Bead Weaving at Princeton Adult School

Diamond and Pearl Earrings designed by
Reem Iversen

We start a four-week course in Bead Weaving at the Princeton Adult School on Feb. 21. We will be teaching three new designs and a variation of an old favorite. I want to experiment with having variations this time--so for all but the last project, each student will get to decide which variation of the pattern she will make. Sounds like fun! Here is the plan...

Diamond and Pearl Earrings--patterns made with 2 colors

Start with Reem Iversen's Diamond and Pearl Earrings. This brick stitch earring is a great project for learning brick stitch. Reem's original design is a solid color. But students who are ready for a little more of a challenge can try one of five 2-color patterns I've added; three of the patterns are shown in the photo.

Geometric pattern from a Mongolian motif

Xanadu Bracelet by Janet Palumbo and plainer variation

The Xanadu Bracelet was designed by Janet Palumbo and uses 2-drop peyote stitch. While watching Marco Polo on Netflix, I noticed this wonderful geometric Mongolian motif (it was appliquéd onto Kublai Khan's yurt outside of Xanadu). Inspiration!

But if the Mongolian motif is too much of a challenge, students can use the same kit of beads to make a plainer and easier two-color pattern (in metallic blue and marine-lined blue in the photo).

Apple Blossom Necklace by Janet Palumbo

When everyone is ready to THINK SPRING! we will make the Apple Blossom Necklace, designed by Janet Palumbo.  We will have three colors of Swarovski crystal pearls from which to choose: Rosaline, Creamrose, and Iridescent Green--all fabulous! The leaf fringe can be plentiful (the Creamrose and Rose Gold necklace), or spaced out a little further (the Rosaline and Purple necklace), or left off entirely. We will offer an extra kit for sale for those who want to make matching earrings.


Finally, we will learn the amazingly versatile Dutch Spiral stitch to make the Crystals in the Dike Bracelet by Janet Palumbo. Dutch Spiral stitch is a favorite because little changes in the number or size of the beads result in big variations in the look. I decided on a moderate "twist" to the spiral, which is achieved by using a mix of size 11º and size 8º seed beads and 4mm Czech fire-polished round crystals.

Crystals in the Dike Bracelet by Janet Palumbo (Dutch Spiral)

My original color is the Garnet and Crystal bracelet pictured on the right. For the other color choice, I wanted to use cobalt as the main color, but wasn't sure what to pair it with. Then inspiration struck again when I was watching Love and Friendship--the movie adaptation of Jane Austen's Lady Susan. One of the costumes was a satin ensemble in cobalt blue, bright orange, and grey. It was stunning! Reem found a silver-lined salmon bead with an alabaster finish that works beautifully. It isn't quite as dramatic as the bright orange, but it has an easier-on-the-eye appeal!