Several times a year, as part of EGA’s Extended Study Program, members get to visit and enjoy beautiful locations around the world as they participate in classes, textile tours and more. This past weekend, many of our members headed to New Orleans to take part in our “Comfort Zone Cubic Right Angle with Marcia DeCoster” ESP. While in the Big Easy, they got to learn new stitches from Marcia who’s a master of all forms of cubic right angle weave, tour the city including sites for beads and Mardi Gras costuming.
To give you an idea of what ESPs are like, take a look at what members who participated in this Extended Study Program had to say about their experience:
“I learned to do a new stitch – CRAW – and spent four wonderful days with Marcia DeCoster learning more CRAW techniques during EGA’s recent Extended Study Program in New Orleans. For those who are unfamiliar with CRAW, it is an off-loom beading stitch doing Cubic Right Angle Weave. In the workshop, I learned to make ropes; turn corners; make magnet casings and set the magnets in the casings; split cubes; join split cubes; make X and Y connectors; make focal connectors; and many other techniques. Then, I designed my own necklace using what I had learned. I literally did the CRAW morning, noon and night for the five days we were in New Orleans.” –Barbara Harrison, EGA member from our Sand Dunes Chapter in Florida
“This program just made my fondest dreams come true April 8 to April 14, 2018. Wow! What better place to have my favorite international beading teacher and my favorite location come together for a wonder filled, magnificent learning experience than New Orleans, Louisiana with Marcia DeCoster and her Designs for Cubic Right Angle Weave Bohemian elements. As always in my experience, Marcia DeCoster provided a learning experience that pushed both the beginner and experienced out of their ordinary stitching into creating mini works of art.
The ESP program team put together an event that let the great times roll. Everything was well planned by Marie Campbell and her ESP team. The Wednesday event brought us closer to a truly magnificent Bead Embroidery and costume design artist-a treasure to the Marci Gras Courts.
All comforts and gustatory-delights were anticipated and provided in a perfect manner by our host hotel: The Troubadour, a Hilton property in New Orleans. Even the Weather in New Orleans cooperated until the last day. New Orleans were hot and humid are almost synonymous was delightfully cool and dry, colorful and architecturally rich and delicious.
Thank you for allowing me to come back to my childhood home in an adult manner. I’m glad I signed up and would do the EGA ESP again, and again. And, Thank you for this wonderful learning and experimental opportunity.” – Sarah Langston, EGA Member-at-Large
“Returned a short while ago from an ESP class with Marcia De Coster in New Orleans. In full disclosure, New Orleans is where I grew up and consider home, so no matter what I was doing, I was going to love it.
And sure enough, Marcia’s class in cubic right angle weave was spectacular.One of the most wonderful things about an ESP is that you are totally immersed in a specific technique or skill and yet your individual work can be so different from your neighbor.
ESP’s are normally held in fun locations and there is usually a off day for exploring your surroundings OR just working on your design. And ESP’s are also usually known for their sharing. We seem to spend much time talking, positively critiquing, and brainstorming – a really positive educational experience.” – Julie Anderson, EGA member from our Low Country Chapter in South Carolina
“This is my second ESP. Both have been beading workshops taught by fabulous teachers. The opportunity to work under the tutelage of a skilled teacher for an extended period of time is such joy. This allows the student time to work through the steps required to master the technique. It feeds the creative soul in a relaxed atmosphere and inspires achievement and a wonderful sense of accomplishment. I would highly recommend that everyone seize the opportunity to attend an Extended Study Program in the technique of their choice.” – Gaye Smith, EGA Member from our Louisiana Lagniappe Chapter
