{11/14} Native Beadwork Earrings
Date: Saturday, November 14
Time: 9am–12pm
Instructor: Cura Rodriguez
Ages: 16+
Experience Level: Beginner friendly
Class Size: Limited to 10 students
Location: Handcraft Revival, 1365 S 1100 E, Salt Lake City
In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, join Native artist Cura Rodriguez for a morning of beadwork, cultural learning, and making by hand.
Students will create a pair of beaded fringe earrings while learning foundational techniques used in contemporary Native American beadwork. Cura will guide participants through choosing colors, threading, shaping, and creating flowing fringe designs with glass seed beads.
Students may choose from several curated color palettes and styles inspired by traditional and contemporary beadwork aesthetics. Each participant will create a pair of earrings that reflects their own color choices and creative expression.
Along the way, Cura will share about the cultural significance, artistry, history, and continuing traditions of Native beadwork. This class offers a meaningful opportunity to learn directly from a Native artist while recognizing beadwork as both a living cultural tradition and an evolving contemporary art form.
The class is intentionally kept small and relaxed, allowing plenty of time for individual guidance. No previous beadwork experience is needed.
What You’ll Learn
- Foundational bead-weaving techniques
- How to create fringe-style earrings
- Bead spacing, tension, and shaping
- Color planning and pattern building
- How to finish and attach earring hardware
- Cultural and historical context for Native beadwork
What You’ll Make
Each student will create one pair of handcrafted beaded fringe earrings.
Students may choose from curated glass-bead color palettes inspired by traditional and contemporary designs. With three hours of class time, most participants should be able to complete their earrings or leave with the skills and materials needed to finish them at home.
What’s Included
- Glass seed beads in assorted colors
- Beading needles and thread
- Earring hooks and hardware
- Shared tools to use during class
- Guided instruction from Cura Rodriguez
- All materials needed to complete the project
Helpful Notes
- No experience is needed; beginners are very welcome.
- This class involves detailed, close-up handwork.
- Participants are encouraged to bring reading glasses or magnification if helpful. Reading glasses are also available for purchase in the shop.
- All materials are included.
Refund & Transfer Policy
Cancellations made at least one week before the class are eligible for store credit. Within one week of the class, registrations are transferable to another person but are not eligible for store credit. Please contact Handcraft Revival at least 24 hours in advance when transferring your registration.
Photography
Photos and short video clips may be taken during class for Handcraft Revival’s social media and marketing. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let us know when you arrive. We are happy to accommodate your preference.
