Catriona teaches eager students the fine art of bead embroidery and beadweaving. Classes are run in person and online via zoom, giving her students a creative outlet and a way to pause from their busy lives. They range in difficulty from absolute beginner to advanced masterclasses.  After a class with Catriona Starpins, students can wear their creations with pride letting others know where they learnt such wonderful beading skills.

2026 Winter Workshops with the Bead Society of Victoria

Virtual” Winter Workshop Weekend-Gatsby Glow Pendant with Catriona Starpins-Saturday 27th June 9am – 4pm

Description

This is a member only event – prior to booking into this workshop go to The Membership Page of the BSV and click on ‘join us’

Virtual Winter Workshop Weekend

Full day class 9am to 4pm with a 1 hour break.

Instructor: Catriona Starpins

Project name:  Gatsby Glow Pendant

Description: A Three-Dimensional Layered, Art Deco Inspired Bead Embroidery Pendant. Discover the art of dimensional bead embroidery as you create your own stunning 3D Gatsby Glow Pendant! In this class, you will learn expert layering techniques to bring your beadwork to life with depth and dimension. Inspired by the bold outlines and vibrant colours of traditional tattoos, designer Catriona Starpins will guide you through the intricate details of beading each layer. What You will Learn: How to create 3D effects in bead embroidery, layering techniques for depth and dimension, how to bezel the centre component, Back stitching and couching bead embroidery techniques, finishing your piece including the odd count peyote bail and backing and edging your work.

Skill Level: Some knowledge of bead embroidery, bezelling a cabochon and odd count peyote.

Students should also bring the following supplies to class.

• Beading Thread Fireline is the best for this project
• Beading Needles, Straw size 11 is an excellent choice for this project.
• E6000 glue
• Lighter for burning knots on the end of the thread and making fireline joins
• Thread Burner for cutting and burning ends of thread off
• Sharp scissors for trimming thread
• Beading Mat/tray, I like the soft fuzzy foam ones
• Good Beading Light and Magnification if required

Past Events

KERRIE EARRINGS 

This workshop is now available as a paid tutorial 

Join Catriona for an exciting workshop where you'll have the opportunity to create your own stunning sparkly stud earrings. The workshop will focus on creating the Kerrie earrings using peyote bezelling techniques and bead embroidery, incorporating various sizes of seed beads and pearls. One of the highlights of this class is learning a unique method to capture an 8mm chaton, adding dimension to your earrings.

The Kerrie earrings are designed to be lightweight, making them perfect for everyday wear. They also serve as wonderful gifts for your loved ones. While it may not be possible to complete the entire project during the class, Catriona will demonstrate all the techniques required throughout the workshop. Additionally, you'll receive a photographic tutorial that will guide you in finishing the earrings at your own pace and convenience.

By joining this workshop, you'll have the opportunity to learn from Catriona's expertise and explore the art of bead embroidery and bead weaving while creating a beautiful and unique pair of stud earrings.

Bead Society Of Victoria WINTER WORKSHOPS - IOLANTHE BRACELET

Now available as a kit

Catriona was inspired by Iolanthe, the Opera’s Queen of the Fairies to create this magical cuff.  Come along and make your own Iolanthe bead embroidered cuff bracelet.  Students will use Shibori Silk and a combination of Japanese and Czech Glass beads to embellish the folds of the fabric.  Students will learn to drape the shibori silk in a pleasing way before embellishing with crystal rivolis, chatons and glass beads. 

This project will not be able to be completed in the class, however all techniques will be demonstrated throughout the workshop and a photographic tutorial will be supplied to help students to finish in their own time.

Make your own Shibori Silk with Margaret Mueller on day one of the Winter retreat and then learn how to use the silk on day two with Catriona Starpins and/or Meg Thompson.

Past Events

Catriona enjoyed teaching "Empress Pendant" at the Melbourne Bead Retreat in January 2023.  This event is run by The Bead Society of Victoria.  The "Empress Pendant" is currently not scheduled for future classes, however join my mailing list and if enough people are interested we will run a second session of the class.  Simply send me an email to register your interest in this class.

Join our mailing list to be the first to hear about classes both in person and via zoom.