In Western Ukraine, crafting is a tradition that’s been key to making life more beautiful and keeping up with friends, particularly during the cold months of winter. One of the oldest of these crafts is beadwork, which has roots in Kyivan Rus (9th-13th century) and flourished across the general population in the 18th century. Ukrainian beadweaving uses geometric and floral motifs to create intricate necklaces called silyanky or gerdany, which are worn as a colorful complement to folk dress and contemporary clothing alike. In this course, students will learn to warp a bead loom from Ukraine, use Czech seed beads to weave traditional patterns, add bead lace to their creations, and finish their work with braids and tassels. By the end, students will be familiar with Ukrainian beadwork and will take home their own woven bracelet and silyanka based on historical patterns from the Ivano-Frankivsk region.

Skill/experience details: Fine motor skills to handle very small beads and thread needles.

Physical ability notes: Beads and threads are small, so participants with limited vision are advised to bring reading glasses and/or a craft magnifier/magnifying lamp for fine work.

Required Tools

• All required tools will be provided

Optional Tools

• Magnifying lamp or reading glasses, if needed
• Decorative thread (like crochet thread or a similar size) for selvedges