Bio

I started beading in 2008 on a whim because I thought it would be fun to take a class with a couple of friends. I began with simple bead stringing, then was introduced to the art of bead weaving. I had no idea at the time that this would change the whole course of my life! 

A couple of years later, I opened my retail bead shop, "Laura's Beads", in west central Florida. In addition to running the store, I took on the role as the primary instructor for classes at the shop, which turned out to be the most fun and fulfilling part of my day. Eventually I began to design my own pieces and have now built up a collection of patterns that I love teaching and sharing with others. After almost 12 years, I decided to close the brick and mortar store and focus my efforts on design, creating tutorials and fully curated bead kits offered through Etsy.

I am beyond excited to be able to teach at the Central Florida Bead Retreat for the first time in 2024! I'll be debuting my first design that combines bead embroidery with bead weaving - the Wahine Necklace.

“Wahine” is the Hawaiian word for woman, and these beautiful tiki girls make the perfect centerpiece for this whimsical, tropical necklace. This tutorial and included felt template will guide you through using bead embroidery techniques for the centerpiece and the dangling leaf. Next it will teach you how to use the St Petersburg stitch to create the coordinating bead-woven strap, beaded clasp, and assembly. Kits will be available in 4 versions; each with it’s own unique cabochon and coordinating colorway. Mahalo!

Need more information about the retreat? Email  carolHcreations@aol.com