most with my students.

“I think I’ve been very lucky to have students who are enthusiastic to learn kumihimo, whether it’s new to them or they just want to improve on their technique. As a result their feedback has been pretty positive. Most of the comments say how much they’ve learned and enjoyed themselves in class – AND had so much fun doing it! Learning, enjoyment and fun are my three most important goals in any class setting.

“I continue to love seeing kumihimo combined with beadweaving techniques in new and inventive ways. It’s also a joy to see a focal bead or interesting bead shape incorporated into a fun design. With the path kumihimo is on now I feel there is even more fabulous innovations yet to come!”

Interweave at Home

Even if you can’t travel to Bead Fest this year, you can still learn new techniques and make beautiful jewelry with Interweave at Home classes. Monthly workshops are offered via Zoom so you can work along with your favorite instructor or watch and learn so you can make your project later. Either way, treat yourself to time spent with your passion!

Originally published 8/12/2020. Updated 5/23/2022.