RYPAN DESIGNS is a great source for learning how to beadweave your very own creations following clearly illustrated instructions in contemporary beadwork kits, patterns and books.

Maria Rypan is a designer, artist and publisher of beadwork instruction books and a recognized expert on ‘gerdany’, the Ukrainian-style of beading. She enjoys transforming everything from seed beads to CRYSTALLIZED Swarovski Elements into designs. Her work is featured in many beadwork publications.

Best of all, Maria teaches beadwork classes internationally since 1995 at various shows, retreats, museums, shops and bead societies. Check out the USA and Canadian events for learning opportunities.

In Real Life:

The new year is full of exciting opportunities! Having fun juggling “gerdany” and “pysanky”, preparing visual presentations, arranging gigs in Florida, creating fresh new styles for Spring, brainstorming how to introduce children to beading...

If you’re in Tucson, drop by and see the J.O.G.S. “One of a Kind” Exhibit & Classes at the Tuscon Expo Center from Jan 27 to Feb 7. I’ve sent five pieces for the international exhibit. While there, take advantage of the variety of classes offered or “on demand”.

Toronto UCWLC Museum will be presenting a Pysanky Exhibit at the Ukrainian Canadian Art Foundation from Feb 24 to 29th. There will be pysanky-making workshops for everyone, school kids tours, an extensive Easter Egg exhibit. I will be presenting a visual presentation on “Traditional & Beaded Pysanky” on Sunday. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about a unique Ukrainian folk art by seeing and doing. Everyone welcome!

Folks are asking for specific “how to” instructions about beading ‘pysanky’ eggs. I’m working on it….. Tricky, because eggs come in so many different shapes and sizes…. This type of beading requires creative endings to clear cut beadweaving starts. Stay tuned….

Meanwhile, I suggest to ready my overview with 13 photos about beaded eggs and their challenges in the Spring 2011 of A Needle Pulling Thread, pgs. 90-93. CLICK to order a copy of this beautifully published magazine. See photo at the end of this section for the start of my ANPT article.

The Mar 11th GLBG Bead Bonanza in Southfield, MI, starts off the bead show circuit.

FLORIDA, here I come! Tampa Bead Cafe will be hosting a series of my beading workshops Mar 23 & 24th. There will be a visual presentation and Trunk Show Sunday. CLICK for more details.

I’m going to take the Ukrainian American Club of SW Florida on a tour of the “Ethnographic Regions of Ukraine” and “Gerdany Regions” at their Mar 28th meeting.

The Spring Creativ Festival is Apr 27 & 28th at the International Centre in Toronto. See my NEW kits and patterns at booth #372.

Catch two of three seminars the day you visit the Creativ Festival. I’ll be presenting on “So...You Want to Bead?”, “Colour, A Beader’s Palette” and “Beadwork: Beyond Stringing”. These are 45 min and included in the admission. I’m busy developing Kid’s Kits to introduce children to beading. Had a fabulous beading session with a family of four girls this past weekend. You’ll need to register your child for a Creativ Festival FREE Make and Take for Children on the __:30 at my booth #372.

“Beader’s Palette” by Jan Hurling

See RYPAN DESIGNS kits at www.crafterscupboard.com in Guelph, ON.

Toronto Bead Society Bead Fair will be May 5 & 6th in the Appel Salon, 2nd floor of the Toronto Reference Library.

Bead & Button Show is already registering for classes! Yikes… I’ll be at the Marketplace from June 7 preview to Sun, 10th in my usual booth #933.

On line:

Check my Catalogue for latest beadwork styles in kits and patterns. “Buy 4, get ONE* FREE” SPECIAL (*lowest price item, books excepted) applies at shows and on-line.

Visit www.buythekit.com for some of my kits.

Visit the Gallery and be inspired! See Maria's own Gallery, Student's work & Wedding stories complete with photos and kit references. Enjoy the eye candy and stories.

Peruse my Portfolio of projects, published articles, and what’s happening in the press.

Learn about therapeutic beading and how beadweaving “saved” Ellen Long's life. Then read Dorothy’s story from South Africa about beading’s positive results.

Available Presentations & Workshops: “Loomwork: Step-by-Step Medallions”, a visual show of how three different styles of loomweaving are created. Best way to learn is to book a Loomwork Series with custom-made wooden looms and choice of four RD Medallion and Swag Patterns.

“Beadwork: THE Most Versatile Art Form”, the newest inspirational seminar launched at the Creativ Festival, is ready for show & tell elsewhere. Would love to hear from you!

“Embellishing your World: Beading and Surface Designs” can change your world.

“Tour of Gerdany Regions of Ukraine” comes with a companion “Ethnographic Regions” travelogue which gives a wonderful overview of Ukraine. I found it gives greater appreciation for the beadwork featured in the “Gerdany Beadwork Tour”.

“Contemporary Beadwork in Ukraine II”, and my first slide show about beadwork in Ukraine are available for booking for bead societies or community events.

CLICK on Presentations for more details. I come ready to teach beadweaving or loomwork.

Photo Album of the “White Aster of Love” Book Project (1989 to 1992 and beyond)” is about a unique embroidery and poetry project by dissident Iryna Senyk and a Women’s League in Toronto. Truly inspirational and ready to show anywhere.

See Events/USA or Canada for full details of shows I’ll be participating in. The Bead Show circuit starts March 11th with GLBG’s Bead Bonanaza..

Happy beading,
Maria

Beaded “Pysanky” Eggs by Maria Rypan A Needle Pulling Thread Spring 2011 pgs. 90-93; 13 photos