Ref: S2D37957
Over the duration of this course, you will gain an insight into the lost art of French beading. Learning a combination of techniques, you will create your own forever flower - techniques which you could use in the future to create your own stems and designs.
This course is suitable for all levels and is the perfect opportunity to escape reality and get lost in this therapeutic process.
French beading was thought to have been hugely popular in the Victorian era, with their language of flowers expressing hidden messages. On this course we are looking at the helleborus, the winter rose, a symbol of perseverance. You are invited to select your colour palette with consideration of meanings you may wish to convey in your finished pieces.
Patterns will be provided to assist you, alongside demonstrations and plenty of one-to-one support as you are guided through the creation of your design.
Working with glass beads and wire, you will be amazed by how ethereal your finished bloom will appear. Despite being a solid, sculptural creation, these glass beaded flowers appear soft and delicate, transforming under differing lighting states.
By the end of the course, you will enjoy a helleborus for all seasons.
On this course the tutor will supply all of the materials, including:
The materials for this course include 2mm glass seed beads. If you wear glasses for close distance activities, please bring them along.
Please wear comfortable clothing for the workshop or studio.
This is not a messy craft.
Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
Holly graduated from the Central School of Ballet with a BA in Professional Dance and Theatre Studies. Following graduation, she embarked on a colourful career in the theatrical costume industry. During this time Holly stumbled upon French beading, a 19th Century craft that immortalises botanicals, and became completely captivated by the art.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.
