Botanical French beading - Bishop's dahlia flower with Holly Parr

Ref: D1D36678

Location: London
£155
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Places available

About this course

Learn how to create delicate Bishop's dahlia flowers using the timeless art of French beading. This 19th-century technique combines stringing glass seed beads, wire wrapping and twisting, and sculpting to create stunning, everlasting blooms to cherish.

Course Description

Gain insight into the lost art of French beading. By learning a combination of techniques, you will create your own everlasting Bishop’s dahlia flower—skills you can apply in the future to design your own stems and arrangements.

This course is suitable for all levels and provides the perfect opportunity to escape reality and immerse yourself in this therapeutic process.

Working with tiny glass seed beads and wire, you will be amazed at how ethereal your finished bloom appears. Despite being a solid, sculptural creation, these glass beaded flowers look soft and delicate, transforming beautifully under different lighting conditions. Patterns will be provided, along with demonstrations and plenty of one-to-one support as you are guided through the creation of your Bishop's dahlia stem.

By the end of the course, you will have completed your single stem design, a timeless piece that will last for years to come.

Course Materials

Included

On this course the tutor will supply all of the materials, including 2mm glass seed beads, fine craft wire, stub wire and floral tape.

What students need to bring

The materials for this course include tiny 2mm glass seed beads. If you wear glasses for close distance activities, please bring them along.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Timetable

Daily Timetable

Course teaching: 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive: 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching: 11am-1pm
Lunch break: 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching: 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm  
 

General Information

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions

Tutors

Holly Parr

Holly graduated from the Central School of Ballet with a BA in Professional Dance and Theatre Studies. Following graduation, she embarked on a colourful career in the theatrical costume industry. During this time Holly stumbled upon French beading, a 19th Century craft that immortalises botanicals, and became completely captivated by the art.  

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Further study options for art craft and design short courses

Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.