Strong Together

But the most valuable lesson we have learned over the years is something different, and doesn’t have to do anything with numbers, processes, or the labyrinth of interconnected online tools. Not even colour numbers and the precise temperature of a glass rod melting into a bead.

Over the past months, together with some of our fellow Beadingschool Team members, we have been working on the biggest collaboration ever in Beadingschool’s history. It stands for the strength of our friendship, and beyond: we wanted it also to represent the strength of the Beading Community, and how every single bead matters, and at the right place, the right time, even the tiniest 15/0 seed beads can build up into an amazing, sturdy structure.

And finally, it’s time to reveal what has been happening behind the scenes!

What will you learn from the e-book?

On top of sharing a deep love and dedication to play, create, and teach, with many of the participating designers we have also shared wonderful conversations about beads and beyond over the years. I am grateful that they accepted my invitation, and I am immensely proud to be able to bring you the result of our work together.

With the guidance of the Strong Together e-book, you can learn to create some of the most challenging beaded objects: tiny 3D structures, so-called beaded beads. Just as we create our jewels bead by bead, and we build our community gesture by gesture: we can master creating these challenging beaded objects. You will follow different popular ways to start, techniques to keep them from collapsing inside, and see how they can be turned into finished jewels. You will learn to use not only the obvious fire-polished and round beads in the projects, but will also incorporate shaped beads, and even cabochons and fancy stones, that turn the beaded beads into tiny pieces of art!

We want to reward beaders who pledge to be STRONG TOGETHER right away: enjoy -10 Eur off the price of the e-Book until next week’s #CoffeeTimeWithErika (5. May), Tuesday, 5 pm CET / 11 am NYC / 8 am Cali / 3 am NZ. Then the price will go up.

•  The material is divided project by project. They are in all kinds of different colours, matching each other within one project, of course.

• You can opt for an ‘E-book + Fancies and Focals + Metal Components’ variation, where you also receive on top of the previous two an assortment of different metal findings to complete the projects.
• Only the ‘Fancies and Focals’ material pack if you already have the e-book.

Learn from world-class designers!

Beaded beads are tricky. They are tiny pieces of architecture. That’s why it matters that you can learn from the very best: when it comes to designing, but also beyond: writing a tutorial and explaining to you the tricky thread passes.

• Aniko Hesz
• Apollinariya Koprivnik
• Chloe Menage
• Erika Sandor
• Giuliana Verdelli
• Heather Kingsley-Heath
• Helena Tang-Lim
• Laura Embrey
• Miriam Shimon
• Monica Vinci
• Ruxandra Puscas
• Sabine Lippert
• Vicky Roberts

STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL by Aniko Hesz

Inspired by the mystery and coded elegance of the Sweet Margaretha Beadingschool Academy box, Strictly Confidential recalls a hidden message. A beaded bead that feels almost like a sealed dispatch. Unlike the original palette of the box, my interpretation embraces a bolder voice. Emerald speaks of intelligence and depth. Gold and bronze echo opulence and calculated glamour. Fuchsia introduces daring – the confidence of someone who knows exactly what she carries. Designed to be worn long and close to the body, this jewel evokes information entrusted rather than displayed. Because some truths are not meant to be revealed, only carried.

ARTICHOKE by Apollinariya Koprivnik

‘Artichoke’ is a design born from a curated mix of components in a beadweaving technique, a compilation of small elements added to a larger foundation to create a complete, harmonious jewelry piece. Within this design, you can discover how to incorporate simple elements to achieve a perfect proportion between every part. The larger elements within “Artichoke” serve to widen your inspiration, allowing you to create your own unique forms and shapes based on the central idea. Multi-holed beads are the perfect tool to bring this piece to life, creating tridimensional beads that add sculptural depth to your designs.

SPARKLING SEED PODS by Chloe Menage

This is a great project to play with variations – why not try upscaling it with 4mm and 6mm fire polish/bicones and size 11 and 8 seed beads to see what kind of effect you get with a larger beaded bead? As well as a beaded necklace, these beaded beads could be combined with almost anything for custom jewellery – earrings, pendants or strung simply on cord – the adventure is yours! These beaded beads are super cute and versatile. I’ll show you how to make two different sizes using embellished right angle weave for a pretty necklace.

CROSSROADS by Erika Sándor

Sometimes, we encounter crossroads in our lives. It seems at that point, that the decision is impossible to make, both choices seem equally good (or unfortunate) for different reasons. How long do you keep standing at the crossroads – hesitating, in stillness, letting precious moments pass, while you don’t take action? With the ‘Crossroads’ beaded bead (the name inspired by the x-shaped decorations in the middle part), I invite you to move forward. To take a deep breath – and then choose your path. 

Trust yourself, that whatever comes your way, you will be able to deal with it!

BOUND BY LIGHT by Giuliana Verdelli

The necklace is composed of seven beaded beads in four different colors. Each beaded bead is worked individually following the same pattern. Three beaded beads are positioned on one side and three on the other side. The central bead is designed as a pendant finished with a tassel. The final round of each Beaded Bead recalls the color of the previous one. Each Beaded Bead is composed of three modules, which are then joined together to form the core of the Beaded Bead: a three-dimensional triangle. The structure is then completed on both the top and the bottom using Round beads and Bicones. Each module is constructed separately before being assembled.

