Alaska Bead Society is excited to host local and out of state Guest Beading Artists. ABS hopes to spread valuable knowledge and keep the beading community engaged. To make this possible, each class has a registration fee. Students register for a class and brings their own equipment (bead mat, needle, scissors, etc.). An additional purchase of a kit is highly recommended and sometimes it is required. See FAQ below for more info on kits.
All students, please read the ABS Class Policy prior to registering for a class. To get a free Adobe reader, visit https://get.adobe.com/reader/ The Class Policy will likely answer questions you may have.
All students, please read the ABS Class Policy prior to registering for a class. To get a free Adobe reader, visit https://get.adobe.com/reader/ The Class Policy will likely answer questions you may have.
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FAQ:
Do I need to be an ABS member to take a class?
No, classes are open to the public. Please note that registration is required, and students must agree to the ABS Class Policy.
What does the registration fee cover?
Paid registration covers your attendance at a class to receive in-person instruction by the Guest Artist and a pattern. Please note that it does not cover the cost of any materials or bead kits (unless specified).
When is the deadline to register for a class?
Classes remain open until a class is full.
Are there samples that I can look at?
Typically, project samples can be viewed in person at Alaska Bead Company. Samples are displayed a few to several weeks prior to class. However, no samples will be displayed during this social-distancing period.
Are there any discounts for class registration?
The only discount provided are for ABS members. If you would like to join ABS, please visit the Membership page.
When will I receive confirmation of my registration?
Please be patient as confirmation of your registration may take a few days. Please keep in mind that the program is run by volunteers.
I registered for a class. What's next?
Upon registration, an email confirmation will be sent in a few days. You will receive information on:
What's the deal with "kits?"
Typically, the Guest Artist brings "kits" that she/he will have available at an additional cost and can be purchased at class. These kits will have all the beads needed to complete a project. Each Guest Artist sets their own cost for kits. While kits can range anywhere from $20-$300+, the average is around $100. Purchase of a kit is always recommended. Some Guest Artists may require purchase of a kit - if that is the case, it will be indicated in the class description. Should a student decide not to purchase a kit, the outcome cannot be guaranteed and the instructions for the pattern may not work with other materials. Many times, kit materials contain special curated pieces or items that are hard to find.
During the social-distancing period, the process described above may be different and may require pre-ordering. This will vary with each virtual Guest Artist.
What is a Trunk Show?
A trunk show is like a mini pop-up shop where a Guest Artist brings items for sale. It could include the sale of beads, beading kits, focals, findings, books, and anything bead-related that the Guest Artist chooses to sell. All transactions are completed by the Guest Artist, not ABS. You do not have to be a registered student to go to the trunk show to shop. Please observe the trunk show hours shown on the Guest Artist Program page.
I need to cancel my registration. Does ABS issue a refund?
Please notify ABS as soon as possible if you are not able to attend a class, and the spot can be offered to those on the Waitlist. Unfortunately, there are no refunds due to the numerous details and logistics that are required to host a Guest Artist.
Can I "give" my registration to someone else?
Absolutely! That is fine, as long as the individual meets any prerequisites. Give ABS a heads up before class so we have their name at sign in.
Is there a waitlist if classes are filled?
Yes! Send an email to us and we will add you to a first come, first serve waitlist.
Where is the classroom?
During this social distancing period, all Guest Artist Classes will be held over video conference. When the social distancing period ends, classes are held at Alaska Pacific University (APU) in the Carr Gottstein building at 4225 University Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508. The class room number is either posted in the class description or will be emailed to you by the Class Contact Person. Download a map from APU here or scroll down this page to see a snippet.
Where do I park?
There is free parking next to the classroom building. If facing the building, the parking lot is on the right side. Please do not park in any other area.
Is the classroom handicap accessible?
Yes. There is handicap parking as well as an elevator.
What supplies do I need to bring to class?
Bring your usual beading supplies such as a bead mat, needles, thread, scissors, a light, and magnifying glass/lenses if needed. You may want to bring a seat cushion for extra support. Specific project supplies will be emailed to you by the Class Contact Person.
Can I arrive early?
Student arrival time will be sent by the Class Contact Person. Typically, this is 15-30 minutes prior to class, but not earlier. Please do not enter the class earlier than indicated to be courteous of the set up volunteers and the Guest Artist.
Will you have food and snacks?
Water and a light snack like crackers will be offered. Students may bring their own covered hot/cold beverage and snacks. Note there is not a microwave or refrigerator. For full day classes, ABS may offer a take out option - please bring cash or check. Please clean up your area at the end of class.
