Bead Cruise 2027 Classes
Full-Day and Half-Day Classes
One full-day class and one half-day workshop are included in the Bead Cruise Registration.
Kits are required for classes, kit prices are subject to change. Kits are purchased directly from instructors.
Bonus Classes - (Optional with an additional fee)
Students can pick one class per session/time. Times will be noted on the registration form.
You must be registered as a Bead Cruise Participant to sign-up for the optional class.
Skill Levels – Please Read Carefully
Advanced:
You have a strong working knowledge of the stitches and techniques used in the project. No instruction on the basics will be provided.
Intermediate:
You’ve taken classes or completed multiple projects using the required techniques. You’re comfortable following along with minimal review of foundational skills.
Advanced Beginner:
You have experience working with seed beads and are familiar with the stitches used, though you may still be building confidence.
All Skill Levels:
These classes are suitable for everyone—from first-timers to seasoned jewelry makers. Some projects may be time-intensive and not completed in class, but all students receive detailed, step-by-step instructions and learn the techniques needed to finish the design at home.
Full Day Classes
My Inner Circle
Instructor: Kinga Bledsoe
Date/Time: Jan. 19th • 9am-4pm
Skill Level: All Skill Levels
Technique: Bead embroidery
Kit: $ 135
Kit includes: All the Japanese seed beads, the focal, the foundation, crystals and Italian lambskin needed to complete a bracelet regardless of your wrist size.
Your project comes with printed instructions and lifetime access to a full lenght video course.
Class Description: A chunky, hefty, colorful statement of a cuff that is delightfully tropical in nature; celebrating long days in the sun, fancy drinks with small umbrellas and circles of friendships connecting us, women. Unapologetically feminine and wild, soft and flexible.
This two inch wide bracelet has a vintage hot pink acrylic component in its center which is surrounded with perfect color coordinated circles.
Besides the HOT MAMA colorway pictured here, this design will also be available in an alternate colorway which will be turquoise and orange.
Note From Kinga:
If you wish to turn this design into something other than a two inch cuff- such as a smaller bracelet, pendant, necklace or any such- I will be happy to help with the design process.
Students should bring:
• E6000
• Beading needles: I prefer size 11 Tulips, anything else you like to bead embroider with will do
• Thread of your choice (Fireline 6lb test, Forward low vis green 8lb test, Nymo, OneG, KO, etc.. would all do whatever you like using as long as the color blends)
• Small, precision scissors (should have very sharp points for cutting into leather)
• White gel pen
• Beading surface
• Light and magnification as needed
Iris Spice Jar
Instructor: Nicki Russo
Date/Time: January 19th • 9am-4pm
Skill Level: Intermediate
Techniques: Peyote, Netting, and PRAW
Kit: $85
Kit includes: Seed & cylinder beads, 2-hole cabs, demi rounds, specialty beads, chatons, rivoli, ultra suede, stiff stuff and One-G
Class Description: The Iris Spice Jar is a sparkling keepsake to treasure. Its neck is elegantly wrapped in Chaton flowers, while the lid is crowned with a glittering Rivoli.
This jeweled treasure makes a beautiful display piece—a keepsake you’ll be proud to show off.
Students should bring:
• #10 & #12 beading needles
• beading mat
• sharp scissors
• white pen
• magnifiers if needed
• thread zapper.
Bring any other supplies you are comfortable using.
Aleene’s tacky glue is needed, but not during class.
Dragonfly Bracelet
Instructor: Andria Bieber
Date/Time: January 19th • 9am-4pm
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Techniques: Wire Wrapping, Stringing
Kit: $50
Kit includes: 5mm faceted stones, dragonfly pendant, multiple charms, large stone, ceramic bead, misc stone beads, spacer beads, bead caps, beading wire, wire protectors, clasp, crimp beads, crimp covers, ball head pins, and jump rings
Class Description: Delicate and full of movement, the Dragonfly Bracelet combines mixed gemstones with warm Vintaj brass and hand wire wrapped accents. Small stone clusters add texture and dimension, while a charming dragonfly focal brings a whimsical, nature inspired touch.
