Class & Schedule

Bead Embroidery Class

JEC looks forward to Bead Class 2009, August 4-15, with Ms. Reiko Matsukawa again returning to the JEC classroom to lead instruction. Registration is now open, so please download our class application below if you are interested in attending. Scroll down to see class schedule and information on the new Special Project 2009 to be taught at the class. We hope you will be beading with us this summer!

At the Japanese Embroidery Center we offer, in addition to instruction in traditional Japanese embroidery, classes in the fine art of Japanese Bead Embroidery.

Japanese Bead Embroidery is the integration of beads into Japanese embroidery design and techniques. Japanese beadwork traces its origins to the Meiji period in Japan (1868-1912). The influence of Western tastes and fashions on Meiji society brought about an application of Japanese beadwork to traditional Western accoutrements, producing such highly popular accessories as the beaded handbag. The 20th century witnessed a global embracing of the craft, with top Western fashion houses selling the finest silk, lace, velvet and rich brocades enhanced by Japanese bead workers. The exportation of the traditions of Kurenai-Kai (school founded in pre-World War II Japan by the late Master Saito) to America in the last two decades by Reiko Matsukawa of Japan has brought to JEC in Atlanta the finest in bead embroidery instruction.

As in our other classes, JEC's beadwork classes are divided into phases of technical and artistic advancement

Instructor of Japanese bead embroidery

Text book for Japanese bead embroidery

To see photo images of bead projects, click links below:

In the course of beadwork classes, students will enjoy close instruction under Ms. Matsukawa in developing their beading skills to the fullest potential.


2012 Japanese Bead Embroidery Schedule

Ms. Reiko Matsukawa, highly-respected Japanese beading teacher, is returning to Atlanta in April 2012. The special project this time is this elegant cushion, Exotic Elegance. Besides our regular glass seed beads, she chose to use real gold beads and rare crystal beads that she has found in Japan. Don’t miss this precious opportunity! The classes are: