Get to Know…
Alexandra Sydorenko
Specialty - Bead Embroidery
Born and raised in Ukraine, Alexandra discovered beadwork at an early age. When she was about six, she saw a stunning beaded herdan—a traditional Ukrainian necklace, typically woven from tiny seed beads into intricate geometric patterns, often long and ribbon-like, sometimes with a central pendant—made by her great-grandmother, Anastasia. Captivated, Alexandra knew she wanted to learn to create this kind of jewelry herself.
More than fifteen years ago, a series of unexpected life events led Alexandra to begin combining beads, leather, and semiprecious gemstones in her work. This creative turning point felt nothing short of miraculous. Just one year later, she entered her first beading competition and, to her amazement, the very first piece she submitted won. Since then, Alexandra has earned numerous national and international awards and has been featured in magazines across the United States, Ukraine, Britain, and Germany. Her jewelry has appeared on the runway, several of her necklace designs were exhibited for a year at the TOHO Museum, and two of her pieces were featured in Creative Beading, Volumes 9 and 10.
Alexandra is often asked where she gets her “inspiration for a particular piece?” While initially the answer seemed simply nature, over time she realized that her creative spark comes from multiple places, such as music, architecture, the colors found in famous paintings, emotions, and especially the unique beauty of the cabochons she works with. She describes her inspiration as the “manifestation of life in all its various forms.”
Alexandra is deeply committed to using the highest quality materials in her work. Although some of her combinations may seem unusual or unexpected, she carefully blends shapes, colors, and textures to best express her artistic vision. Her work incorporates seed beads, fine semiprecious stones, Swarovski crystals, leather, silks, soutache, gold and silver wire, hand-painted cabochons, and many other materials. She remains open-minded in her approach, always eager to experiment with new supplies and incorporate techniques from other crafts she has explored.
Today, Alexandra teaches beading classes throughout the United States at bead shops, bead shows, on Zoom, and occasionally at international events.
Alexandra’s Creative Portfolio
Alexandra’s Available Workshops
Alexandra’s Future Workshop Dates
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Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas) Live Virtual Zoom Workshop November 21, 2026, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM EST
“It’s the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas day.” Santa brings the Aloha holiday spirit to you, surfing straight from his tropical Christmas vacation with good tidings and cheer. Inspired by the joy of sipping holiday drinks to live music at a Florida tiki bar, this project centers a natural spiny jewel box shell, ethically hand-collected at St Pete Beach by Alexandra’s daughter. Santa’s surfboard features the iconic plumeria flowers that instantly transport you to the tropics.
This project is also a nod to beloved beader and dear friend to many, the late Lynda Horsman, whose favorite expression, “Merry Christmas,” has been in our minds and hearts since her passing last November.
This brooch/pendant kit includes a stretchy cord that can be easily converted into a Christmas tree ornament. Size: 3.5" long by 2.5" high.
When, Where & Price
Date: August 2, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST
Location: Zoom
Price: $95 + $98 for Required Kit
Project Details / Techniques Covered:
During this immersive 6-hour workshop, Alexandra will guide students through a variety of elegant bead embroidery and bead weaving techniques designed to create movement, depth, and layered dimension
Bead embroidery,
Embroidery with French wire,
How to incorporate real seashells in design, and more.
Skill Level
All Levels
Kit Information
Required Kit: $98 + shipping
Available for purchase directly from the instructor and includes curated materials for the full project
At least 4 colorways will be available.
Student Supplies/Requirements
To participate, you will need:
A desktop, laptop, or tablet
The Zoom application (available for Windows, Apple, or Android)
A reliable internet connection
Zoom access details will be emailed the week of the workshop after registration is complete.
Note: Enrollment is confirmed upon receipt of payment. All payments are final and non-refundable, except in the event that SocialBeadia cancels the class, in which case a full refund will be issued.
If you are unable to attend for any reason, you may transfer your enrollment to another individual— provided you arrange the transfer and notify SocialBeadia in advance of the class. Should you choose not to transfer your seat, you will still receive all instructional materials included with your registration, along with the option to purchase a kit, subject to availability.
Please note that once instructional materials have been delivered, refunds, credits, or exchanges are not available.
Thank you for supporting SocialBeadia and our community of artists. For any questions, please contact info@socialbeadia.com.