Bead Weaving Basics

In this beginning class, we discuss such things as:
(1) SURVEY OF TYPES OF SEED BEADS, WHAT WORKS WHEN, QUALITY ISSUES
- HOW TO THREAD A NEEDLE
- HOW TO WAX YOUR THREAD
- HOW TO ADD A STOP BEADS
- HOW TO PICK UP BEADS WITH YOUR NEEDLE
- HOW TO HOLD YOUR PIECE WHILE WORKING IT
(2) STRINGING MATERIALS AND MANAGING THREAD TENSION
- COLOR EFFECTS OF THREAD
- FINISHING OFF AND ADDING THREAD
(3) BASICS ABOUT WAXES
(4) BASICS ABOUT NEEDLES
(5) ANTICIPATING ISSUES OF MOVEMENT, DRAPE, FLOW and DURABILITY
(6) THE STITCHES: Peyote, Square, Right Angle Weave
- OTHER IMPORTANT STITCHES AND STITCH VARIATIONS TO LEARN
(7) ATTACHING CLASPS
We practice 3 popular bead weaving techniques - Square, Flat Even-Count Peyote, and Right Angle Weave.
We go over instructions for making bracelets using these three stitches. 
Students begin one of the three projects during class.
 
GOAL:
To empower the beginning bead weaver with management and control insights about selecting materials, learning the pros and cons of different bead weaving stitches, and implementing three popular stitch techniques - Square, Peyote and Right Angle Weave.
PROJECTS/TASKS: 
- Learn how to select beads, threads and waxes
- Threading a needle
- Waxing thread
- Using stop beads
- Finishing off threads and adding new threads
- Exercises involving the square stitch, the peyote stitch and the right angle weave stitch
- Attaching a clasp
In addition, instructions for 3 bracelet projects are provided, one of which may be begun during the class. 
SKILLS LEARNED:
- Understanding the choices involved in selecting beads and threads, waxes
- Understanding how different stitches enhance/impede movement, drape and flow
- How to end and add thread
- How to attach a clasp
- Square stitch, Peyote Stitch and Right Angle Weave stitch techniques