Meet your 2027 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

Kinga Bledsoe

Kinga Bledsoe was born in 1980 in Hungary. At 19, she packed up her life into a backpack and moved to the United States, where she has lived ever since — though never in just one place. She currently resides in Jackson, Michigan, with her husband, Jamie and her beloved furbabies, Nancy and Shirley.

Creativity has always been part of Kinga’s life. Before discovering beads, she painted murals while living in New York. Although mural work was enjoyable, painting didn’t feel like her true calling. That changed in 2007 when she picked up a Bead & Button magazine, discovered bead embroidery, and — slowly but surely — a lifelong obsession took hold.

After that first project, Kinga began developing her own designs and quickly found a distinctive artistic voice that allowed her to translate imagination into beadwork. Her mind is always buzzing with new concepts, and her whimsical perspective fuels a continuous flow of fanciful bead embroidery creations.

Kinga’s work first gained international attention during the inaugural Battle of the Beadsmith. She went on to become a BeadDreams finalist (2013), earn 3rd place in 2014 in the Swarovski category, and be featured in Marcia DeCoster Presents (2014). The following year, she won 1st place in the Crystal Category of BeadDreams (2015). Kinga has also produced instructional bead-embroidery videos for Interweave Publishing (2016–2017) and been featured in numerous U.S. and European publications.

Since 2013, Kinga has been teaching bead embroidery worldwide and hopes to continue for many years to come — sharing not only her technical expertise but also her belief that the world is a magical place filled with endless possibilities.

Learn more about Kinga from her Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/kinga.bledsoe

Nicki Russo

Nicki Russo is a native of southern New Jersey. Being raised by crafty, talented parents, her childhood was filled with learning all types of hand crafts. In the mid ‘90s, she rediscovered bead stringing and wirework jewelry. Within a few years began bead weaving and bead embroidery. After several years of traveling across the country to attend workshops and retreats with the masters, she began to create her own designs. Traveling and teaching, she has been able to share her love of beading. She lives in Newport, NJ with her wee-cup yorkie, Abbey.

She can be found on-line at www.etsy.com/shop/MadisonMadeJewelry and at www.Madison-Made.com

Andria Bieber

Andria Bieber is known for her beautifully layered, nature inspired jewelry that blends wirework, stringing, and mixed media techniques. Her designs often feature a rich combination of gemstones, artisan lampwork glass, and thoughtfully chosen metal elements, creating pieces that feel both organic and artfully refined.

With a passion for texture, color, and movement, Andria brings a distinctive style to her work, balancing earthy elegance with a touch of whimsy. Her classes are approachable, engaging, and designed to give students the confidence to explore new techniques while creating finished pieces they will be proud to wear.

Students appreciate Andria’s relaxed teaching style, clear instruction, and the way she encourages creativity within each project. Whether you are new to her work or a returning student, you will find inspiration in both her designs and her thoughtful approach to teaching.

You can see Andria’s Creations on her Instagram page at:
https://www.instagram.com/andriabieberdesigns/
Or connect with her on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/andriajbieber

Cassandra Spicer

Cassandra Spicer is the owner of Beads To Live By, a beloved bead store in Jackson, Michigan, known for its welcoming atmosphere and thoughtfully curated selection of beads and supplies. With a deep passion for the beading community, Cassandra has created a space where creativity, connection, and learning come together.

Her designs reflect a love of color, texture, and wearable artistry, often blending classic techniques with fresh, approachable styles. Cassandra has a natural talent for making students feel comfortable and confident, whether they are picking up a needle for the first time or expanding their existing skills.

As both a retailer and designer, Cassandra brings a practical, well-rounded perspective to her teaching, helping students understand not just how to create a piece, but how to make thoughtful choices in materials and design. Her enthusiasm, warmth, and dedication to the craft make her a favorite among students and fellow artists alike.

You can visit Cassandra’s Store at:
https://beadstoliveby.com/
And connect with her on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/cassandra.spicer

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