Costs given are class fees only and do not include most materials. Please purchase your class materials prior to scheduled class time.

Preregistration and prepayment are required for all classes. Reserve your spot in a class by stopping by the shop or calling 703-836-3113 (registration via e-mail is not available).

Please take a look at our class policies. Refunds, credits, and/or transfers for classes are give only with at least 72 HOURS NOTICE. Students who fail to appear for class for any reason will not be given any refund or credit.

Every child under the age of 14 must be accompanied in class by an adult.

Get the October through December 2008 schedule here.

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Needle Weaving Classes

2008 Ball Gown with Patricia Woodhouse

December 4 & 11, 6:15–8:15 p.m. (two-part class)

Cost: $45

Prerequisites: Some needle weaving experience

Minimum age: 14 years

It wouldn’t be December at Bead Obsessions without a ball gown to stitch. Watch this spot for preview of this year’s version.


Bead Looming, Beginning: Halloween Bracelet with Valerie Friend

October 8 & 15, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Cost: $45

Prerequisites: None

Minimum age: 16 years

Learn to loom with beads using a bead loom. The class project is a beautiful lariat, and you’ll have time to make other projects if you wish.


Beaded Holiday Card with Valerie Friend

December 3, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Cost: $25

Prerequisites: None

Minimum age: 14 years

Using brick stitch, you make embellishments to add to your own handmade holiday card!


Beginning Cabochon Setting with Judy Yiu

October 5, 12:30–3:30 p.m.

Cost: $35

Prerequisites: Some previous needle weaving experience

Minimum age: 16 years

Learn the basics of setting a standard-sized cabochon (no variation from materials list, please).


Celestial Goddess with Roxanne Rash

December 3, 6:15–9:15 p.m.

Cost: $45

Prerequisites: Some needle weaving experience, or for the brave beginner

Minimum age: 14 years

Make one of these gorgeous dolls using one of Roxanne’s faces. The forms for the body will be provided in class.


Flat Ndebele Cuff with Patricia Woodhouse

November 20, 6:15–8:45 p.m.

Cost: $25

Prerequisites: None

Minimum age: 16 years

Learn the Ndebele stitch, also known as herringbone, while making this pretty bracelet.


Freeform Twisted Ribbons of Brick with Paulette Baron

November 29, 12:30–4:30 p.m.

Cost: $45

Prerequisites: Needle weaving experience

Minimum age: 16 years

Learn a unique freeform sculptural brick stitch and create 3-dimensional flowing ribbons of beads. Once you learn the technique, the possibilities are endless. Make a brooch, pendant or start a bracelet. This is a one-day intermediate level workshop.


Knitting with Beads with Patricia Woodhouse

November 30, 10 a.m.–Noon

Cost: $25

Prerequisites: Must know how to knit—this is not a learn-to-knit class!

Minimum age: 14 years

Learn three different ways to knit with beads while beginning a scarf in class. You must know how to knit; prework includes stringing beads and casting on.


Spiral Rope with Patricia Woodhouse

October 1, 7–9 p.m.

Cost: $20

Prerequisites: None

Minimum age: 14 years

This is a great class to take to begin to stitch with seed beads. Learn how to make this quick, basic, yet very versatile rope to complete a bracelet. Ideal for beginners and for adding straps to other projects!


Split Loom Necklace with Valerie Friend

November 11 & 18, 6:30–8:30 p.m. (two-part class)

Prerequisites: Intro to Bead Looming

Minimum age: 14 years

Ready to move beyond the looming basics? Make a split loom necklace using your own pattern. You’ll have to have the pattern drawn before class, so be sure to sign up early.


Swarovski Button Necklace with Patricia Woodhouse

September 24, 7–9 p.m.

Cost: $25

Prerequisites: None

Minimum age: 14 years

Showcase a Swarovski button in a fringed, five-strand necklace. Be sure to bring your bead spinner to class!


