a Gerdan beading workshop

CRAFTING ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON
​Fifteen eager participants took part in an off loom seed beading workshop led by Raynelle Paramonova of Radoste Design from Edmonton.  Sharing her expertise with beading participants learned that seed beading is cross cultural and there is a strong tradition of beading in our Ukrainian culture as seen in amulets, garments and other jewelry.

STRINGING IT ALONG
​Raynelle provides some one on one instruction.  Beads are strung using fine beading needles and beading line.  Following a set pattern, beads are strung up one sequence and down another, up and down.  Repeat and repeat some more ...

HARD AT WORK
​Counting out those small beads takes concentration.  Everyone is very focused as it was a first time beading experience for all.

BIT BY BIT
​The necklace is constructed in stages. The first part of making the necklace is the centre "medallion".  Once this is completed the rosettes on either side of the necklace can be added.

THE FINISHED PRODUCT
​Once our necklaces are completed this is what they will look like.  The pattern used was designed by Raynelle and her mother-in-law who lives in Ukraine.

​Submitted by Donna Chelack