This weekend I attended a workshop which concentrated on learning free-form right angle weave using size 15 seed beads.

We started off by creating a flat structure which could be developed into a neckpiece or be used to couch down onto a further base, perhaps a bag flap, wall hanging, book cover or other textile item.

The ‘units’ as each circle is called, were supposed to be formed in a certain direction to get the correct rounded effect as they sat alongside other units.  Unfortunately I found the teaching to be fairly slow, long-winded and tedious.  The bites of information we were fed were tiny and drawn out which meant that I quickly got bored and strayed from the path.  In my mind I could see a myriad of possibilities for this technique and started adding small bugle beads to create pointed ends.  It was already looking a bit more interesting.  I also put in a few slightly larger gold beads and can see that this type of work could be made much, much more dynamic by using a variety of beads instead of sticking to those all of the same size.

We then went on to use our learnt technique to cover a three-dimensional object.  This was a little more tricky but overall more time consuming than difficult.  I was a little miffed that the tutor didn’t cover how to make a decent bail (hanging loop) at the top of the piece and we only did a single length of beads.  Not very inspiring.  I guess I can improve it myself.

After that we were to make a lacy surround for an oval piece whereby the beads only laced around the edging and the back and front were still open.  I didn’t participate in this because …….. I didn’t want to.  It was a simple pared down version of what we had already done.

This workshop was definitely aimed (unconsciously by the tutor I feel) at those who know nothing about beading and need to be shown, and told, every single little thing.  Unfortunately it wasn’t advertised as such.

For the time taken to attend the workshop (a whole weekend) and the money paid I feel that I learnt a minimal amount.  Better than nothing though.