As of January 2023, monthly meetings are currently in person AND via video conference using Zoom. Links to join are published in the monthly newsletter and to our Facebook group page in the Events section.
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Monthly Meetings are typically held the 3rd Tuesday of every month from September through May. Join our Facebook group and subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of the latest meeting news. Meeting location and links to join the Zoom meetings are published in our monthly newsletter and the Facebook group page in events.
Unless otherwise announced, our meetings take place at 6:30 pm Alaska time, and the meeting dates for our 2022-2023 Program Year are: September 20, 2022 October 18, 2022 November 15, 2022 December 20, 2022 January 17, 2023 February 21, 2023 March 21, 2023 April 18, 2023 May 16, 2023 |
Monthly meetings are open to anyone who's interested in beads! Our meetings offer something for everyone.
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February & March 2023 Program
The February and march program meetings will be in person at UAA campus, 2400 W Campus Dr, Anchorage, AK 99508, in the Beatrice McDonald Hall (BMH-118). *** A link to attend over Zoom is published to our Facebook page.
February 21, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at UAA Beatrice McDonald Hall - ABS MEETING FOR KALEIDOCYCLE PART 1
March 5, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Summit Spice - BEAD OUT LOUD PART 1
March 21, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at UAA Beatrice McDonald Hall - ABS MEETING FOR KALEIDOCYCLE PART 2
April 2, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Summit spice - BEAD OUT LOUD PART 2
The ABS program for February and March will be learning how to make a Kaleidocycle, a design by DiMarca Online.
We will construct this cool beaded object together during the February and March ABS Member Meetings. We will also hold two Bead-Out-Louds to help you finish the project. This flip-able Geometric design is constructed in peyote stitch by building and connecting 24 triangles.
ABS's very own Pam B. will instruct and guide us through this 2-part project. Please bring your own materials.
Beads you will need:
Size 11/o Delica Beads in 5 colors:
A - Trim (pictured in Black DB0010) - 8 grams
B - 4 colors, 2 grams of each color (pictured Red DB0723, Yellow DB0721, Blue DB0726, Green DB0724)
Other Supplies:
~ One-G Thread
~ Needle of your choice
~ Beading Mat
~ Bead Light/magnifier (electrical outlets are located around the classroom)
Bring something to drink! Stay hydrated - Don't forget your water bottle. Snacks will be provided at the meeting, but please bring your own drinks .
Parking Fee - $2
Beatrice McDonald Hall (BMH-118) is conveniently located right off of a large parking lot. However, parking is enforced on campus until 7:30pm, so meeting attendees will need to pay for 1-hour of parking. Pay for your parking at the 'pay-n-park' machine, located in the large lot next to the building. Parking is $2 per hour. ABS will reimburse parking fees.
February 21, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at UAA Beatrice McDonald Hall - ABS MEETING FOR KALEIDOCYCLE PART 1
March 5, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Summit Spice - BEAD OUT LOUD PART 1
March 21, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at UAA Beatrice McDonald Hall - ABS MEETING FOR KALEIDOCYCLE PART 2
April 2, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Summit spice - BEAD OUT LOUD PART 2
The ABS program for February and March will be learning how to make a Kaleidocycle, a design by DiMarca Online.
We will construct this cool beaded object together during the February and March ABS Member Meetings. We will also hold two Bead-Out-Louds to help you finish the project. This flip-able Geometric design is constructed in peyote stitch by building and connecting 24 triangles.
ABS's very own Pam B. will instruct and guide us through this 2-part project. Please bring your own materials.
Beads you will need:
Size 11/o Delica Beads in 5 colors:
A - Trim (pictured in Black DB0010) - 8 grams
B - 4 colors, 2 grams of each color (pictured Red DB0723, Yellow DB0721, Blue DB0726, Green DB0724)
Other Supplies:
~ One-G Thread
~ Needle of your choice
~ Beading Mat
~ Bead Light/magnifier (electrical outlets are located around the classroom)
Bring something to drink! Stay hydrated - Don't forget your water bottle. Snacks will be provided at the meeting, but please bring your own drinks .
