Happenings

This page is dedicated to announcements about new and upcoming events and plans for Just Let Me Bead. News is also announced in the monthly Just Let Me Bead newsletter and on the Just Let Me Bead Facebook Page and Instagram page.

YouTube!
That's right!! I finally overcame my fear of the camera and launched my YouTube channel. There are already a couple videos up there and many more to come!
Here's the link to the channel page:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyVACSn5cyfsS5nhiJHrCDw

Officially Announcing Virtual Workshops!
In this age of abundant caution I've come to the decision that the way forward is with video workshops. Because my virtual format is a bit different from other forms out there, I wanted to take a moment to lay it all out for you . . .

Workshops will be in a video format, produced and edited and accessible through a unique VIP code issued on the start date of the workshop. You can watch and re-watch the video as many times as you like and rest assured you will have them in your permanent video library for future personal reference forever going forward. The advantage to this format is that you can replay and portion of the video, take breaks at your convenience, and even bead along, pausing and starting as necessary. Videos will follow the same sequence as the printed instructions which will be provided ahead of the scheduled class time and cover every step of the project. On the Sunday of the weekend when video access starts there will be a scheduled one-hour zoom "after party" where those who would like can gather with me to go over questions, talk about the project or just simply catch up "in person."

To view the current listing of available upcoming workshops, please visit the Virtual Workshop page.

WORKSHOPS

Laura offers a range of workshops in a variety of topics. Most workshops are project oriented and students will study the techniques necessary to complete the appointed design. Master classes are also available. These focus on the creative process and the development of technical and design skills rather than a specific project. Below you will find the photos and description of all the workshops currently scheduled to be taught. For more details on dates, times and registration, please visit the Road Show Schedule.

Workshop descriptions and photos . . .

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Lotus Flower Necklace
This lovely necklace design was inspired by images of lotus flowers in ancient Egyptian art. The unique combination stitching technique brings together multiple stitches to create unique dimensional forms. Stitches include peyote stitch, herringbone stitch, right angle weave and and chenille stitch. Proficiency in all stitches is highly recommended.

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Mid-Summer Night's Necklace
The dragonfly is an iconic creature associated with transformation, prosperity and harmony and one who's presence is weak acknowledged as a sign that Mid-Summer is upon us. This elegant yet whimsical necklace features seven beaded dragonflies set atop beaded triangles and connected with delicate flower forms. Stitches include peyote stitch, herringbone stitch, right angle weave and combination stitching. Proficiency in all stitches is highly recommended.

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Stern Blume Halskette
This unique necklace is inspired by the stunning iron jewelry which was produced in 19th century Berlin. The star flower structures are 3-D "pillow" forms which are embellished with elaborate beaded filigree. Techniques include peyote stitch, herringbone stitch, right angle weave, and chenille stitch. Proficiency in all stitches is highly recommended.

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"There Be Dragons" Necklace
Create a lovely mystical creature to adorn your neck! This necklace project utilizes herringbone and chenille stitch to construct a "scaly" dragon form which is beautifully finished with a cubic zirconia encrusted clasp. The multi-strand portion of the necklace ensures a fine fit to any neck shape. Proficiency in both herringbone and chenille stitch is highly recommended.

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Events Schedule

While I have no current plans for travel teaching and will continue in my new video workshop format, I will be offering some in person workshops at my local beadstore, Turquoise String Beads, in Fall River, Massachusetts.

Listed below you will find a schedule which reflects both these local workshops as well as upcoming video classes.

Free patterns

Over the years I have issued free patterns as a holiday gift to my newsletter subscribers. If you've missed out on any of these, I've put up PDF versions which you can download and print. You can access these links by clicking on the pattern name beneath the photograph.


