MARY BALDASANO / SPECIAL TO THE PVT Bead work by Bonnie Cristi and others was displayed at the Pahrump Museum. Advertisement

The High Desert Beaders were hosted by the Pahrump Museum on Saturday. The gathering was sponsored by the Pahrump Arts Council to educate the public on the type of talent and skills available in the valley.

Bonnie Cristi, Katreen Romanoff, and Lynn McDonald displayed the efforts of their talents and took the time to explain to visitors how 'simple' it is to make various products. The group meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2740 W. Gamebird Road.

The group also offers free classes. It's a venue where ladies (gents are invited), can get together and work on a hobby while socializing and getting to know one another. The classes include instruction on what to look for in quality beads vs. the inexpensive ones sold in department stores that are made in China and other countries.

They teach how to make polymer clay beads which require time to make and are special in nature.

Cristi explained, "I use German and Czechoslovakian beads, as well as the polymer clay ones that I make, to do my beadwork. In making my beads, the color pink is the hardest to achieve. There is no way to tell if you will achieve pink."

Cristi also said the type of beads she uses can't be bought in stores, which as a rule sell only mass-produced products. Quality beads require more money than those that are mass produced, which is why some true beaders are being run out of business.

"Quality beads last longer, use real wire for stringing, and don't fade or fall apart. They are truly estate quality," said Cristi. Romanoff added, "The shells I use are of better quality than those sold in Hawaii, as they also sell mass-produced, cheap shells from eastern countries."

One necklace made by Romanoff was impressive because it could be worn as a double strand, or up to four strands that could be twisted into a choker. Romanoff also does mosaic tile and carved shell products that must be seen to be appreciated.

McDonald shared her work of doing "red embroidery," a special type of embroidery that is worked using only the color red. The patterns are complex and are not something that can be finished quickly.

Cristi and Romanoff find inspiration in many places. Some are Native American inspired, some are Egyptian, English, Italian and more.

The classes are also designed for most ages, except the very young. If interested, call Bonnie Cristi at 751-8896, or Katreen Romanoff at 751-9909.

Renee Durkin and husband Tom were also part of the show with Native American-inspired products. Durkin said, "I only use artificial sinew as real sinew would decay without proper care."

It is believed that the crystals she uses are good for maintaining focus. Her dream-catchers are original handmade items.

The legend of the dream-catcher states that good dreams know the way through the web or slide off the feather and escape, but bad dreams are caught in the web which prevents them from coming true.

Durkin does hold classes, but charges for the materials to be used by the individual for their project. She is of Creek and Cherokee heritage. If interested in her classes, Durkin can be reached at 775-751-8465.