Parking Fee - $2
Beatrice McDonald Hall (BMH-118) is conveniently located right off of a large parking lot. However, parking is enforced on campus until 7:30pm, so meeting attendees will need to pay for 1-hour of parking. Pay for your parking at the 'pay-n-park' machine, located in the large lot next to the building. Parking is $2 per hour. ABS will reimburse parking fees.
Past ABS Programs
October 2022 Program
Debby, with Debby's Doo Dads, has generously allowed us to create her pen wrap pattern with our bead society. Please join us as Pam Brotherton leads us through creating a Beaded Pen Wrap using Debby's pattern! A SPooOOky fall theme of a mischievous Jack O' Lantern! Pam will step us through starting this project using the even count peyote stitch.
Our Treasurer, Christina Fisher, has sent out the beads and a printed copy of the pattern! This is a simple project with only 10 colors of Delica beads. Once the pattern is completed, we will simply zip stitch it closed to form a "sleeve", then slip it on a G2 Pilot Pen. The designer has also found pens at the dollar store that fit. The fit is tight, so it won't slide off.
Be sure to check out Debby's Etsy shop for more patterns!
Our Treasurer, Christina Fisher, has sent out the beads and a printed copy of the pattern! This is a simple project with only 10 colors of Delica beads. Once the pattern is completed, we will simply zip stitch it closed to form a "sleeve", then slip it on a G2 Pilot Pen. The designer has also found pens at the dollar store that fit. The fit is tight, so it won't slide off.
Be sure to check out Debby's Etsy shop for more patterns!
Past ABS MEMBER CHALLENGE
We challenged our members to submit mini video clips to share about their beading interests and to show off their beadwork. We wanted to do this not only share about our craft, but also to learn more about each other after a year of zoom meetings due to the pandemic. Happy Beading!
April 2021 meeting program
Make a Tennis Bracelet
Create a Right Angle Weave Tennis Bracelet
Learn a fast and easy bead project during the April 20th ABS Member Meeting.
Board President, Jennifer Lewis, will demonstrate how to make this dainty tennis bracelet using an embellishment in Right Angle Weave (RAW technique).
Jenn says: "The bracelet whips up very fast; about the time you start getting bored (with the stitch), you start something new. Perfect to make while watching a movie kind of project! A go-to seller at Summer Markets!"
You will need the following materials:
Learn a fast and easy bead project during the April 20th ABS Member Meeting.
Board President, Jennifer Lewis, will demonstrate how to make this dainty tennis bracelet using an embellishment in Right Angle Weave (RAW technique).
Jenn says: "The bracelet whips up very fast; about the time you start getting bored (with the stitch), you start something new. Perfect to make while watching a movie kind of project! A go-to seller at Summer Markets!"
You will need the following materials:
- 90-100 Qty - 4mm fire polish beads
- 30 Qty - 4mm Bicone crystals or pearls (either will work- complimentary color)
- 15/0 seed beads
- 11/0 seed beads (for the clasp).
- one clasp of your choice (Jenn uses toggles and large beads)
- Thread of your choice (Jenn uses FireLine)
- a needle
March 2021 meeting program
make a Russian Leaf
Russian Leaf is a diagonal peyote stitch which combines increases and decreases that can be worked up into a lovely leaf shape, commonly called a "
"Russian Leaf."
You will need the following materials:
Join our zoom meeting on March 16 at 6:30 pm Alaska time.
"Russian Leaf."
You will need the following materials:
- Delica beads (any color) size 11/o
- Size 15/o seed beads (in complimentary color)
- OneG thread (suggested)
- Optional: clear nail polish (to Learn a new Beading Hack!)
Join our zoom meeting on March 16 at 6:30 pm Alaska time.
