For all workshops, if you need spectacles for reading, sewing etc, bring them. Some workshops use very small beads! A pair of small scissors may also be useful.
Materials will be provided by the workshop facilitator. Participants in workshop #1 (Marsha Bol) are invited to bring some of their own beads or beadwork for display; please identify all these items with clear, firmly attached name labels.
Marsha Bol from the USA, an expert in the field, will show us the best ways of highlighting our treasured beads. Bring along a few of your best-loved pieces of beadwork or bead jewelry – and don’t forget to label each piece with your name!
Dora Jok from Sarawak and Siti Musrikah from adjacent Indonesian Kalimantan will teach the common beadworking skills of Borneo. Orang Ulu beadwork is a good starting point for beginners.
Christopher Lim Zamora from the Philippines is a fashion designer, and he has seriously studied the richly bead-embroidered garments of the Davao region. We will learn how to make one small item in this technique.
Margaret Chan from Sarawak has studied the agronomy of sago culture — in the spirit of recycling, she will teach how to make beads from sago processing residue. Nothing is wasted!
Niyati Kukadia and Sonal Mehta from India will teach us how to create a small sample of the figured beadwork which the nomadic people of Gujerat are famous for.
Mone, a Katu lady from Laos, will demonstrate bead-weft work close up. Participants may be allowed to take turns at the backstrap loom – please be very careful with the intricate, delicate equipment and work!
Ritu Seth from India spoke on intellectual property rights of indigenous designs at the BIBCO conference. This Round-table session allows ethnic community associations or interested persons to voice their views, and seek guidance from an acknowledged expert in the field.
Three recognized bead scholars, Thomas Chung from Sarawak; Alok Kumar from India and Torben Sode from Denmark will examine your treasures and give you an expert opinion. They are in the foyer for two hours each afternoon; this is a ‘walk-in walk-out kind of workshop
Floor Kaspers from the Netherlands ran a splendid workshop at BIBCO 2017 – this year will be even better! She mostly uses very fine beads for her work, so bring your specs!
‘A Beaded Butterfly’. Ana, a Rungus lady from Sabah, will teach an old technique in a new application. Once learnt, participants may create other insects or fancy shapes of their own invention.
Pam Annesley from Australia taught her magical craft at BIBCO 2017. Her ‘followers’ will be sure to join the workshop to produce a silver clay textured pendant and matching earrings. Some previous experience with clays is an advantage.
Elaine Robnett Moore, an internationally renowned bead and jewelry artist, will teach us to make a uniquely personal pair of silver wire and bead earrings.
Florence Wee, an experienced bead-maker and designer now living in Australia, will teach us to construct an elegant necklace with art glass beads cascading from a basic chain. Two small pliers per person (shared by two) are required for this workshop: one flat, the other pointed.
Eleanor Lux from the USA will introduce us to a beading technique of the First Nation Americans, formerly used to cover gourds . Her BIBCO project will be a ‘bead ball’ which can be attached to a necklace, a bracelet, an anklet…
Expert Iban ladies from Sarawak teaches us to make a modern version of a traditional neck-piece, the Iban Bead Collar
Expert Orang Ulu ladies from the Central Borneo region of Sarawak will teach us to make the decorative frontal ‘bobble’ that embellishes the value-bead necklaces of their people.
Who said beads are for ladies only? Dickson Kodek Noyen from Sarawak has adapted the massive Warrior’s Neckpiece of animal claws, shells and ancient beads to a modern use. He will teach fashioning an elegant anklet (or bracelet) based on the old design. No animal parts will be used, of course – we have our ways!
Lucille Awen Jon, a WCC-recognized Bidayuh artist, will teach us to make the Bidayuh Jagoi Ladies’ necklace in the traditional colours. This ornament was formerly worn by priestesses.
An experienced beader from Sarawak, Lucille Awen Jon, will teach us how to make multi-coloured beads from durable polymer clay. Bring a small blunt knife, or modeling tools if you like to use them
Miss Kiew and her skilled group of young artisans will teach making beads and small items from rolled and folded paper — recycling chic!
21 Sarawak Craft Council: to be announced
22 Kraftangan Malaysia: to be announced
Note: some of the workshop details are yet to be confirmed. Keep an eye on our web site, www.crafthub.com.my, and our facebook page.