2026-A4 - Introduction to Beadwork with Jama Watts

Introduction to Beadwork with Jama Watts

Tuesdays, October 6th - October 27th, 2:00pm - 4:00pm (4-week workshop)

Age: 13+

Class Description:

Over the course of four weeks, students will learn the basics of bead weaving. We will cover just the tip of the iceberg of what you can do with a needle, thread, and seed beads. From stitches like peyote and right angle weave to herringbone and brick stitch, we will sew our way to creating small works of art. It's incredible what you can make with tiny pieces of glass!

Instructor will be providing the basics - bead mats, thread, needles, wax, etc.

Student supply List:

- Pencil

- Eraser

- Colored pencils, if desired (for laying out patterns)

- Size 3mm or 4mm cube beads in at least two colors. I do have a small collection of these if you can’t find any. You’ll need roughly 200 beads for the project. Smaller beads mean more beads needed, and larger beads mean less.

- Size 11/0-cylinder beads in 2 colors. I prefer Miyuki Delica, but Toho cylinder beads can also work. One small tube of each color will be more than enough.

- Size 8/0 (3 colors) and 11/0 (2-3 colors) seed beads. Make sure you get good quality, uniform seed beads. You’ll get uniform beads in tubes of single colors over the mixes you can get at Michaels, etc. Cheaper beads will vary in shape, and you want uniform beads for this.

- 6mm round beads of your choice. Make sure you get spherical beads and not rondelles (the flatter round beads). I prefer faceted beads for what we’re doing, but smooth rounds will also work. You’ll need approx. 100 beads.

Optional supplies:

- Size 10 and 12 beading needles. I like John James and Beadalon, but you can also pick up a mix of sizes by DMC at Michaels. Just make sure you get beading needles and not embroidery, tapestry, etc.

- Beading thread – Pick one - Fireline (4lb), C-lon, Nymo, or Miyuki beading thread. If you opt for Fireline, get it from Bass Pro in the fishing line section or order it from Amazon. It’s the same thing as the Beadalon Fireline, but they charge you more for “beading thread.” Miyuki is pre-waxed.

- Bead wax (if you opt for Fireline or Miyuki, you won’t need bead wax)

You’ll be able to find a lot of these supplies at Beads and Rocks at 335 Virginia Beach Boulevard, VB; The Bead Store at 10371 Warwick Blvd, Newport News; Michaels stores and Amazon. For seed bead brands, I prefer Miyuki, Preciosa, John Bead and Toho. I’ll be providing the buttons for week 1, earring findings for week 2 and the clasps for weeks 3 and 4. If you need any help finding any of the supplies, please email me at jama@artificersarchive.com.

Supporter Tuition - Immediately qualify for Supporter Tuition with a donation of $100 or more.

Refund Policy: https://www.artcentervb.org/classpolicies.html
(Please read refund policy and request qualified refund by emailing Vanessa Abbott at create@artcentervb.org)