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	Additional pages in this section include: - teaching		The Artist
			Since the first person strung the first bead, almost every culture has prized beadwork. Yet information on this glowing part of the world's textile heritage is scattered. That's too bad, because bead work of any sort looks a good deal more complicated than it actually is a few simple techniques are generally sufficient to create even the most complex design. There is a natural affinity between beads and textile techniques; some translating directly. WHY BEADS? Beads are a sensual pleasure to work with, and their intrinsic beauty makes it easy to create objects of beauty Beads are suitable for inclusion in many styles of embroidery. High-quality beads are a lasting, unfading, glowing art material. You can play with glass and not get burned! Beads open a door to adventure, history, romance and art. WHY JOANNE LAESSIG? Joanne has an abundance of the three most valuable teacher's qualities: knowledge, patience and enthusiasm. Her energy and enjoyment of personal expression are infectious. Joanne shares her ideas generously and is flexible in adapting lessons to fit individual needs. She has deep knowledge of the ways of beads, having worked exclusively in the medium since 1988. Her intensive work in embroidery started in 1974. Her work has been seen in numerous juried shows, including four of The Council of American Embroiderers NEEDLE EXPRESSIONS shows, many times in the Cleveland Museum of Art, and in about half of the 50 states. Photos of pieces have been in FIBERARTS and THREADS magazines, and the books CELEBRATING THE STITCH and THE NEW BEADWORK. Joanne has been lecturing and teaching beadwork since 1979, leaving many enthusiastic beaders in her wake. Since 2000 she has been director of the Beaumont Summer Arts Workshop, an intense art experience for middle school girls. Joanne Laessig has spent years studying and teaching beadwork and making beaded art. You'll find her work in books, magazines and displayed in many national exhibitions. return to top