Beyond Beadery presents...
Bonus Class: Among the Aspens
by Carrie Tahquechi
Among the Aspens is an intermediate bead embroidery class in which students create a dramatic, autumn-inspired necklace. The piece features a 3D-printed frame that outlines an aspen grove, created by combining lightly felted wool roving and beads. This richly textured design pairs the crisp, graphic lines of the trees with warm, layered color to capture the glow of fall foliage in beadwork and fiber. An optional aspen leaf charm dangles at the center.
Students will explore bead embroidery techniques—including backstitch, decorative stop stitch, and brick stitch—while learning how to combine mixed materials to add depth, softness, and visual contrast to the finished piece. This intermediate-level class is designed for students who enjoy detailed surface work and want to expand their skills with texture-rich materials and dimensional design.
Kit cost: $70
Empress by Sherry Serafini
This luxurious bead embroidery design is built in rich, deliberate layers, combining metal elements and beadwork to create a piece of depth, structure, and quiet drama. The finished embroidered panel is layered onto a band to create a fully customized cuff. The design’s balanced symmetry and architectural framework also make it easily adaptable, allowing the piece to be transformed into an elegant neckpiece if desired.
Throughout the process, you’ll explore advanced layering techniques and thoughtful material placement. The result is a statement piece that feels timeless, intentional, and exquisitely crafted.
This designer kit is ideal for experienced beaders who enjoy immersive construction, textural richness, and the satisfaction of creating a wearable work of art.
Kit Cost: $165
Projects
Arroyo by Nancy Cain
I have designed this beautiful piece of jewelry for the Colorado Bead Retreat. The name “Arroyo” has its roots in Spanish language and evokes the image of a water channel, perfectly complementing the spiritual and nature-inspired elements of the design. The combination of sparkle, earthiness, and flowiness created a unique aesthetic.
The innovative bezel method to encase the 18mm crystal stone adds an exciting element to the necklace, with the appearance of prongs holding the stone in place. Th chenille stitch rope enhances the visual and tactile experience. The outrageous fringe adds dynamic element, inviting movement and further emphasizing the fluidity of water, which aligns beautifully with the meaning behind “Arroyo”.
Kit cost: $145
September 24 - 27, 2026
All kits are mandatory, no exceptions.
Over the Moon by Kinga Bledsoe
A wonderfully useful and whimsical three-sided pyramid shaped purse is what you will be embellishing in my class during this year's Colorado Bead Retreat project.
The purse is designed and handmade by me and you will be working on sparkly critters jumping over the moon. There will be bunnies and a squirrel and a goat, and the labradorite symbolizing the stars and the moon. The purse will be available in high quality imported European cow hide in metallics and I will also have vegan leather option(s).
Kit Cost: $145 - $195
You'll Never Bead the Same!