Scandinavian Loom Beading: Level 2: Live Online

Thursdays, January 11 - 25, 2023
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Tuition: $72  Materials: $125  Shipping: $12 

Ready to take your loom beading skills to the next level?  In this course, you’ll learn to work with smaller beads (size 11), a more complex pattern inspired by Nordic star/rose motifs, and how to transform your creations into beautiful bracelets.  Using the Erindale beading loom from the Level 1 course, your new materials include beautifully selected Miyuki glass beads, size B silk thread, large-eye needles, and pre-assembled bar ends with toggle clasps for finishing the bracelets.  Additionally, we’ll dive into the Scandinavian meanings behind common motifs and colors as we bead!

**Students must provide a sharp thread scissors, good lighting, and magnification if helpful.

Kit Details

Scandinavian Loom Beading, Level 2 kit includes:

• Size B Silk Thread Spool

• 2 beading needles

• Size 11 Miyuki seed beads, with plenty extra for interpreting the colors differently and future projects

• Bar end sets with split rings and toggle clasps for 2 bracelets (4 ends)

• Drafted patterns for the projects

• Digital access to a process photo essay and video tutorials

Why two projects?  Loom beading is a much more straightforward process than tapestry weaving.  Some students will take their time, while other students will zoom ahead.  While I will be teaching the students one project, taking my time to offer troubleshooting and process discipline, I also want to keep the speedy students engaged.  Students who only finish one project during class will have something to look forward to afterwards.  Practice is always good!  Plus, they can choose to keep one bracelet and give the second one away to a friend.  This method has proved immensely successful in loom beading L-1 classes.

Why silk?  The industry standard in contemporary beadwork uses nylon thread.  This is NOT my material of choice for several reasons.  Nylon will not hold knots and must be melted (typically with a lighter) in order to hold.  As a weaver, I am much more confident tying knots than melting threads.  Also, nylon was not historically available.  Silk holds knots well, works smoothly, is easier to thread than nylon, and is a natural fiber.  Silk, as a protein fiber, is also incredibly strong and durable, meaning many years of enjoyment of the finished project.  It also feels wonderful in your hands!

Laura would PREFER that students have taken Level-1 of this course before taking level 2, but it is possible that students with other beading background could join us for this course.  If so, you will need to have the type of beading loom that the class uses (available for an additional $25).

About the Instructor: Laura Berlage is a contemporary Renaissance woman living and working on her family’s century-old homestead farm outside Hayward, WI. From fiber arts to creative writing, music to storytelling, she never tires of the magic of transforming idea into form and overlapping narrative and visual. Laura also loves working with the many and beautiful natural materials from her farm—especially the wool from her sheep. Laura began her devotion to tapestry at age 13, studying 5 ½ years with master tapestry weaver Fran Potter before completing her MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts at Goddard College in 2011. She continues her lifelong passion for learning with engaged, hands-on teaching for small groups to encourage creativity, imagination, and expression.