Tubular Ndebele with Patricia Woodhouse

October 30 & November 13, 6:15–8:15 p.m. (two-part class)

Cost: $45

Prerequisites: Some needle weaving experience

Minimum age: 14 years

Learn tubular Ndebele, also know as herringbone stitch, while making this lovely lariat.


Victorian Lace Choker with Valerie Friend

September 23, 6–8 p.m.

Cost: $25

Prerequisites: None

Minimum age: 14 years

This elegant choker is a great way to learn netting. This is a great class for those new to needle weaving.


Peyote Stitch Classes

Aztec Bangle with Paulette Baron

September 14, 12:30–3:30 p.m.

Cost: $35

Prerequisites: Flat peyote stitch

Minimum age: 14 years

Using a unique thread path, create a statement-making bangle that’s fun to wear. Variations taught include making a reversible focal pendant that can be worn as a centerpiece on any necklace.


Beginning Peyote: An Embellished Cuff with Patricia Woodhouse

October 2, 6:15–8:45 p.m.

November 25, 7–9:30 p.m.

Cost: $30

Prerequisites: None

Minimum age: 16 years

Learn even-count flat peyote while stitching this simple bracelet. A perfect start to peyote!


Cascade Necklace with Diane Dennis

September 6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Cost: $65

Prerequisites: Familiarity with peyote stitch

Minimum age: 16 years

This is an intermediate level beading project. Knowledge of peyote stitch is a must. Your finished necklace will be approximately 16” in length. You have the option of adding links of circular peyote to create interlinking chains that will add length and a counterbalance dangle down the back. This necklace features a self-closure and gentle curve and is designed to lay flat at the base of the neck.


Cocktail Ring with Patricia Woodhouse

December 10, 7–9:30 p.m.

Cost: $25

Prerequisites: Must know peyote stitch

Minimum age: 14 years

Need a little bit of bling to wear to those holiday parties? Make this sparkly ring using a square rivoli.


Coin Pearl Garden Necklace with Diane Dennis

November 8, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Cost: $65

Prerequisites: Must know peyote stitch

Minimum age: 16 years

Create a bezel of seed beads around coin pearls; connect them together to create a small garden of flowers. Embellish these centers with a flourish of leaves; add a few Swarovski crystals for a bit of sparkle. Now for a bit of bling! Suspend your garden from Swarovski crystals; add a clasp and you’re done!


The FireMountain Bracelet with Diane Dennis

December 13, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Cost: $65

Prerequisites: Must know peyote stitch; intermediate to advanced class

Minimum age: 16 years

Working in peyote stitch we will bead bezels around shells or cabochons connect them together with beaded links. Create a beaded chain for a custom fit. Embellish to your heart’s content--that’s the fun part. This is for the intermediate to the advanced beader. You must have knowledge of the peyote stitch.


Davida’s Dream with Amy Katz

December 6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Cost: $65

Prerequisites: Must know peyote, herringbone (Ndebele) helpful

Minimum age: 16 years

Inspired by artisan jewelry, this piece has the elegance of a designer-style cable bracelet. Using rivoli crystals as the focal points, learn how to create this bangle with peyote and herringbone stitches to capture the look of fine jewelry. Students must have knowledge of peyote stitch and herringbone stitch.


Elizabethan Ruffles Bracelet with Paulette Baron

December 7, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Cost: $65

Prerequisites: Needle weaving experience

Minimum age: 16 years

Weave this stunning bracelet using interlocking sculptural peyote spirals. As you create this piece "fit for a queen" you will discover the versatility that peyote stitch provides in creating fascinating jewelry designs.


Filigree Components Necklace with Paulette Baron

October 12, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Cost: $65

Prerequisites: Must know peyote stitch

Minimum age: 14 years

Learn how to design your own jewelry using the components from the Filigree Fantasy necklace. From simple to ornate, students will cut out components from a photo, make spirals and turn the designs into their very own creation. Techniques include backstitching around a rivoli, opposite direction spirals, finishing ideas, and more.


