Meet your 2026 Bead Cruise Instructors
Beki Haley
Beki Haley has been captivated by the world of beads for over 50 years. Her journey began in childhood, when her grandmother introduced her to the intricate art of seed bead weaving. That early spark ignited a lifelong passion for exploring the detail, texture, and beauty that seed beads can create.
Even as a teenager, Beki found joy in teaching others the magic of beadwork—a passion that has grown into more than 45 years of teaching experience across a wide range of settings, from large auditorium demonstrations to cozy one-on-one sessions.
Her background as a trained classic silversmith has given her a deep appreciation for the structure and artistry behind fine jewelry. Beki brings that knowledge into her beadwork classes, where she emphasizes precision, craftsmanship, and the importance of thoughtful design, all while encouraging her students to explore their own creativity.
In times of stress or chaos, Beki turns to beading as a source of calm and clarity. The rhythmic, meditative nature of working with beads provides a deep sense of peace—and sharing that experience with others through teaching is, in her words, a blessing beyond measure.
Learn more about Beki from her Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/beki.haley
Or websites:
www.BekiHaley.com
www.BeadersDreamRetreat.com
Sherry Serafini
Sherry Serafini transforms the unexpected into wearable art, stitching beads and gemstones—one at a time—onto a felt-like foundation. Her designs are rarely pre-planned; instead, they unfold intuitively as she lets the materials and her imagination guide her. This spontaneous, meditative process stands in contrast to the fast pace of modern life—some pieces take months or even a year to complete. Each creation is one-of-a-kind, telling its own story through texture, color, and form.
Raised in a military family and accustomed to moving every few years, Sherry credits her nomadic upbringing with shaping her fearless and exploratory artistic style. That spirit of adventure is evident in every piece she creates.
Recognized as one of the Top 10 Instructors in the U.S. by Bead & Button magazine, Sherry teaches and lectures throughout the country. Her work has earned numerous accolades, including the Saul Bell Award for Outstanding Jewelry Design, Bead International 2006, and both Best of Pennsylvania and Best of Nationally honors from the Kennedy Awards.
Sherry’s artistry has been featured in leading magazines, on catalog covers, and in her books: The Art of Bead Embroidery (co-authored with Heidi Kummli) and Sensational Bead Embroidery. Her distinctive beadwork is internationally recognized and collected—worn by icons such as Melissa Etheridge, Steven Tyler, Lenny Kravitz, and Fergie. Her designs have even made their way to the runways of Milan Fashion Week.
Sherry continues to inspire beaders around the world with her bold vision, exquisite technique, and deep passion for the art of bead embroidery.
Instragram: sherryserafini@instagram
Email: sherryserafini@gmail.com
Website: www.serafinibeadedjewelry.com
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/sherryserafini
Marcia DeCoster
Marcia DeCoster has been weaving magic with tiny seed beads since the early 1990s, when she first fell in love with the art of beadwork. What began as a passion soon became a profession—she started teaching in 1998, balancing her creative journey alongside a corporate career until 2004, when she joyfully embraced beads full-time.
Over the years, Marcia has taught across the globe, authored three beloved books, and produced six instructional videos, all while inspiring beaders with her signature style and meticulous technique. Though she has stepped back from the demands of a full-time bead career, her love for design and teaching remains strong. Today, she cherishes the opportunity to share her knowledge and creativity with students in select, special engagements.
You can find Marcia on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/marcia.decoster
And check out her Etsy shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MarciaDeCoster
Melissa Shippee
My life didn’t always involve tiny pieces of colored glass with holes in them. Earlier in life my interests had a broader focus. I always had a fascination with the natural world, and equally with art. In college, when I was finally free to study what I liked, I majored in biology at first but went on to complete a bachelor’s degree in physics, and another bachelor’s degree in fine arts with a painting concentration and art history minor.
I got into bead weaving in my early twenties after I became a parent. I had recently decided to quit grad school to care for my special needs son, who required more help and care than the average baby. I desperately needed a creative hobby that would conform to the new space- and time- (some might say space-time) limitations as I entered a new chapter of life. My former medium of painting was simply not an option while caring for my son in my tiny apartment.
Thankfully, a friend of mine introduced me to his aunt’s bead store, Beads East, formerly located in Manchester, Connecticut, and I quickly fell in love with the art form. I found a new creative outlet in designing beaded jewelry, and the rest is history.
I now travel all over the United States as well as internationally to share my love of beading through project workshops as well as sell beading kits, patterns, and supplies.
I hope you’ll enjoy viewing my work and if you are interested in taking a workshop, please click on the “Workshops” link in the top menu to find a schedule of my upcoming workshops. Many workshops since the 2019 pandemic are held online through Zoom, so you can either travel to see me or enjoy a new project in the comfort of your own home! I also offer downloadable PDF patterns in my shop and periodically offer kits on a limited basi
https://mgsdesigns.net/
https://www.facebook.com/melissa.shippee.9
Marcia Balonis
Marcia has worked with beads since her hippie years, a very long time ago. She has taught a variety of bead pieces at national, regional, and local levels for over 20 years while travelling for work as a financial manager. After retirement from the financial world in 2008, Marcia says she changed from being a “bean” counter to a “bead” counter.
Her publications include numerous articles in many bead and mixed medial publications including Bead and Button, Beadwork, Jewelry Crafts, PerlenPosie, Bead Jewellery Magazine (UK), Expressions, and Belle Armoire. Marcia taught at various national conventions including Art Continuum, Celebrate Art, Bead Fest, and at The Bead and Button Show every year from 2005-2019. Her book, Lush and Layered Beadweaving was published in 2018. She loves to share her passion for bead work with her students.
Designing with beads and creating patterns has led to her Etsy shop where she primarily sells patterns and kits. Her talent for bead pattern construction resulted in several years as a Starman Trendsetter.
Now living in Florida, she enjoys other activities and teaches only at select retreats, and the Bead Cruise.
Carrie Tahquechi
Carrie Tahquechi is a Colorado-based jewelry artist and instructor who has been working in bead arts since the early 1980s. Her creative practice spans enamel, lampwork, bead weaving, chainmaille, and metalwork, but her true passion lies in bead embroidery. In 2003, she founded Carrie T. Designs, where she focuses on crafting one-of-a-kind statement pieces that blend traditional technique with vibrant, contemporary flair.
Carrie often begins her work with a sketch, thoughtfully mapping out her design. But once the beads are in hand, she lets them guide the rhythm and flow of the composition. This balance of planning and spontaneity gives each piece its own voice—structured yet alive with creative intuition.
A lifelong creative and experienced instructor, Carrie is passionate about helping others explore the meditative joy of beadwork. Her approachable teaching style encourages students to balance technique with artistic intuition, building confidence through structure while leaving room for personal expression.
For Carrie, a cruise is nearly the perfect vacation. —luxurious spa days, unforgettable meals, and thrilling ports of call. Add beading into the mix, and it becomes the perfect escape: creative, calming, and filled with community. She’s thrilled to join the Bead Cruise in 2026 and can’t wait to share inspiration, laughter, and a few ocean breezes with fellow bead lovers.
Connect with Carrie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zyah.t