February 2021 meeting program
make a swan clasp
Make your own metal clasp using wire! Renee Tatusko will teach us how to make a Swan Clasp for our February meeting. This is a wonderful element to add to your handmade jewelry. Using pliers, you’ll shape the wire to create a scroll and "neck" - resembling the silhouette of a swan. ABS will provide the metal wire by mail.
To receive the wire, please place an order HERE. The wire is free to current ABS members. (Non-members cost is $6.) Please place your order as soon as possible to receive in time for the February 16 meeting.
Required tools:
Short round-nose pliers (these will be used to start the scroll)
Flat or chain-nose pliers (these will be used to hang onto the scroll once it gets started for better control and also to make the "V" shape at the bottom)
Bail-making pliers or a Sharpie (or long round-nose pliers) (these will be used to make the swan neck)
Optional:
Bench block
Ball-Peen hammer (to hammer the "V" and the curve in the neck)
ABS Member, Renee Tatusko is a Bead and Wire Enthusiast and was the coordinator for one of the more recent Beadventures tours to St. Petersburg, Russia. Renee has been making jewelry since 2003, and has taught beginning and advanced classes at "Accents on Beads" in Rockville, MD. She came to Anchorage, Alaska in September 2014 and joined Alaska Bead Society. By day, Renee is a scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
To receive the wire, please place an order HERE. The wire is free to current ABS members. (Non-members cost is $6.) Please place your order as soon as possible to receive in time for the February 16 meeting.
Required tools:
Short round-nose pliers (these will be used to start the scroll)
Flat or chain-nose pliers (these will be used to hang onto the scroll once it gets started for better control and also to make the "V" shape at the bottom)
Bail-making pliers or a Sharpie (or long round-nose pliers) (these will be used to make the swan neck)
Optional:
Bench block
Ball-Peen hammer (to hammer the "V" and the curve in the neck)
ABS Member, Renee Tatusko is a Bead and Wire Enthusiast and was the coordinator for one of the more recent Beadventures tours to St. Petersburg, Russia. Renee has been making jewelry since 2003, and has taught beginning and advanced classes at "Accents on Beads" in Rockville, MD. She came to Anchorage, Alaska in September 2014 and joined Alaska Bead Society. By day, Renee is a scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Renee Tatusko on St. Paul Island installing a Photosynthetically Active Radiometer (PAR) on a small meteorological tower at the Weather Service Office.
January 2021 meeting program
make an open heart pendant
Marcy F. has been looking forward to teach this one for a long time! Using fire-polished beads, she will teach us how to make heart pendant using Right Angle Weave. She prepared instructions for the project that can be downloaded below.
All current ABS members should have received a materials kit in the mail - everything included except needles. If you have not received a kit, please email us. Tip: please review the instructions prior to our meeting to become familiar with the instructions. The link to the class is on our Facebook page, Events section, and in our January newsletter. See you there!
All current ABS members should have received a materials kit in the mail - everything included except needles. If you have not received a kit, please email us. Tip: please review the instructions prior to our meeting to become familiar with the instructions. The link to the class is on our Facebook page, Events section, and in our January newsletter. See you there!
| right_angle_weave_open_heart_final.pdf |
December 2020 meeting program
virtual gift exchange
Members received a special newsletter with a link to RSVP for our virtual gift exchange. We are using a 3rd party app to conduct the name drawing, and gifts should be sent anonymously to the giftee. At our December meeting, gifts will be opened and the "secret Santa" will be revealed!
To wrap up 2020, we will spend time doing a "show n' tell." Bring a beaded item that you would like to share about with our group! It can be anything like a recently finished piece, an heirloom, or a UFO. Don't forget to click "going" on the Facebook Event post so we know you'll be attending. See you soon!
For gift shipping reimbursement, download and complete the PDF form below.
To wrap up 2020, we will spend time doing a "show n' tell." Bring a beaded item that you would like to share about with our group! It can be anything like a recently finished piece, an heirloom, or a UFO. Don't forget to click "going" on the Facebook Event post so we know you'll be attending. See you soon!