Fire and Ice Ring with Amy Katz

October 26, 12:30–3:30 p.m.

Cost: $35

Prerequisites: Some needle weaving experience

Minimum age: 14 years

Explore the versatility of peyote stitch and make an eye-catching ring that sparkles like diamonds. This easy-to-create piece gives you a big high-end look using a very basic technique. Create a piece that will have everyone taking a second look.


Freeform Peyote with Patricia Woodhouse

October 23, 6:15–9:15 p.m.

Cost: $35

Prerequisites: Familiarity with peyote stitch

Minimum age: 14 years

Do you like the look of freeform peyote but you’re afraid to jump off into chaos? It’s OK; we’ll help you jump! Make a bracelet or necklace, and larger beads or a focal as desired.


Freeform Peyote Vessel with Paulette Baron

November 4, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Cost: $65

Prerequisites: Must know peyote stitch

Minimum age: 14 years

Make a really cool vessel using an assortment of beads in various shapes and sizes using freeform peyote. Take the step into 3-D! Learn how to construct a beaded vessel or sculpture using freeform and circular peyote techniques.


Peyote Ribbon Brooch with Valerie Friend

November 6, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Cost: $25

Prerequisites: Familiarity with peyote stitch; PREWORK

Minimum age: 14 years

Learn to make a beautiful beaded brooch by combining a peyote strip and other beads on a perforated disk. A small amount of prework is required.


Pipe Curl Necklace with Patricia Woodhouse

October 29, 7–9:30 p.m.

Cost: $25

Prerequisites: Must know peyote stitch

Minimum age: 14 years

Using an increasing technique, create this curlicue necklace that showcases a focal. The class sample uses a polymer focal by Roxanne Rash. There is PREWORK, so be sure to sign up early.


Roxinated Ring Class with Roxanne Rash

November 12, 6:15–8:45 p.m.

Cost: $45

Prerequisites: Familiarity with peyote stitch

Minimum age: 16 years

Make some bling for your fingers using peyote stitch and seed beads with a crystal or other bead you want to show off.


Ruffles and Flourishes with Paulette Baron

September 20, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Cost: $65

Prerequisites: Familiarity with peyote stitch

Minimum age: 14 years

Construct hollow beaded beads using tubular peyote. Learn to increase and decrease to control the shape of the beads and add a ruffle. Attach fringe and use the beads as a pendant or earrings, or make them in various sizes and combine into a necklace.


Russian Leaves with Patricia Woodhouse

September 16 & 30, 7–9:30 p.m.

Cost: $45

Perquisites: None

Minimum age: 16 years

Perfect for fall! Stitch a set of beautiful leaves to surround a button on a two-drop peyote base cuff bracelet.


South Seas Earrings with Amy Katz

November 23, 12:30–3:30 p.m.

Cost: $35

Prerequisites: Must know peyote

Minimum age: 14 years

Add some sparkle to your wardrobe with these beautiful crystal and pearl earrings. They look like a fine jewelry piece. With this peyote stitch and square stitch design, you will learn the secrets of using more affordable materials to get an "expensive" designer look.


Tubular Peyote with Patricia Woodhouse

October 21 & November 4, 7–9:30 p.m.

Cost: $45

Perquisites: Some needle weaving experience

Minimum age: 16 years

Make a gorgeous peyote tube to wear as a bracelet or necklace in this two-part class. You’ll learn even- and odd-count flat peyote and how to use findings and beads to finish.


Twinkle, Twinkle Peyote Star Bracelet with Judy Yiu

November 16, Noon–4 p.m.

Cost: $45

Prerequisites: Must know peyote stitch

Minimum age: 14 years

We will be creating a bracelet using peyote stitched stars chained together. Giving the stars an extra sparkle will be crystal rivolis set in the middle of the stars.


