Workshops

Update November 2022: Since workshops are all currently on hold due to the pandemic, Patreon is a great way to learn from me in the meantime 🖤

Private classes

I provide one-on-one classes for advanced students or students who wish to learn specific embellishment techniques outside of a workshop environment. Click here to chat with me directly for rates and options. Each one-on-one session is tailored to the specific skill set and needs of the client.

Gift Certificates

Give that creative person in your life an awesome gift of an experience and more skills! Gift certificates of any denomination that can be applied to workshops or private beading/embroidery lessons with me. You’ll get a cute little image you can print out and wrap or put in a stocking. Click here to chat with me about it!

Intro To Couture Embellishment

NEXT INTRO TO EMBELLISHMENT CLASS – TBA
UPDATE November 2022: Due to the ongoing pandemic and me having immune issues, the next workshops are currently still in the air as the situation develops. Please message me directly for more information.

The first in the series of workshops is Intro to Couture Embellishment. In this class, I introduce you to the foundation of couture beading materials and techniques. Students are given the same materials and tools I use in my business and art pieces. I share my tips and secret techniques developed and honed over 15 years in the industry. We begin with the process of setting up your frame, basic chain stitch, adding beads to the chain stitch and adding sequins to the chain stitch. Each student creates a tulle-backed frond/feather motif and sequin flower appliqué. Each student is also given access to companion videos that go over all techniques taught in class, as well as bonus videos for future projects, including little extra tricks for creating 3D effects with beads and sequins.

While no one will become an expert in five hours, the course sets students up with the techniques and confidence to develop their skills outside of the classroom.

Open to all skill levels. No prior knowledge of sewing required. From total noobs who just want to learn a new craft to established designers looking to add another skill to their repertoire – this class teaches the basics for creating professional-looking embellishments.

Material kit includes:
– Snips
– Hoop
– Clamps
– Needle and thread
– Sequins, beads, etc.
– Fabric

INTRO TO COUTURE EMBELLISHMENT TICKETS HERE

Intro to Tambour Beading

NEXT INTRO TO TAMBOUR CLASS – TBA

The second in my workshop series builds on the foundational techniques learned in the Intro To Couture Embellishment. Students are provided with tambour hooks and three needle sizes. I take each student through the basics of the tambour embroidery and beading techniques beginning with the chain stitch, and then incorporating seed beads, pearls, bugle beads and both centre-hole and side-hole sequins. Students are also give access to companion videos that support the lessons learned in class so that they can master this technique, as well as the basics of planning and executing designs.

This workshop is specifically designed for students who have already completed the Intro to Couture Embellishment workshop. It builds on and expands the lessons learned in that class. This workshop is quite a bit more advanced than the first one – the techniques require more mental focus and physical dexterity. It can be tricky to get the hang of it, but once it clicks into place, it is so fun and shaves literal hours, sometimes days or weeks off beading projects. Like knitting – it requires creating a bit of muscle memory. Students are required to bring with them the tools provided in their first workshop, including the hoop, clamps, and snips.

Additional kit materials provided in this workshop:
– tambour hook
– additional beads to work with at home
– fabric

INTRO TO TAMBOUR TICKETS HERE

PACKAGE DEAL ON BOTH WORKSHOPS

Special Deals!

My training and education includes Hand&Lock, Central Saint Martins and City&Guilds, as well as beading for designers like Shirley Geek. I have run my eponymous fashion label for ten years, working with my clients to create custom gowns. Beading and embroidery are my favourite part, and an art I want to encourage and help foster in Toronto. From hobbyists to designers, I have designed these workshops to provide a solid foundation of the basic skills of hand-beading as well as approaching personal designs, so that each student walks away with the tools and knowledge to develop their own style.