‘Victorian Hanging Ornament’ Workshop at the Bement Billings Museum

The Newark Valley Historical Society is hosting a folk art workshop by SuZ McManus in making a Victorian Hanging Ornament on Saturday, Aug. 18, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Bement Billings Museum, located on Route 38 in Newark Valley. All materials are provided.  

The cost of the class is $25 for historical society members and $30 for non-members. To register for this class, call Leslie at (607) 642-5412 by Aug. 8. 

It seems the ladies of the Victorian era during the middle of the 1800’s were obsessed with beading. Anything and everything they possibly could bead, they beaded. Everything from hatpins to shoes were to be beaded. That included hats, collars and cuffs, lapels, bodices, peplums, jacket hems, skirt hems, under garments, shoes, and slippers. 

Many a formal gown was completely beaded or at least had a beaded bodice or train, either of which would weigh 20 pounds or more. Not to mention the jewelry to be worn with the clothing, coronets and hair ornaments, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces of all types.

Even household objects did not escape the beading frenzy. Lampshades, candle holders, pictures for the walls, decorative bowls, everlasting beaded flowers, doilies, pillows, and curtains. Everything and anything you could think of, the Victorian ladies beaded.

In SuZ’s workshop, participants will make Ball Gownz, a beaded overlay for Christmas ornaments and/or sun catchers. As you can see from the photo, they are quite lovely and they will fill a room with rainbows if hung in a sunny window. They are much easier to make than they look and the classes are fun. 

For more information, visit www.nvhistory.org.