French Floral Classes

Introduction to French Beaded Flowers: African Violets with Judy Yiu

November 9, Noon–4 p.m.

Cost: $45

Prerequisites: None

Minimum age: 16 years

This class will introduce students to the art of French beaded flowers. There will be an overview of the materials used, patterns and other resources currently in public domain, along with some of the tools, including an introduction to the bead spinner. Learn some basic techniques to create a flower and whet your appetite for more! Be sure to see these gorgeous flowers in person at the shop.


Intermediate French Beaded Flowers: Hyacinth with Judy Yiu

September 28, Noon–4 p.m.

Cost: $45

Prerequisites: Intro to French Florals

Minimum age: 16 years

Build on your basic knowledge of French floral technique to create these stunning flowers.


Intermediate French Beaded Flowers: Orchid with Judy Yiu

December 20, 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Cost: $55

Prerequisites: Intro to French Florals

Minimum age: 16 years

Build on your basic knowledge of French floral technique to create these stunning flowers.


Stringing Classes

Beginning Stringing with Susan Wenzel or Patricia Woodhouse

September 25, 6–8 p.m.

October 16, 6:15–8:15 p.m.

November 22, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

December 18, 6:15–8:15 p.m.

December 27, 1–3 p.m.

Cost: $25

Prerequisites: None

Minimum age: 12 years

Learn how to make your own strung necklaces and bracelets! This is the class for those just beginning: learn about materials, tools, and techniques. You’ll complete at least one necklace, bracelet, or eyeglass chain in class.


Knotting with Patricia Woodhouse

October 22, 7–9 p.m.

Cost: $30

Prerequisites: None

Minimum age: 16 years

If you have a strand of pearls that needs reknotting, this is the class for you. Perfect your technique on strands glass beads before trying this out on your pearls.


Earring Classes

Beginning Earrings with Patricia Woodhouse

September 14, 10 a.m.–Noon

October 26, 10 a.m.–Noon

December 21, 10 a.m.–Noon

Cost: $25

Prerequisites: None

Minimum age: 14 years

Learn simple and wrapped loops used to make earrings in this technique class (this is not a project class).


Intermediate Earrings with Jeanette Blix

November 1, 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Cost: $35

Prerequisites: None

Minimum age: 14 years

Students will learn how to make a variety of ear wires in this four-hour class. In addition, students will learn about wire temper and how to determine when to use half hard or dead soft wires when making wire jewelry, especially ear wires. Students will also learn how to use a chasing hammer and steel bench block to harden and shape ear wires to give them a polished and professional appearance. This is a perfect class to take with the holidays approaching; after this class, you will be able to make beautiful earrings for all of your friends and family members.


Chain Maille Classes

Byzantine and Box Chain Maille Bracelets with Linda Armstrong

Registration closes October 2, 2008

October 14, 6:30–9 p.m.

Cost: $45 + kit fee (approx. $100?)

Prerequisites: None

Minimum age: 16 years

These bracelets make great holiday gifts! The Byzantine and box chain maille patterns are must-know basics for all chain maillers.


Persian 4-in-1 Chain Maille Bracelet with Linda Armstrong

Registration closes November 7, 2008

November 19, 6:30–9 p.m.

Cost: $45 + kit fee (approx. $40?)

Prerequisites: None

Minimum age: 16 years

New class! Mix copper and silver in chain maille to produce gorgeous results!


Vertebrae Weave Chain Maille Bracelet with Linda Armstrong

Registration closes September 2, 2008

September 18, 6–9 p.m.

Registration closes October 26, 2008

November 5, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Cost: $40 + kit fee (approx. $65?)

Prerequisites: None

Minimum age: 16 years

This snakey-looking weave using three sizes of jump rings.


Wire Working Classes

Beginning Wire Work with Martha Irish

September 7, Noon–4 p.m.

October 11, Noon–4 p.m.

December 14, Noon–4 p.m.

