Would you like to see your work in a book?

In amongst all the teaching and large beading projects I’ve been doing recently, I’m also working away on my next new book. Some of you who have come along and said hello to me at bead fairs this year may have seen some of the early samples and heard a little about this project. It’s called Keepsake Cards and it’s going to feature beaded cards made to commemorate special occasions, whether that’s a significant birthday, a wedding, christening or other memorable day. The book will begin by showing techniques for making different styles of beaded card: square, rectangular, plain, with an aperture front and probably a few more surprises! Having learned how to make the basic card, you will go on to learn how to decorate it. I am including a variety of themed decorations for different occasions, whether you want to include a pattern in your card blank, or add a separate motif. I will be covering a range of stitches and lots of different ideas to inspire you. You can also go on to include some writing inside your card if you wish.

For anyone who is feeling very adventurous, the last chapter in the book will cover how I’ve used these techniques to move from making cards to making whole beaded books. So far my books have revolved around beads, but I do keep thinking that a special beaded book to commemorate a wedding or christening would be an amazing gift. If you’re not quite up for that challenge, then you can always stick with a locket for your favourite photo, or perhaps adapt these techniques to create small beaded photo frames.

Now, you may be asking, how does this fit into the title of this blog post? Well, this little project is getting its first public unveiling at the Missenden Abbey summerschool from 4th-6th August. I am going to be teaching the techniques for some of the cards on a full three day course. The Abbey is a lovely place to study and offers residential accommodation for anyone travelling from further afield. I’ve taught a couple of weekend courses there, which have been brilliant fun. The important thing about this particular opportunity is that I will be giving my students the chance to have their card designs featured in the book. I am planning to give lots of guidance on how to create your own designs and allow everyone the freedom to create something that is personal to them. I would love to photograph these results and include them in a gallery in the book. There are still a few places left on the summerschool, so if you’d like to be involved, it would be lovely to see you. Full information and booking can be found here and August is fast creeping up, so don’t delay in signing up for the course!