The last post I wrote was on notes from Convergence and my first workshop on weaving with beads and wire.

The next class I participated in was a one-day class taught by Bea Bonanno. I met Bea about 5 years ago when our Kansas Tapestry Group had our first meeting at the Yarn Barn, where Bea was working at the time. I don’t remember if it was then- or later - that she shared her work with us and my curiosity was instantly piqued. When I saw her class listed for Convergence, I jumped at the chance to take it. And discovered first-hand that Bea is another great teacher! Her enthusiasm and energy were infectious!

This class was titled “Translucent Tapestries Using Supplemental Wefts.” The illusion of translucency (or transparency) bug actually bit me quite some time ago, but I’m mostly interested in the effect of transparencies with weft bundling. However, I had a feeling Bea’s take on it would be a fun one. And it was. There were more familiar faces in this class, too…Lyn and Jodi… Plus quite a few from the previous class. Shout out to Vicki, Fannie and Christine! We did have fun, didn’t we? Playing with materials all week!

Bea brought a lot of finished pieces to show- scanning a period of years I would guess. I loved seeing up close how she used the various materials.

I always wish I’d taken more photos, better photos, but this is what I have. The images above - of Bea and some of her work.

Below, some snapshots of work from those attending.

And here’s what I came up with. Kind of a hot mess, yes? But, like I said, it sure was fun! And I can see the potential in this technique. It just might crop up, albeit in small areas, in a tapestry one day soon.

Bea’s instagram has lots of eye candy to sort through, but there’s even more on her website, with great detail and process shots. You can get a better idea of the true translucency in her images.

Weaving In Bea Bonanno Style