Part 1 (2 weeks) - All Skill Levels

African Trade Beads & Bangles

Hear about the origin of African Trade Beads and see samples of Debbie’s authentic collection. Learn how to make millefiore (1000 flowers) canes along with several other cane patterns with polymer clay. Create a beautiful assortment of imitative African Trade Beads that look just like the real ones! With your bead collection, Debbie will show you how to make a necklace and a set of matching stretch bangles by the end of this class.

Part 2 (2 weeks) - All Skill Levels

Batik Bone Beads

Batik Bone Beads are popular in most African countries. Handcrafted from cow, sheep, goat or camel bones, they’re dyed through a batik method to give them a black and white color, or lovely shades of brown. After seeing Debbie’s authentic beads, you will create a collection of assorted imitative Batik Bone Beads in black and white, and complete a necklace. You can also make some beads in other colors as time allows.

5th Session - 'Fashion Show-and-Tell’

This fun session will be a great time to show everyone what you’ve made. You may opt to wear your beautiful pieces on a matching outfit, or choose to set up a special display of your jewelry at your station (or both).

This can also be a time to trade your beads with others in the class, the way it was done back in the 16th century. Light refreshments will be served.

Support for this program is provided by a generous grant from E. A. Michelson Philanthropy.