Cost: $45

Prerequisites: None

Minimum age: 16 years

Practice making wrapped loops, clasps, caged beads, and more in copper wire to make your own bead and wire work necklace. This class is for those new to wire work and those needing to perfect their skills.


Bangle Bracelet with Patricia Woodhouse

December 16, 7–8:30 p.m.

Cost: $25

Prerequisites: None

Minimum age: 14 years

Haven’t made a bangle yet? It’s not too late! Wear your fabulous finished piece home from class!


Herringbone Weave Bracelet with Jeanette Blix

November 22, 1–5 p.m.

Cost: $35

Prerequisites: You must be familiar with making wrapped loops.

Minimum age: 16 years

A pretty and simple weave that can be done over almost any kind of bead: Learn how to make a bracelet and pair of earrings in class and learn how this weave can be used in other jewelry designs. You will also make your own jump rings to connect your herringbone weaved beads together to create a lovely bracelet. You will be working with 22- or 24-gauge wire, depending upon the size of the bead holes.


Egyptian Coil Bracelet with Jeanette Blix

September 13, Noon–4 p.m.

Cost: $45

Prerequisites: You must be familiar with making wrapped loops.

Minimum age: 16 years

Learn how to make Egyptian coils and then link them together to make this beautiful 3000-year-old design.


Horseshoe Links and Spiral Dangles Bracelet with Jeanette Blix

October 25, 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Cost: $35

Prerequisites: None

Minimum age: 14 years

This is a great class for those wanting to learn wirework or brush up on their skills. In this class, students will learn how to properly coil and make horseshoe links, which are a very popular link in wire-worked jewelry. Students will also learn how to make their own jump rings with round-nose pliers, a simple clasp, and spiral dangles. The sample bracelet shown here was made of copper and then oxidized with liver of sulfur. This is a bracelet design that looks great in copper or silver.


Wire-Wrapped Routed Cabochons with Mimi Vellek

December 9, 6:30–9 p.m.

Cost: $35

Prerequisites: None

Minimum age: 16 years

Learn to make gorgeous (dahling) jewelry using Mimi’s handmade routed glass cabochons using simple wire techniques. Make’s a fabulous holiday gift!


Fused Glass Class

Introduction to Fused Glass with Mimi Vellek

November 2, 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Cost: $145 (includes materials)

Prerequisites: None

Minimum age: 18 years

Don’t miss your chance to learn the ins and out of fusing glass with this talented Northern Virginia glass artist, Mimi Vellek.


Precious Metal Clay (PMC) Classes

Introduction to Bronze Clay with Dawn Fernald-Spruill

November 14, 6:15-8:45 p.m., & November 15, 10:30 a.m.-Noon (two-part class)

Cost: $65 + materials and bench fees

Prerequisites: None

Minimum age: 18 years unless accompanied by adult

Be the first to experience the new bronze metal clay. Create one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces with this amazing new material. This two-part class will cover textures, stone settings, bails, jump rings, slumpint, and more. In our second class, we will work with the different finishes you can get with the bronze: golds and colors!  No metal clay experience necessary, just bring your enthusiasm! If you have tools for silver clay, DO NOT bring them as you cannot mix the two. Bench fee is $15, and the bronze clay will be sold by Dawn to students on the day of class; please be sure to bring cash or check for the clay costs.


Introduction to PMC with Dawn Fernald-Spruill

September 27, 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

November 15, 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Cost: $65 + materials and bench fees

Prerequisites: None

Minimum age: 18 years unless accompanied by adult

In this unique class you will learn about this new art form by making a beautiful pendant and earrings. We will go over basic construction, textures, use of PMC syringe to set a gemstone, kiln firing, and torch firing. You will have time to experience different patina finishes for your pieces with the colorful liver of sulfur and black oxide. Bench fee is $10, and PMC will be sold by Dawn to students on the day of class; please be sure to bring cash or check for the PMC costs.