The primary colorway features soft pink tones with rose quartz and watermelon tourmaline. An alternate version will be available in genuine turquoise and rich amethyst for a more vibrant, earthy palette.
A beautifully balanced design that highlights color, texture, and natural elegance.
Students will learn how to: Wire wrap, use crimp beads, wire protectors and crimp cover, create a pleasing arrangement of strung beads.
Please Bring:
Wire cutters, round nose pliers, and chain nose pliers. Be sure your tools are clearly marked with your name or initials.
A limited number of tools will be available for shared use in class, though this may slow your progress.
Petite Fleur
Instructor: Cassandra Spicer
Date/Time: January 19th • 9am-4pm
Skill Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Techniques: Peyote Stitch (Including Increasing and Decreasing)
Kit: $45
Kit includes: Four colors of size 15/0 seed beads in your chosen colorway, a bobbin of One G thread, accent beads including Crystals & Glass Pearls, Ear Wires, Precious Metal Soft Flex Beading Wire and Crimp Beads
Class Description: Take a piece of paradise home with you in these tropical beaded flowers. Your class schedule will include time to practice with larger seed beads before tackling the size 15/os used in the final project. Cassandra will also go over the many ways to use this versatile design. While she was originally inspired to create a pair of earrings, these components would make a stunning necklace or pendant.
Prerequisites: Students need to be very comfortable with the Peyote Stitch. They may not need previous experience with increasing and decreasing, but will then need to take more time to work on that in class ahead of their final project.
Students should bring:
• Size 12 Tulip Needles
• Fine pointed/sharp scissors
• Strong Magnification (if you normally wear glasses, or a pair of readers if you normally don’t use them. Trust me, you’ll want something extra)
• A portable light source (you won’t be able to work with the 15/os without this)
Students should have at home:
• E-6000 adhesive or Loctite Superglue gel for a securing a few beads
• Magical Crimping Pliers
• Flush Wire Cutters or Flexible Beading Wire Nippers
Half-Day Classes
Lord Frith
Instructor: Kinga Bledsoe
Date/Time: January 23rd • 9am-Noon
Skill level: All Skill Levels
Technique: Bead Embroidery & Leather Stitching
Kit: $75
Kit includes: Beads, leather, assorted unique materials, and your choice from a large selection of recycled sari silk ribbons
Class Description: This is a lovely little bracelet with a handmade by me porcelain focal in its center. It is named after the rabbit sun god- creator of all life in one of my favorite books, Watership Down.
In the three hours allocated for this class, you will build a flowering meadow around you Lord Frith and you will gain thorough understanding about the construction of the bracelet, which will be aided by the video course that comes with the kit to which you shall have permanent access after class.
The colorway pictured here is called Woodland Meadow. Besides Woodland Meadow, there will be at least one more option available.
Students should bring:
• E6000
• Beading needles: I prefer size 11 Tulips, anything else you like to bead embroider with will do
• Thread of your choice (Fireline 6lb test, Forward low vis green 8lb test, Nymo, OneG, KO, etc.. would all do whatever you like using as long as the color blends)
• Small, precision scissors (should have very sharp points for cutting into leather)
• White gel pen
• Beading surface
• Light and magnification as needed
Elegant Arcos
Instructor: Nicki Russo
Date/Time: Jan. 23rd • 9am-Noon
Skill level: Advanced Beginner
Prerequisites: Familiar with right-angle-weave.
Technique: Multiple Stitches/Netting/Right-Angle Weave
Kit: $50
Kit Includes: 3mm bicones, 6mm rounds, 15/o seed beads, rondelles, Arcos & Minos Par Puca beads, slide-bar clasp.
Class Description: Create a stunning, dimensional bracelet that shimmers from every angle. This elegant design features Par Puca Minos and Arcos beads woven into a beautifully structured pattern, highlighted with layers of sparkling bicone crystals for exceptional brilliance.