For gift shipping reimbursement, download and complete the PDF form below.
| ABS Gift Ship Reimbursement |
October 2020 meeting program
learn craw with jennifer lewis
~ Basic "How to do CRAW" Class with Jennifer Lewis ~
Get ready for November's workshops with Cynthia Rutledge
with this "refresher course" in CRAW=Cubic Right Angle Weave,
taught by our very own Board President, Jennifer Lewis
Make a CRAW Rope or Wrap Bracelet
Get ready for November's workshops with Cynthia Rutledge
with this "refresher course" in CRAW=Cubic Right Angle Weave,
taught by our very own Board President, Jennifer Lewis
Make a CRAW Rope or Wrap Bracelet
Materials Needed for the Class:
- 6/o or 8/o size beads (Beginners to CRAW should use larger seed beads, so that you can see the "diamond pattern" boxes form in your rope).
- Favorite Needle
- Thread (any beading thread you have on hand: Nymo, One-G, Fireline)
- Clasp
Click the video to see a preview of the meeting!
March 2020 meeting program
estelita chiles on selling beadwork online
Get ready to hear insider details on selling beadwork online. Estelita Chiles is a full-time beading artist who uses social media and Etsy to sell her finished jewelry. She will answer frequently asked questions such as cost, time investment, results, and the daunting subject of taking photographs. Whether you sell online or are considering it, her presentation may be insightful to help you decide your next steps. We will have a Q & A at the end of the talk.
February 2020 meeting program - canceled due to weather
January 2020 meeting program
janet daniels and the bead loom
This months program we have a local native loom artist, Janet Daniels. She has been beading for over 40 years and learned from friends and family. She taught all three of her children, and her husband has made a variety of looms for the family. She will show us a custom made loom, setup, and her technique of beading!
We will also have a men’s jacket drive for the local veterans outreach program. Please only clean and lightly used or new jackets only.
We will also have a men’s jacket drive for the local veterans outreach program. Please only clean and lightly used or new jackets only.
December 2019 meeting program
potluck, gift exchange, and show & tell
Potluck - Bring a dish to share! ABS will provide the plates, napkins, etc.
Show n tell - Bring a couple of pieces of your beadwork to show off. Write a short bio and description of stitches (index cards will be available).
Gift exchange - Bring a wrapped gift to participate in our Gift Exchange game. Please keep it under $25. Handmade pieces welcome (Bead related). Rules explained at the meeting, participation is optional.
Show n tell - Bring a couple of pieces of your beadwork to show off. Write a short bio and description of stitches (index cards will be available).
Gift exchange - Bring a wrapped gift to participate in our Gift Exchange game. Please keep it under $25. Handmade pieces welcome (Bead related). Rules explained at the meeting, participation is optional.
NOVEMBER 2019 MEETING PROGRAM
MAKE A BEAUVAIS BRACELET
INSTRUCTED BY PAM BROTHERTON & CHRISTINA FISHER
MAKE YOUR OWN BEAUVAIS BRACELET
Join us Tuesday, November 19, 2019 from 6:30-8:30pm as Pam and Christina teach how to make the Beauvais Bracelet. This bracelet is a quick pattern featuring some fun and unique 2-holes beads called GemDuos. Pam is a peyote stitch extraordinaire and has taught many classes. Christina loves bright colors and new trendy designs. You will be in good hands.
The wonderful Beauvais kit is brought to ABS by Red Panda Beads, an online bead store. In addition to the Beauvais kit, Christina worked with Red Panda to select a custom set of additional patterns for our members – free of charge. Please come join us to make your own Beauvais Bracelet and to collect your set of FREE patterns.
WHAT TO BRING
Beauvais Bracelet kits will be provided to members who attend our November meeting. Please note that we have a limited supply. Thread and needles will be provided but please feel free to bring whatever thread or needles you prefer. Bring your bead mat, lights, and scissors.