Who do I contact with questions?
For general inquiries, please send an email to ABS from this page. If you have registered for a class, please contact the Class Contact Person with questions. That person's email address will be in your confirmation email.
Do I need to be an ABS member to take a class?
No, classes are open to the public. Please note that registration is required, and students must agree to the ABS Class Policy.
What does the registration fee cover?
Paid registration covers your attendance at a class to receive in-person instruction by the Guest Artist and a pattern. Please note that it does not cover the cost of any materials or bead kits (unless specified).
When is the deadline to register for a class?
Classes remain open until a class is full.
Are there samples that I can look at?
Typically, project samples can be viewed in person at Alaska Bead Company. Samples are displayed a few to several weeks prior to class. However, no samples will be displayed during this social-distancing period.
Are there any discounts for class registration?
The only discount provided are for ABS members. If you would like to join ABS, please visit the Membership page.
When will I receive confirmation of my registration?
Please be patient as confirmation of your registration may take a few days. Please keep in mind that the program is run by volunteers.
I registered for a class. What's next?
Upon registration, an email confirmation will be sent in a few days. You will receive information on:
- Student arrival time
- Specific project supply list and any other specific class information
What's the deal with "kits?"
Typically, the Guest Artist brings "kits" that she/he will have available at an additional cost and can be purchased at class. These kits will have all the beads needed to complete a project. Each Guest Artist sets their own cost for kits. While kits can range anywhere from $20-$300+, the average is around $100. Purchase of a kit is always recommended. Some Guest Artists may require purchase of a kit - if that is the case, it will be indicated in the class description. Should a student decide not to purchase a kit, the outcome cannot be guaranteed and the instructions for the pattern may not work with other materials. Many times, kit materials contain special curated pieces or items that are hard to find.
During the social-distancing period, the process described above may be different and may require pre-ordering. This will vary with each virtual Guest Artist.
What is a Trunk Show?
A trunk show is like a mini pop-up shop where a Guest Artist brings items for sale. It could include the sale of beads, beading kits, focals, findings, books, and anything bead-related that the Guest Artist chooses to sell. All transactions are completed by the Guest Artist, not ABS. You do not have to be a registered student to go to the trunk show to shop. Please observe the trunk show hours shown on the Guest Artist Program page.
I need to cancel my registration. Does ABS issue a refund?
Please notify ABS as soon as possible if you are not able to attend a class, and the spot can be offered to those on the Waitlist. Unfortunately, there are no refunds due to the numerous details and logistics that are required to host a Guest Artist.
Can I "give" my registration to someone else?
Absolutely! That is fine, as long as the individual meets any prerequisites. Give ABS a heads up before class so we have their name at sign in.
Is there a waitlist if classes are filled?
Yes! Send an email to us and we will add you to a first come, first serve waitlist.
Where is the classroom?
During this social distancing period, all Guest Artist Classes will be held over video conference. When the social distancing period ends, classes are held at Alaska Pacific University (APU) in the Carr Gottstein building at 4225 University Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508. The class room number is either posted in the class description or will be emailed to you by the Class Contact Person. Download a map from APU here or scroll down this page to see a snippet.
Where do I park?
There is free parking next to the classroom building. If facing the building, the parking lot is on the right side. Please do not park in any other area.
Is the classroom handicap accessible?
Yes. There is handicap parking as well as an elevator.
What supplies do I need to bring to class?
Bring your usual beading supplies such as a bead mat, needles, thread, scissors, a light, and magnifying glass/lenses if needed. You may want to bring a seat cushion for extra support. Specific project supplies will be emailed to you by the Class Contact Person.
Can I arrive early?
Student arrival time will be sent by the Class Contact Person. Typically, this is 15-30 minutes prior to class, but not earlier. Please do not enter the class earlier than indicated to be courteous of the set up volunteers and the Guest Artist.
Will you have food and snacks?
Water and a light snack like crackers will be offered. Students may bring their own covered hot/cold beverage and snacks. Note there is not a microwave or refrigerator. For full day classes, ABS may offer a take out option - please bring cash or check. Please clean up your area at the end of class.
Who do I contact with questions?
For general inquiries, please send an email to ABS from this page. If you have registered for a class, please contact the Class Contact Person with questions. That person's email address will be in your confirmation email.
All classes are held in the Carr Gottstein building. Parking is to the right side of the building.
Alaska Pacific University
Carr Gottstein Academic Center
4225 University Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
Alaska Pacific University
Carr Gottstein Academic Center
4225 University Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
