Beadwork: From Beads to Business is a beginner-friendly STEAMELA course introducing learners to the creative, cultural, technical and entrepreneurial world of beadwork.

The course takes learners from understanding what beads and beadwork are, through basic techniques and pattern creation, to cultural appreciation, product development and entrepreneurship.

Learners will explore different types of beads, tools, threads and materials while developing practical skills in measuring, counting, pattern recognition, stitching and design.

The course also introduces the rich heritage of African beadwork and encourages learners to understand beadwork not merely as decoration, but as a form of art, communication, identity, mathematics and storytelling.

By the end of the course, learners will have created their own beadwork products and will understand how a creative skill can potentially become a small business.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

By completing this course, you will be able to:

• Explain what beadwork is.
• Identify different types of beads and materials.
• Use basic beadwork tools safely.
• Measure and count beads accurately.
• Create simple patterns.
• Perform basic beadwork stitches.
• Create bracelets, necklaces and other accessories.
• Understand the cultural significance of beadwork.
• Develop original beadwork designs.
• Calculate the cost of materials.
• Set a selling price.
• Package and present beadwork products.
• Develop a basic beadwork business idea.