Celestial Paradise

Monday, 17 November 2025 - Sunday, 23 November 2025

Bird Of Paradise

The Inspiration

It's so amazing when casually sitting round a table in a fab little independent Cafe in the heart of Hitchin on Monday morning after you've just had a fab Bead Sparks week and your friend says "So what flower do you think you'll do for next year" and don't ask me why but Bird Of Paradise popped into my head and immediately Jean replied "I can see a vessel to fit that" and the combined project was born!

Bird Of Paradise
The first time I saw a Bird of Paradise flower (in the wild) was on a family holiday to Tenerife. I was only in my early teens at the time but I remember marvelling at the sheer size, shape and how exotic looking it is.
I seem to like giving myself challenges when choosing a new flower to design and this was no different.
It's so important for me to get the shape right otherwise you fall at the first hurdle and to be honest that's what takes the time, then it's how to achieve it!
After trying out many different combinations of stitches and beads I finally arrived at the shape and texture I wanted and looked most life like.

Skill Level: & Stitches

  • Intermediate to Advanced
  • Participants must be comfortable with Peyote & Brick Stitch and small beads

Requirements
A full requirements list for the project will be sent nearer the date (once full payment has been received) but the general requirements are:

  • Size 11 & 15 Cylinder beads
  • Beading wire
  • KO beading thread & needles

Scroll down to read more about Stephanie

Stephanie Burnham

Stephanie Burnham is a jewellery designer and tutor with over 20 years experience.

Colour, texture and the beads themselves are what drive the creative elements of her work.

Having taught extensively in the UK, Europe and Japan, Stephanie has also written several books on jewellery making, worked on live TV and produced several "how to" videos.

You can see more of her work at www.stephanieburnhamdesigns.com