Tubular Straight Herringbone How-To
This handout goes along with my YouTube Video about tubular straight herringbone


Bezeling Rivolis How-To
This handout goes along with my YouTube Video about bezeling rivolis


Moon Rise Earrings (holiday pattern 2019)


Beautiful Blizzard Earrings (holiday pattern 2018)


Star Flower Lariat (holiday pattern 2017)


Earrings for All Seasons (Holiday Pattern 2016)

Sparkling Snowflake Earrings (holiday Pattern 2015)

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Snowflake Earrings (holiday pattern 2013)

Icicle Necklace (holiday pattern 2012)

Mistletoe Earrings (holiday pattern 2011)

Let it Snow Necklace (holiday pattern 2010)

Winter Berry Burst Ring (holiday pattern 2009)

Candelabrum Earrings (holiday pattern 2008)

Poinsettia Bracelet (holiday pattern 2007)

Berry Burst Bracelet (holiday pattern 2006)

Magatama Spiral Necklace (2007)


In addition to the free holiday patterns, I've also donated patterns to the Beadworkers Guild in the UK in support of National Beading Week. Below you'll find photos of these projects. If you click on the pattern name, you will be redirected to the Beadworkers Guild site where you can down load these patterns for free.

Component Based Designs (2017)



Deco Triangle Earrings (2016)

Publications

Books

Laura has published two books through publishers:

Creating Crystal Jewelry with Swarovski: 65 Sparkling Designs with Crystal Beads and Stones (Creative Publishing International, 2008)

Laura McCabe's Embellished Beadweaving: Jewelry Lavished with Fringe, Fronds, Lacework & More (Lark Books, 2010)

Both books contain extensive information about materials and techniques used in beadweaving along with many projects and applications for the knowledge contained therein. While not available for purchase through this site, both books can be purchased from amazon or through your local book seller.

Self-Published Books
In addition to her commercially published books, Laura also self publishes books with Blurb. These books must be ordered directly from Blurb.com and cannot be ordered through this website. To link directly to Laura's bookstore at Blurb, Click here.

Outside the Box (Blurb, 2013)

This self-published 150 page book offers a unique insight into the mind of the artist. Alongside More than 100 images of work spanning 20 years are recollections of a personal evolution and one artist's vision of the creative process.


Magazine publications

Laura's work has been featured in numerous magazines throughout the past 18 years. Below is a list of all of those articles. While many are now out of print, several of these periodical back issues are still available.


Press & Publications:

-Spring 2018, Beadworker's Guild Journal, artist profile

-June, 2011, "Elizabethan Earrings" (how-to article), Bead & Button Magazine

-2011, Bead Magazine (UK), feature profile

-2010, Perlen Poesie Magazine (issue #6), feature profile

-April, 2010, "Ropes and Rings Bracelet" (how-to article), Bead & Button Magazine

-April, 2010, Bead & Button Magazine, feature profile

-2010, Designer of the Year for Beadwork Magazine (one article in each of 6 issues for 2010)

-2007, Ornament Magazine, feature profile (Winter 2006/2007 issue)

-October, 2006, Front Cover, Bezeled Cabochons (how-to article), Bead & Button Magazine

-Spring, 2006, Elle Accessories Magazine

-October 2005, Your Work, Bead & Button Magazine

-2004, Bead Dreams Annual, Bead & Button Magazine

-Summer, 2003, Artist's Statement, Ornament Magazine

-October, 2003, Your Work, Bead & Button Magazine

-2003, Front Cover, Bead Dreams Annual, Bead & Button Magazine

-Summer, 2003, Artist's Statement, Ornament Magazine

-April, 2003, "Expand Your Memory" (how-to article), Bead & Button Magazine

-April 1, 2003, "Let It Bead" (artist profile), The Westerly Sun

-December, 2002, "Just Let Laura Bead" (artist profile), Beadwork Magazine

-October 2002, "Faery Vine Necklace" (how-to article), Beadwork Magazine

-July 2002, Facets, Lapidary Journal

-June 2002, Facets, Lapidary Journal

-April 2002, Up Close, Beadwork Magazine

-June 2001, Up Close, Beadwork Magazine

-November 5, 2000, Northeast Magazine, The Hartford Courant

-October 2000, Your Work, Bead & Button Magazine

-February 2000, Your Work, Bead & Button Magazine