Soft curves and intricate beadwork give this piece a rich, sculptural feel, while the slide bar clasp provides a sleek, professional finish that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
Perfect for those who love texture, sparkle, and a design that truly stands out, this bracelet is sure to become a favorite in your collection.
Students should bring:
• #12 beading needle
• 6lb Fireline
• beading mat
• microcrystalline wax (helpful)
• magnifiers if needed
• scissors
• task lamp
• Thread Zapper
• Bring any other supplies you are comfortable using.
Wire Wrapped Earrings
Instructor: Andria Bieber
Date/Time: January 23rd • 9am-Noon
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Techniques: Wire Wrapping
Kit: $40
Kit includes: Each kit includes a set of wooden mandrels, multiple gauges of wire, 4mm stones, and one set of premade hoops. You will have enough materials to create four pairs of earrings.
Class Description: Learn to use wooden mandrels to create a variety of beautiful earring styles. In this class, you will explore wire forming techniques using premade hoops, while also learning how to shape perfectly consistent rings and loops from wire for polished, professional results.
Please Bring:
Wire cutters, round nose pliers, and chain nose pliers. Be sure your tools are clearly marked with your name or initials.
A limited number of tools will be available for shared use in class, though this may slow your progress.
Blossom
Instructor: Beki Haley
Date/Time: January 23rd • 9am-Noon
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome
Technique: Beadweaving
Kit: $36
Kit Includes: Crystal Chatons, 3mm & 6mm Rounds or Pearls, Size 15 and 11 Japanese Seed Beads, Clasp (may not be the same as in the photo)
Available in several colorways!
Class description: Create a beautifully textured bracelet using a modified netting technique that forms a soft, flowing lattice design. This project focuses on building structure, controlling tension, and adding subtle dimension for a polished, elegant finish.
Perfect for beaders looking to expand beyond traditional netting, Blossom offers a versatile technique you can use in future designs.
Students should bring: Needle, thread, work surface, and magnification if needed.
Bonus Classes
Bonus classes can be added on for an additional $55 per class
• Bonus Class A •
Introduction to Bead Intarsia
Instructor: Kinga Bledsoe
Date/Time: January 23rd • 1pm-4pm
Skill level: All Skill Levels
Technique: Bead Embroidery & Leather Stitching
Kit: $42
Kit includes: Beads, leather, assorted unique materials, and your choice from a large selection of recycled sari silk ribbons
Class Description: Kinga will introduce a fun new technique to add to your bead embroidery tool belt—creating beautiful dimension in your beadwork by combining intricate layers of unique materials.
You’ll learn the technique while constructing a simple four-layer pendant, giving you a great foundation to explore bead intarsia further.
And Kinga is exploring her new technique too! Keep your eyes out for some new designs from her.
Students should bring:
• E6000
• Beading needles: I prefer size 11 Tulips, anything else you like to bead embroider with will do
• Thread of your choice (Fireline 6lb test, Forward low vis green 8lb test, Nymo, OneG, KO, etc.. would all do whatever you like using as long as the color blends)
• Small, precision scissors (should have very sharp points for cutting into leather)
• White gel pen
• Beading surface
• Light and magnification as needed
Enchanted Meadow Bracelet
Instructor: Andria Bieber
Date/Time: January 23rd • 1pm-4pm
Skill Level: Beginner
Technique: Stringing and Leather working
Kit: $65
Kit includes: lamp work glass, mixed gemstones, hammered ring, handmade imported button, charms, leather, bead findings. ( beading wire, crimps, wire guards, etc.)
Class Description: Learn how to create a beautiful multi strand bracelet using leather, a button closure, and a decorative butterfly knot. This design features a mix of stone beads, Czech glass, and artisan lampwork, highlighted by a stunning glass heart focal.
You will work with a handmade bronze shank button, a hammered TierraCast ring, and coordinating metal findings to create a piece that feels both earthy and elegant. A perfect project for exploring texture, color, and layered design.
