Mazinigwaadan—Bead it!

Join the Beading Resistance

Sun, May 10 & Sat, May 16 (Optional Open Craft Night Thur, May 14)

Are you ready to learn an anticapitalist form of art and resistance? Look no further. Flatstitch beadwork is an example of longform art in which one to several small beads are tacked down at a time, often creating ornate designs and patterns.

Whether you are seasoned at beading, or never threaded a needle before in your life, come one, come all. In this beginner-friendly class led by Mary LeGarde, participants will design and create a beaded pendant that will be made into a bolo tie. Carve out some time out of your busy schedule to work with your hands, to learn a new skill, and to connect with your community.

  • Tuition 3 Tiers:

    • Standard: $180

    • Greater Access: $145

    • Scholarship: $90 (We trust participants to choose the pricing tier that feels right for their circumstances. This model is one small way of redistributing resources, reducing barriers, and making it possible for more people to gather around craft.

  • Materials Fee: $30 (To be paid to instructor.)

  • Optional Tools to Bring: Participants are recommended to bring their own colorway by using 2-3 different colored beads size 11 (seed beads, delicas, or charlotte cuts).

  • Age / Ability Level: This class is open to all levels of experience. Minimum age 18; 15 with an adult.

Mazinigwaadan—Bead it!

Join the Beading Resistance

Sun, May 10 & Sat, May 16: 9 AM - 2 PM (Optional Open Craft Night Thur, May 14: 5:30 - 8:30 PM)

Are you ready to learn an anticapitalist form of art and resistance? Look no further. Flatstitch beadwork is an example of longform art in which one to several small beads are tacked down at a time, often creating ornate designs and patterns.

Whether you are seasoned at beading, or never threaded a needle before in your life, come one, come all. In this beginner-friendly class led by Mary LeGarde, participants will design and create a beaded pendant that will be made into a bolo tie. Carve out some time out of your busy schedule to work with your hands, to learn a new skill, and to connect with your community.

  • Tuition 3 Tiers: We trust participants to choose the pricing tier that feels right for their circumstances. This model is one small way of redistributing resources, reducing barriers, and making it possible for more people to gather around craft.

    • Standard: $180

    • Greater Access: $145

    • Scholarship: $90

  • Materials Fee: $30 (To be paid to instructor.)

  • Optional Tools to Bring: Participants are recommended to bring their own colorway by using 2-3 different colored beads size 11 (seed beads, delicas, or charlotte cuts).

  • Age / Ability Level: This class is open to all levels of experience. Minimum age 18; 15 with an adult.

  • During this course, participants will be taught the basic, one needle flat stitch (appliqué) method of beadwork. Design a 2”-3” beaded pendant that will be attached onto a bolo slide creating your very own, swanky bolo tie. Have no fear—each step will be demonstrated; from threading a needle to finishing the project. You will gain the confidence to share your knowledge with others. Join the beadwork circle and share stories and space with those around you.

    Bring lunch. Microwave and toaster oven are available.

  • CENTER FOR PEOPLE AND CRAFT is committed to building a diverse, inclusive learning community where people of all backgrounds feel welcome and able to participate. As we launch our first workshop series, we are dedicating space in each class for reduced-tuition scholarships to support anyone facing financial barriers. As we build a more robust scholarship program, we hope this initial launch will remove barriers and expand access to hands-on learning for all.

    Anyone with financial need is encouraged to apply for a half-tuition scholarship. To be considered, please submit a brief online application. Please note that CENTER FOR PEOPLE AND CRAFT is operating with limited financial resources and an entirely volunteer staff. Therefore, we cannot guarantee a spot for every applicant. Each class has one scholarship slot available. Applicants who are not selected in this current round are welcome to reapply.  Apply here

  • Description text goes herPC is able to provide refunds up to two weeks before the start date of the class for which the registration was submitted, though we do retain a $20 fee for return payment processing. If you need to cancel your class within the two week window, a refund is not guaranteed, but will be considered based on several factors.

    If CPC needs to cancel a class due to low enrollment, teacher illness, or other factors, you will receive a full refund. Read our full set of policies.

meet your instructor

Mary LeGarde (Fort Williams First Nations & Grand Portage Band of Chippewa) is a homegrown beadwork artist and maker of ceremonial regalia from Duluth, Minnesota. While Mary did not go to art school for formal training, she was taught the skills of beadwork and sewing throughout her youth by family and members of her community. While her work is mainly focused on creating more traditional pieces drawn from her Ojibwe heritage, lately she has found gratification integrating her beadwork practice into more modern, abstract projects. Mary works at Makwa Studio in Northeast Minneapolis as a Studio Assistant.