SERENA by Heather Kingsley-Heath

Serena: from the Latin meaning calmness and peace. Unity: from the Latin meaning oneness or togetherness. Stronger Together, the perfect definition of a beautifully crafted piece of beadwork. I‘ve been inspired by the ‘Walk for Peace’, across the USA, undertaken by Buddhist monks and led by Bhikkhu Pannakar. His gentle words, encouraging us to start each day with ‘Today is going to be my peaceful day’, and to simply do one thing at a time. I thought about our lovely hobby and how we share its gentle form of mindfulness, and the happiness of spending time with our beads. Serena, the beaded bead I chose to create, is worked in Albion stitch.

Teaching and sharing the processes of this stitch with bead lovers across the world has brought me many friendships and wonderful experiences. It seemed right to bring it to the Stronger Together party. Serena is worked as a hollow base with layers of beading on top. Adding the layers gives the hollow shape its strength, resulting in a ‘Stronger Together’ beaded structure. Serena will take an experienced beader about five hours to bead, allow a little longer if you are new to the techniques. I couldn’t resist adding Unity, smaller, and quick to bead, Unity is made with the treasures the Beading School team sent to me. Once you have the technique a Unity bead should take you just under an hour to make.

RELIQUARY by Helena Tang-Lim

This handcrafted hollow beaded bead is meticulously woven using the peyote stitch, forming a strong yet lightweight architectural structure. The surface is richly embellished with fire-polished beads and cabochons, adding dimension, texture, and subtle reflective contrast. Its faceted geometry and balanced proportions evoke the presence of a miniature reliquary—an object meant to be viewed, contemplated, and appreciated from every angle. Fully self-supporting, the bead functions as a sculptural form as well as a wearable element. It may be strung as a distinctive focal for a necklace or displayed independently as an ornamental object, bridging the space between jewelry and small-scale beadwork art.

NEXUS by Laura Embrey

For these earrings, I was inspired mainly by the beautiful preciosa baguette cabochons. I wanted to create something sturdy and very sparkly. The earrings have an inner and outer structure and the name is inspired by the idea of lots of connections – that by building connections between us, we can create something that is strong and beautiful and sparkly!

LANTERN by Miriam Shimon

For these earrings, I was inspired mainly by the beautiful preciosa baguette cabochons. I wanted to create something sturdy and very sparkly. The earrings have an inner and outer structure and the name is inspired by the idea of lots of connections – that by building connections between us, we can create something that is strong and beautiful and sparkly!

ERIKA by Monica Vinci

My inspiration stems from the infinite fascination of the cosmos and the geometric order of the universe. In this bracelet, I sought to recreate a miniature galaxy for the wrist: each sphere represents a planet, a microcosm of detail where the millimetric precision of beadweaving meets the vibrant light of Swarovski crystals, reminiscent of distant stars. Through the needle-weaving technique, I aimed to transform static materials into dynamic, three-dimensional structures, as if they were in orbit with one another. The deep red evokes the mysteries of nebulae, while the touches of pacific opal capture the reflections of far-off, undiscovered worlds. It is more than a piece of jewelry; it is a silent journey through the perfect geometries of space.”

SPARKLE SPIRE by Ruxandra Puscas

This beaded bead was inspired by the idea of harmony within contrast. At its core, a succession of navette crystals and soft pearls create a rhythmic interplay of light and luster. Around this middle section, seed beads trace a zig-zagging relief, a textured contour that shifts with the light as if the surface itself were in motion. Alternating patterns of color, shape, and orientation interlock, giving rise to a structure both airy and resilient. Though hollow, it carries the presence of something carved and deliberate – an object shaped by rhythm, symmetry, and contrast. Worn on a chain or gathered among other beaded forms, it becomes a modular artwork, a tiny, luminous sculpture that transforms every gesture into part of its exhibition.

LAMBADA by Sabine Lippert

Beaded beads have always fascinated me. The idea of creating a delicate structure from countless tiny seed beads appears simple at first glance, yet quickly reveals its true complexity. My journey began with beads built around wooden cores, but over time the designs evolved into increasingly intricate forms — eventually becoming small, self-supporting spheres that shimmer vividly as they catch the light. Beaded beads possess an inherent sense of playfulness. Even at rest, they seem to suggest movement. Inspired by this lively character, I chose to combine these colorful elements into a bracelet. Strung together on a cord, the beads create a gentle rhythm — a flowing interaction of color, sparkle, and motion. The project’s name is intended to reflect this very sensation: the subtle movement of the beads as they move along the strand, their almost dance-like interaction, and the dynamic harmony that emerges when individual forms come together as one.

KINDRED LIGHT by Vicky Roberts

The initial idea for my ‘Stronger Together’ beaded bead was to shape it like a lantern, inspired by the thought that friendship can often show us there is always light in the darkest of times. I fully believe this; without my friends around me, I would not be the person I am today, nor the designer I have grown into. The design will teach the user how to bezel a stone in a setting before joining it with multiple other beads and connection points to create a sturdy shape without the need for a central bead.