Please Bring:
Wire cutters, round nose pliers, and chain nose pliers. Be sure your tools are clearly marked with your name or initials.
A limited number of tools will be available for shared use in class, though this may slow your progress.
Effervescence Bracelet
Instructor: Nicki Russo
Date/Time: January 23rd • 1pm-4pm
Skill level: Intermediate
Technique: Right-Angle weave, bezeling
Kit: $65
Class Description: The Effervescence bracelet features sparkling chatons, specialty beads, and seed beads, offering a fresh approach to bezeling chatons. Large demi rounds and tiny seed beads create a dynamic texture and luminous effect. The bracelet is constructed with attention to detail, resulting in a dazzling piece that truly lives up to its name.
Students will learn: A simple, but useful bezel technique.
Prerequisites: Familiar with right-angle-weave.
Project Completion: The project will not be completed in class
Kit Includes: Rounds, chatons, seed beads, demi-rounds, fire-polished beads, and slide-bar clasp.
Supplies to bring:
• #12 beading needle
• 6lb Fireline
• beading mat
• magnifiers if needed
• thread zapper
• Bring any other supplies you are comfortable using.
Creatures of the Shimmering Sea
Instructor: Carrie Tahquechi
Date/Time: January 23rd • 1pm-4pm
Skill Level: Intermediate
Technique: Bead Embroidery to include, beaded backstitch, picot edging, and stop stitch along with a herringbone variation.
Kit: $76
Kit includes : 3D printed frame, pearl cupchain, foundation, fabric in two colors, suede backing, chain, and clasp crystals, seed beads, pearls, shells, fish beads, and bubbles or stars and moon.
Class Description: Creatures of the Shimmering Sea invites you to dive into a world of color, sparkle, and underwater charm as you create a beautifully detailed, ocean-inspired necklace. Each design features a captivating 3D printed sea creature nestled within a richly layered marine scene, brought to life with texture, movement, and vibrant color.
In this intermediate bonus class, you’ll explore techniques that build dimension and depth while learning how to create a cohesive, finished composition around your focal element. The result is a necklace that feels both whimsical and artful, with a touch of seaside magic in every detail.
This class is ideal for those who enjoy intricate beadwork and want to learn the full range of techniques in a guided setting before completing their piece at home. The necklace is presented in a bold statement size, with an included pattern option for a more petite version.
Students should bring:
• Thread of choice (I use: Fireline white/crystal 8# and Forward 10lb low vis green
• Size 11 needles
• Scissors for cutting thread and bead backing
• Black Sharpie
• White Gel Pen/Pencil
• School glue stick
• E6000
• Work surface
• Task light
• Magnification if needed.
• Bonus Class B •
Mermaid Tales
Instructor: Sheila Schanne
Date/Time: January 22nd • 1pm-4pm
* Please note this is a port day. Jamaica 7am to 3pm
You would need to return to the ship early!
Skill Level: Ambitious Beginner
Techniques: Seed Bead Weaving and some Right Angle Weave using a variety of Czech Glass Pearls and 2-Hole beads especially chosen by Sheila on 2 trips to the Czech Republic
Kit: $55
Kit includes: Pattern, ball & socket clasp, and all the beads you will need to make the bracelet in the perfect length for your own wrist.
Class Description: Sheila created this bracelet out of her love of combining 2-hole seed beads in eye catching designs that are comfortable to wear. This bracelet design is made of components that would also look lovely as earrings.
Prerequisites: This design is appropriate for a beginner that is eager to learn.
Students should bring:
• 8lb Forward (low vis green) or 8lb Wildfire in black
• Wax may be helpful
• Size 11-12 beading needles
• Sharp scissors
• A portable light source
• Glasses or readers if you need them
Artisan Collage Cabochon
Instructor: Pamela Garbig
Date/Time: January 22nd • 1pm-4pm
* Please note this is a port day. Jamaica 7am to 3pm
You would need to return to the ship early!
