Workshop on Beaded Christmas Ornaments taking place in Newark Valley

On July 15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Folk Art Series: Beaded Christmas Ornament will be presented at the Bement Billings Farmstead Museum in Newark Valley.

Guests will create historic beaded netting for iridescent “Ball Gown”. The cost is $30 for Newark Valley Historical Society members or $25 for non-members. Material will be provided and scholarships are available. Register by June 28 by calling Leslie at 642-5412. 

The craft of beaded netting dates back at least as far as Ancient Egypt. It was used to construct elaborate beaded collars, headdresses, and even gowns or overdresses. 

Because of the manner of construction, few intact pieces have been found as the stringing materials have disintegrated over time. A few pieces have been found, situated in such a way that they could be reconstructed. The beads were still lying in the original stringing pattern, which was discernible to the practiced eye of a beading master. Pinterest has many pictures of the reconstructions.   

Some aboriginal cultures would string beaded netting around a dried gourd to make a whispering rattle for ceremonial and / or dance use.   

Bead netting is not a difficult craft to learn and offers many possibilities for embellishment. The “Ball Gown” being taught in the class is a very basic example, which can be “dressed up” in many ways. Once learned, let your imagination be your guide.   

This series is provided by Newark Valley Historical Society. Visit nvhistory.org to learn more.