The Satoir, or Lariat Necklace: An Online Workshop on Beaded Rope with Mara Colecchia — Oct 6 - 13

Dates: October 6, 2024 → October 13, 2024
Times: 6 hours with break in middle
Level: All levels

Workshop Description:
This workshop is aimed to offer an overview in the creation of funky beaded ropes that can be worn like lariat necklaces, by knotting them on one’s décolleté.

My personal approach to the beaded rope comes from my fascination with tubular Chenille weave, that is a “see through” type of stitch. I have been weaving lariats necklaces creating dynamic transitions between Chenille to Peyote, and finally to Cubic Right Angle.

Sessions will focus on the acquisition of three specific tubular weaving techniques: Chenille, Peyote and Cubic Right Angle, and on the transition between one another. Instructor will discuss her beading style and narrative, by showcasing different types of lariats, to stimulate a creative, personal approach to the classic beaded rope.

Creative thinking will be encouraged, by stimulating the design of color patterns within a basic weaving technique. Instructor will illustrate also how to add flares to a beaded rope, by nestling smaller spheres or larger elements into a bead mesh.

This workshop will run online on two days: October 6 and 13. In between the two sessions, students are invited to work on their pieces so that it will be completed by the end of the second session.

About the Instructor:
Born and raised in Italy, Mara graduated in Rome with a specialization in Drawing Animation and game design from IED.

She worked in the animation industry till 2008, when she took the chance to relocate to Los Angeles, CA, with the aim to consolidate her career in children entertainment. Instead, she started making visual art and exhibiting her work in local galleries, specializing in Pop Surrealism.

Mara experimented with many medium over a decade, until she discovered seed beads.

Since 2019, Maracole Bijoux, a line of high end handwoven jewelry, is her main endeavor. She exhibited her work at The Smithsonian’s Craft Show this year, and her collections have been featured in magazines dedicated to art and fashion.

One of her necklaces is in the permanent collection of the Musuem of Beadwork in Portland, Oregon.

Mara teaches workshops across the USA since 2021.

Required Materials:
- 1 bead mat (available on amazon.com)
- 1 beading needle size 11/0 (available on amazon.com), 1 fishing thread “Berkley Fireline” or “The Bead Smith” 8 LB x 50 YD (available on amazon.com. Note: “Beadalon Wildfire” is also an option and it’s a bit more elastic than the others - it depends if you want your beadwork to stretch a bit or to remain compact - typically the Fireline allows more tension), 1 embroidery scissors 9cm or sharp sewing scissors (available on amazon.com), 1 lighter or burner, Toho seed beads size 11/0 (1 tube per color. Up to 4 colors), Toho seed beads size 8/0 (1 tube per color. Up to 4 colors), 4 mm rounded beads such as Swarovski or pearls for embellishment (1 pack for each kind), 15/20mm marbled lucite spheres (or other light weight material on your choice such as wood; polymer clay; plastic) (available on etsy.com. Be sure to input in your search “acrylic” “lucite” and “marbled”), 1 tube of Czech seed beads (irregular shape) size 10/0 - these are used to create the “socks” texture in Peyote, Super Duo size 11/0 (just a few decorative pieces—choose one or two colors), most beads available on: Etsy.com; Barrelofbead.com; thegardenofbeading.com; thebeadchest.com; firemountain.com

Optional Materials:
- 1 seam ripper (available on amazon.com)
- 1 metal bead scoop (available on amazon.com)