Native American Arts: Navajo Embroidery Beaded Medallion

Venture into the creative art of embroidery beadwork. This free-form style of beadwork allows you to design complex shapes and patterns using the two needle beaded appliqué technique.

Begin by creating a design for your medallion neckpiece, and then start beading! Half of each class will be used to present concepts of embroidery beading and the second half will be one-on-one time with the instructor. You will continue working on your project independently between classes. Finally, you will learn finishing and embellishment techniques to complete your creation.

Beginning Saturday, October 31, your class will meet four consecutive Saturdays, with an optional culmination reunion class on November 28. The class Padlet resource board will serve as an online hub for tutorial videos, supplemental resources, progress photos, and discussion for you and your classmates. Share your work in progress and invite feedback from your new art collective!

Weekly Class Schedule

• Saturdays from 10 am – 2 pm PDT/PST
• 10am – 12 pm PDT/PST – Lecture and demos
• 12-2 pm PDT/PST – One-on-one meetings with instructo

Find the full schedule here.

Meet Your Faculty

Jennifer Ben (Diné) is from Shiprock, NM and is a student at both Arizona State University and Mesa Community College studying Music – Cello. Jennifer has worked extensively as an artist in residence and demonstrator at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, AZ, and has participated in the Heard Museum Indian Fair and Market as well as the Heard Museum’s Master Artist Workshop Series. Her work reflects her various passions, including music, food sovereignty, traditional farming methodologies, and Diné philosophy, as well as taking inspiration from master artists around the world. Jennifer has spent many summers of her youth studying music and other diverse artforms at Idyllwild Arts. The community of Idyllwild is close to her heart and she is enthusiastic to share her artistic expression and creativity.

What You Will Need

• Good internet connection 
• Any electronic device that has access to the internet (phone, tablet, computer, iPod, etc.) 
• Make sure your device is charged before class begins!
• Blank printer paper (8.5”x11”) 
• Scissors 
• Lamp/strong light source 
• Iron to secure Pellon backing 
• Reading glasses (if needed)
• Fabric Markers

If you have never used Zoom, check out this Zoom tutorial.

Lab Fee Kit Includes…

• Size 11 Czech glass beads
• Leather (8.5×11”)
• Pellon 805 Wonder Under paper-backed fusible web
• Pony size 10-12 sewing needle pack
• E6000 adhesive         
• Flat rate shipping