Green Castle
The central focal is a similar shape to a handheld mirror. The surreal cab of a woman with a castle on her head was selected in anticipation of European travel. Since castle pastures frequently have sheep, I took that thought and literally turned it on its head by adding a sheep to the bezel. Bead embroidery pairs well with freeform beading, it gives a more organic look that might not be achieved with other forms of beading. If you have some bead embroidery experience but haven't yet combined it with freeform, try this beginner-friendly project. Focal elements will be bezeled at home in advance (preferably) and then assembled in class via freeform peyote and a spiral peyote neckband. Kit $90, optional kit – due to Catherine Haedrich day of class.
The 'Green Castle' stone cabs are not included; the sample simply gives an idea of what is possible. That being said, she will have some cab choices she thinks would work well. The 'Green Castle' stones pictured are ~22-28mm. None were the perfect size or shape when she started. Smaller items can be made larger with decorative bezels and shapes can be altered by adding items before they are bezeled. Students can source from their stash for auxiliary focals.
In the kit, the ivy leaves are different, they are gold-ish brass stampings slightly larger. The original ivy leaves are 12x12mm, the new ones are 14mm. She will have some darker and some more gold, you can choose. You may also choose to use something other than an ivy leaf, any repeated item that comes to (or is made into) a point will work.
Finished pieces will not look identical.
She may have other samples, bits & bobs at the time of class for inspiration.
If someone decides to work exclusively from their stash, she will support your creativity. Source early. She will have seed bead packs that may help you choose a color direction and offset some of the seed bead sourcing. Do not mix all your beads ahead of time.
'Green Castle' Kits include:
· Bead pack: 15-11-10-8/0 seed beads and bits for interest, like chip beads, 2-H cabs, etc.
· Materials to make the whole central component (picture cab, Delicas for bezel, filigrees, drops, backing, stiff felt, plastic),
· Materials for star-shaped bead woven side cabs,
· Ivy leaves,
A simple lobster claw closure.
'Green Castle' requires pre-work. Students will bezel several items before class, particularly those people working from their own stash.
If you wish to register, please fill out the online form below:
or email Renee Tatusko @ renee.tatusko@gmail.com
this form:
Green Castle Registration Form
Or mail to:
Northwest Bead Society
P.O. Box
Lynnwood, WA 98046
$65/$95 Payment due April 5th, 2026.
Kit Payment due to Catherine Haedrich Day of class