If you wish to bring your own beads you will need GemDuos in 1-3 colors, 3mm melon bead or other same size beads, Czech Tiles, 11° Demi rounds in 1-2 colors, and 8° Demi rounds.
RSVP
The Beauvais kit and free patterns will only be distributed in person at our November meeting. Please RSVP for this event at our Facebook page or by email at akbeadsociety@gci.net. This helps us with set up and is greatly appreciated.
Join us Tuesday, November 19, 2019 from 6:30-8:30pm as Pam and Christina teach how to make the Beauvais Bracelet. This bracelet is a quick pattern featuring some fun and unique 2-holes beads called GemDuos. Pam is a peyote stitch extraordinaire and has taught many classes. Christina loves bright colors and new trendy designs. You will be in good hands.
The wonderful Beauvais kit is brought to ABS by Red Panda Beads, an online bead store. In addition to the Beauvais kit, Christina worked with Red Panda to select a custom set of additional patterns for our members – free of charge. Please come join us to make your own Beauvais Bracelet and to collect your set of FREE patterns.
WHAT TO BRING
Beauvais Bracelet kits will be provided to members who attend our November meeting. Please note that we have a limited supply. Thread and needles will be provided but please feel free to bring whatever thread or needles you prefer. Bring your bead mat, lights, and scissors.
If you wish to bring your own beads you will need GemDuos in 1-3 colors, 3mm melon bead or other same size beads, Czech Tiles, 11° Demi rounds in 1-2 colors, and 8° Demi rounds.
RSVP
The Beauvais kit and free patterns will only be distributed in person at our November meeting. Please RSVP for this event at our Facebook page or by email at akbeadsociety@gci.net. This helps us with set up and is greatly appreciated.
OCTOBER 2019 MEETING PROGRAM
Wire Earring hooks tips & techniques
instructed by renee tatusko
We love hands-on workshops! We will be working with metal to hang those lovely beaded creations that you all make.
ABS Member, Renee Tatusko is a Bead and Wire Enthusiast and coordinator for the recent Beadventures tour to St. Petersburg, Russia. Renee has been making jewelry since 2003, and has taught beginning and advanced classes at "Accents on Beads" in Rockville, MD. She came to Anchorage, Alaska in September 2014 and joined Alaska Bead Society. By day, Renee is a scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
WHAT TO BRING TO CLASS:
Alaska Bead Society is providing the wire and other class materials.
However, if you have your own tools, our wire instructor suggests bringing the following materials:
ABS Member, Renee Tatusko is a Bead and Wire Enthusiast and coordinator for the recent Beadventures tour to St. Petersburg, Russia. Renee has been making jewelry since 2003, and has taught beginning and advanced classes at "Accents on Beads" in Rockville, MD. She came to Anchorage, Alaska in September 2014 and joined Alaska Bead Society. By day, Renee is a scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
WHAT TO BRING TO CLASS:
Alaska Bead Society is providing the wire and other class materials.
However, if you have your own tools, our wire instructor suggests bringing the following materials:
- Long Round nose pliers
- Wire cutters/nippers
- Short needle-nose and/or flat-nose pliers
- Rubber or rawhide mallet
- Bench block
Renee Tatusko on St. Paul Island installing a Photosynthetically Active Radiometer (PAR) on a small meteorological tower at the Weather Service Office.
SEPTEMBER 2019 MEETING PROGRAM
Beth Blankenship art
Our September program will feature local artist and long-time member Beth Blankenship. She will be bringing a variety of pieces to share her techniques and approaches for creating artwork with beads and fiber. Beth shifted from painting to bead embroidery 20 years ago. She has received two Rasmuson Foundation Individual Artist Awards—with one, she learned sculptural beading from “the queen of beadwork” Joyce J. Scott! Recently, she added machine embroidery on water-soluble stabilizer to her studio practice. In July, she exhibited a series of vessels created with this technique at the Bunnell Street Arts Center in Homer. The vessels will also be exhibited at the Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Art Museum in La Conner, Washington in October.
Beads in banner photo by Susan Kaplan