A Need for Beads

Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.

Crafting enthusiasts, you're in luck! This October, the Jefferson Arts Gallery in Monticello will be hosting a Bead Jewelry 101 class. Make a lovely necklace, bracelet, and earrings while learning the basics of bead stringing, design, pendants, clasps and crimping.
Not an experienced beader? No problem; the class requires no prior experience, and is taught by bead expert Lou Schneider, who has nearly 40 years of experience creating and selling bead jewelry. So even beginners who have never worked with beads before are in good hands!
Schneider is a long term resident of Tallahassee, living just south of the Chaires area for the last 50 years. While she is a laboratory technician for the Department of Agriculture for work, she is also well involved in the art scene of Tallahassee, taking part in multiple craft shows and fairs such as Market Days, Springtime Tallahassee and other events. She joined the Jefferson Arts Gallery, and enjoys bringing her art skills to the small town of Monticello and contributing to the growing art scene here.
Schneider has extensive experience working with crafts, and her skills are not limited to bead jewelry. She also creates bead wall art on canvas, fabric Christmas trees, decorated eggs, origami, and much more! She even created an up-cycling project, where she made hand crafted faeries out of recycled Barbie dolls that were no longer in use. But her main skill is jewelry, and she has been making bead jewelry and selling them for the last several decades.
“I started making bead jewelry before my daughter was born, and she is 37 years old.” Schneider said, “I sell it at craft shows, and online in my Etsy shop.” Her beautiful designs can be seen and purchased at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ RosebudJewelryDesign.
Schneider has been teaching classes for years, as well, and guarantees success in her students. “I used to teach classes regularly in multiple venues in Tallahassee, Thomasville, Havana and Monticello, but the Pandemic sort of killed that,” she said, going on to mention that she is eager to get back to teaching. “Anybody can do this! If you have bought beads and don't know what to do with them, I'll show you what to do with them! You may take my class and find your 'new thing'! I guarantee success- when you take my class, you will leave with a quality product.”
For those who are interested in joining a class, contact Lou Schneider to reserve your spot! You can text at (850) 728-1191, or email at lulu5170@msn.com.
Classes will be held on Sunday, Oct. 24 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $50 and include all materials, tools, and equipment needed. Classes are a minimum of four people and a maximum of eight. Snacks will be provided!