Autumn brings a riot of color to the landscape of the North Shore. This workshop is your opportunity to capture a bit of the season with beads. Each participant will bring an autumn image to inspire their design. From your image you will create a unique “bead painting” embroidered on felted wool (material provided). Your piece can be made into a pin for a wearable work of art, or framed for display. This workshop is for all skill levels. Bead artist Jo Wood says her goal is to demystify the basic materials and process of bead embroidery. You can learn the basics of beading on fabric or explore the possibilities of beads in your other needle arts. Jo will introduce you to her favorite techniques for “painting” with beads. While working with colors and textures, you will also learn some simple principles of composition, pattern transfer techniques, and ways to add depth and dimension to your work.

The use of beads has spanned cultures across the globe for more than 6000 years. Come join us for an enjoyable and relaxed creative experience and learn how this traditional needle art can be used for your future projects.

Jo Wood’s approach to ’painting with beads’ is a unique combination of tradition and innovation. Preview Jo’s bead embroidery style on her website by visiting www.jowoodbeads.com

You will need the following tools for this class:

• One inspirational autumn landscape image to use for your bead embroidery design. You can bring a few  but you’ll have to choose one. A printed photograph, picture from a magazine, or drawing will do. Electronic images do not work well for this class.
• Beads- seed beads in size 10 to 15 . Bring 8 or more colors. Choose a variety of sizes and surface finishes (opaque, matte, transparent, silver-lined, etc.) that work with your landscape
• Scissors (small, sharp) (available for purchase @ North House School Store 888-387-9762)
• Reading glasses if you need them or magnification if that helps
• Bead tray or beading blanket
• Samples of your needle art that you would like to share with the group

Feel free to bring your favorite tools and whatever materials you might feel appropriate for this course.