Long-time beader Betty Schneider, of Lewis, has taken the art form to new and creative places.
She will share her artistic beading techniques during a free class on May 20th at the Dolores Library from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The beginning beading seminar focus on the peyote stitch, used a lot by Native American artists. Participants each make a ring out of beads.
“Everybody will go home with something they made,” Schneider said of her classes.
Schneider began beading 16 years ago, and it took a strong hold on her.
“It kind of possessed me,” she said, laughing. “It is very relaxing. I never thought I was an artist until I started beading.”
The art form requires good vision, patience and decent dexterity. The variety of beads, patterns and possibilities triggers creativity in people, and gets them hooked, Schneider says.
She’s beaded jewelry, jackets and dolls, and created a beaded copy of a stained-glass window panel by Frank Lloyd Wright.
“It is something I love to do and teach,” she says.
Beading is a good hobby and the creations make nice gifts.
“In my opinion, nothing is nicer than giving something handmade that someone took time to do,” she says.
Schneider sees the world through beading possibilities, then transforms her ideas into colorful and unique creations.
“I am fascinated with using my designs on objects and spaces that I can see enhanced by beautiful beadwork,” she said. “Beadwork takes ordinary objects and makes them stand up and say ‘I’m different and special!’”
Her beading classes fill up fast, but they are held regularly. They are posted on the library events page at doloreslibrary.org. Materials are provided for free and preregistration is required. Call the library at 970-882-4127 for more information.
View Betty’s beaded creations at https://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com/bettys_beading.htm