Skill Level: All
Technique: Collage
Kit: 45
Kit includes : Plastic mats for student use, Paper towels, Baby wipes, Pre painted rice papers, 3-different Images for each cab, 2-2 inch Wood Buttons, Paint brush, Adhesive Sealer , Shell, straw, Pearl Accents, Hand painted gauze, Color printed paper with Images, Tutorial.
Class Description: Students will learn by Instructor demonstration, how to make amazing hand colored OOAK rice papers. Students will then learn how to apply them to a surface, adding easy to find items to make their own unique cabochons. They will be working on a large 2 inch button form and taught about art forms and composition, followed by how to properly seal them for endurance. All students will have a few choices of different images to make each and every cab unique to them. As shown Images will be among the choices.
Students should bring:
• Fine scissors
• E6000
Stitch Sampler
Instructor: Cassandra Spicer
Date/Time: January 22nd • 1pm-4pm
* Please note this is a port day. Jamaica 7am to 3pm
You would need to return to the ship early!
Skill Level: Beginner - Intermediate
Techniques: Each strand is a different technique, covering five of what we feel are the most crucial beading skills: Peyote, Ndebele (Herringbone), Spiral, Two Hole Beads, Right Angle Weave and as a bonus, Basic Stringing.
Kit: $75
Kit includes: All beads and findings you will need to make a five strand bracelet in the colors chosen. There are a huge variety of items included from Japanese seed beads to Crystals, Czech Glass and wires/clasp(s).
Class Description: This project was created as a sort of basics ‘bootcamp’ for new beaders, but it has turned into a beloved project for those with lots of experience as well! While you have supplies to do five strands as one, multi-strand bracelet, students will have the option to trade out their slide clasp for several individual ones. You also can work on just a few strands in class for more of an instant-gratification experience. Cassandra can tailor your requests of what stitches you would like to learn more efficiently so you can concentrate on those during class time. While no one will leave with their project complete, everyone will get a good start on a few strands and have all the information they need to complete whatever part of the project they would like to!
Prerequisites: This design is appropriate for a beginner learning basic bead weaving stitches for the first time, but they may want to focus on a few strands to start. It is also a great refresher for experienced beaders who might like a more laid back class where they can relax and enjoy the repetitive nature of each technique.
Students should bring:
• 10lb Wildfire (coordinating with seed bead colors)
• 8lb Fireline
• Size 11-12 Beading Needle
• Tools for cutting wire and crimping (this can be done at home, and we’ll have some to share in class)
• Fine pointed/sharp scissors
• Your glasses if you normally wear them, or a pair of readers if you don’t.
• A portable light source
• Bonus Class C •
Beaded Button Component
Instructor: Pamela Garbig
Date/Time: January 22nd • 7pm-10pm
* Please note this is an evening class
Skill Level: Basic Bead Embroidery stitches (Backstitch, Brick stitch edge, Fringe)
Technique: Paper making, bead embroidery
Kit: $55
Kit includes : 1-Pre made 2 inch cab, beads to match cab paper which will include Fresh water pearls, crystals, gemstones, Czech glass and seed beads to match, foundation.
Class Description: Students will learn by Instructor demonstration, how to make amazing hand colored OOAK rice papers. Students will then learn how to apply them to a surface, adding easy to find items to make their own unique cabochons. They will be working on a large 2 inch button form and taught about art forms and composition, followed by how to properly seal them for endurance. All students will have a few choices of different images to make each and every cab unique to them. As shown Images will be among the choices.
Students should bring:
• Fine scissors
• E-6000
• 6lb Thread black
• #11 beading needle
• bead mat
• Free Make-n-Take •
Instructor: Marcia Balonis
Date/Time: January 20th • 7pm
* Please note this is an evening class offering
Kit: $10
Class Description: These fun dangling earrings are so lightweight and eye catching. Very basic bead embroidery done with a special fabric on wood and surrounded with cup chain. There will be variations of color and design.
Bring needle, thread, glue, and good scissors.