Beaded Blooms with Holly Parr

Location: Hand & Lock School for Embroidery & Creative Arts, 86 Margaret Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1W 8TE
Duration: 5 Day Workshop (10am - 4:30pm each day) 

As spring erupts we find ‘Hope in New Life’, young, fresh colours greet us and Daffodils lift our spirits. Over our week’s exploration of the lost art of Venetian Glass Flower Art, better known as French Beading, we will experiment with spring designs: Daffodils, Bluebells, Lily of the Valley and Tulips.

Tutor, Holly Parr, will lead lessons, offering demonstrations and careful one to one support throughout. With taught patterns being provided for your future use. This course is suitable for all levels and is the perfect opportunity to escape reality and get lost in the therapeutic process.

Working with glass beads and wire you will be amazed by how ethereal your finished blooms appear. Despite being solid, sculptural creations, these glass beaded flowers appear soft and delicate, transforming under differing lighting states. By the end of the course you will have completed your collection of Spring stems that will last the test of time.

• Please check your email address is correct before ordering.
  

• Please read all of the course description information above and the “How the Course Works” information below before booking.
  

• All courses are non-refundable. If you cannot attend, please let us know as soon as possible and we will try to move you to another course.
  
  If you have any questions, please check our FAQs page here.

The lost art of glass beaded flowers, also known as French Beading, is a historic craft that has seen waves of popularity. It originated in Venice, Italy, where it was known as Venetian Glass Flowers, and was later brought to Paris by a pair of Venetian sisters. From there, the craft spread across Europe.

French Beading was often practised by women as a way to earn a little money and to decorate their homes. At one point, patterns were even featured in popular books and magazines. In the Victorian era, French Beading became linked with memorials, as many floral arrangements were made to mark the passing of a loved one. The craft declined with the onset of World War One but is now enjoying a revival.

With beads available in almost every colour, it’s possible to create stunning flowers at any time of year. As in its original form, nature is the main inspiration. Holly’s practice involves growing and studying flowers in her garden, observing them through their life cycles to capture their character and detail as accurately as possible.

Through stringing thousands of 2mm glass seed beads onto fine craft wire, with a combination of twists and wraps, Holly designs and creates exquisite forever flowers to treasure. Over the course you will learn the following techniques:

• Stringing

• Continuous loops

• Basic frame

• Bracing

• Scalloping

• Wrapping

You will be given a full course kit with everything you need to take part. All materials and tools are provided, so you only need to bring yourself.

If you would prefer, you are welcome to bring your own mug for refreshments and your own drawing materials. This is entirely optional and not required for the course.

Holly Parr is a self-taught botanical artist specialising in sculptural designs using the historic art of Venetian Glass Flowers, also known as French Beading. Considered a lost craft by many, Holly is working with Heritage Crafts and West Dean College to secure its place on the Red List for Endangered Crafts.

Her designs are made from 2mm glass seed beads and 0.5mm fine jewellery wire, constructed through a series of twist wraps and weaves. While historic techniques form the foundation of her work, Holly combines careful botanical study with pattern drafting skills from her previous career in costume design to create more naturalistic results.

French Beading is a heritage craft with a long history. Popular with the Victorians, it almost disappeared during World War One. Holly’s aim is to bring it back for a modern audience. Her work is inspired by nature, colour theory and the language of flowers, with themes of emotion, mental wellbeing and communication reflected in each design.

Holly exhibits and teaches nationally and internationally, and her work has been praised for its positive impact. She is based in Essex with her young family and holds membership and representation with organisations including the Society of Designer Craftsmen, Heritage Crafts, Homofaber, Design Nation and the Crafts Council.

To view more of Holly’s work please visit her website: www.beadedblooms.co.uk and her Instagram: @beadedblooms