"Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist." Pablo Picasso

Designing and bead engineering is a process. To fully master any process and to be able to design “outside the box,” engineering something new one needs to fully understand the process. Nancy Cain’s Master Class 2025, “Engineering Vessels,” explores the process of peyote stitch which inherently lends itself to sculpturing techniques.

Through an in-depth exploration and study on the process of techniques within Peyote stitch, you will experience and gain an understanding of three-dimensional bead engineering. By understanding the concepts, you are then able to explore and execute original complex three-dimensional designs.

Nancy will guide you through the often-emotional process of design with a solid foundation in strength and construction. Design and create your unique hollow Dream Vessel pendant or objet d’art utilizing single or multiple engineering techniques of flat, tubular, and circular peyote. This Master Class program will give you the tools, techniques, skills, and confidence to delve into your own imagination to design and to create virtually any three-dimensional shape you desire.

Each student receives in-depth reference handouts, in the form of a notebook, that define and illustrate various technical and mechanical increases/decreases, shaping in round, angular or a combination with hinges, lids, windows, or surface embellishments for their own Dream Vessel.

Who should take this class? Advanced beaders who are proficient in peyote stitch and have an interest in designing three-dimensional shapes and advancing their technical proficiency. This class will focus on designing and engineering shapes. Although the class will discuss and explore the nuance of the basics this is not a basic peyote class.