The Bead Study Group is sponsored by The Center For Beadwork & Jewelry Arts (www.landofodds.com/beadschool) in Nashville, Tennessee. The group is an on-going discussion group related to the study project called "How To Bead A Rogue Elephant - Wandering The Paths of A Bead Artist". Anyone, anywhere may join our discussion group. You do not have to be associated with CBJA. This group is moderated and does not accept off-topic posts.

2007-2008: Beaded Story Book
2008: Diane Fitzgerald's Zulu Beadwork

We want to encourage discussion, and hope everyone in the group will contribute ideas and insights based on their own experiences.

1. What are the pros and cons and lessons learned when combining beads with other crafts and arts?

2. How do we keep our beadwork pieces at the level of good art and good design -- something more than simple craft?

3. By combining media, what kinds of compromises must we make, and do these help us, or hinder us, in achieving good art and design?



Past Topics of the Group have included:
Indian Beadweaving Techniques -- Horace Goodhue
Carol Wilcox Wells - Creative Bead Weaving
Zulu Bead Work - Diane Fitzgerald
Russian Bead Weaving Techniques
Cynthia Rutledge -- Development of a beadweaving artist
Valerie Hector - Contemporizing Traditional Beadwork

Fall 2006: The group is focusing on exploring how various art, craft and alternative beading techniques can incorporate beads or traditional beading techniques. We are looking at things like felting, kumihimo, cross-stitch, other fiber techniques, pin weaving, and the like.



If you are in Nashville, please join us for our bi-monthly study group which meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday, 1-3pm.