I had been putting off joining the bead society and had a momentary panic that only members would be allowed to attend the classes. It turns out I had nothing to worry about. The coordinator was sweet and welcoming.
After a short wait, the weekend arrived. Cindy taught four classes: Rizo Triangle Necklace, Botanical Cells Bracelet, Brain Chemistry Earrings, and Highlands Gardens Necklace.
Friday's class was the Rizo Triangle necklace. It was also my first introduction to the Bead Society ladies. All of the ladies were nice and welcoming and we were all excited to meet Cindy.
Cindy took a few minutes to tell us about herself and her background as a biochemist. Cindy is a warm and kind person and a good teacher.
Beaded beads and components are not always easy to visualize. Cindy's explanations in class made it easier.
The Rizo Triangle necklace is composed of several separate components and a rope made with seed beads and rizo beads.
The components were fun to make and worked up quickly. They are also very versatile. You can combine big and small components to make all sorts of different things.
The rope looks complicated, but it really isn't. It also works up quickly.
Sadly, my daughter had a previously scheduled class on Saturday, so I wasn't able to attend the classes that day. They looked amazing, though.
Sunday's class was the Highland Gardens necklace, a class I had been wanting to tale for a while.
Again, this class was focused on beaded beads. Cindy brought a ton of examples for us to see, many in different stages of completion.
We started on the smaller bead.
After lunch, we started on the larger bead. This is somewhat more difficult. The result, though, is amazing.
Cindy had four colorways for this necklace and all of them were stunning. All of us had at least two or three favorites.
I haven't strung my necklace yet. I want to make a small chain mail chain for the large bead. The smaller beads will also be pendants. My daughter already claimed one.
Cindy also brought samples and kits from her online shop. As amazing as her photos look, the pieces look even more amazing in person. I bought a few patterns that had been on my wish list, including the Sakura Bouquet necklace.
I've been working on these patterns and am happily surrounded by beaded beads and charms. I'll be writing about those next week.
Along with the samples of current patterns, Cindy also brought samples of her upcoming workshops and recent work. All of these were amazing. I was particularly taken with the Twirling Waltz necklace as well as a few others that used a coiled CRAW technique.
If you are able to take a class with Cindy, I highly recommend it. Her instructions are very well written and Cindy is a great teacher.
