Teaching & Outreach
Million Bead Project
What does one million look like? How about a trillion? Why should we even care?
The first Million Bead Project was a collaboration between artist Jeanne Leffingwell and 22 schools and learning groups in Idaho and the Northwest. For more than two years, over 2400 students designed, beaded and kept track of their progress on the way to weaving one million beads. This unprecedented project helped students consider our place in an increasingly complex world where large numbers bombard us from everywhere, yet most of us have little concept of what they actually mean.
The collective efforts, in the form of one interconnected and fascinating mosaic, were on display from May through July 2007 at the University of Idaho Prichard Art Gallery in downtown Moscow. The individual bead mosaics now live in each participating school.
The Book & Video
Jeanne with students from
Frenchglen, Oregon
Jeanne is currently writing a book / teacher’s guide about the Million Bead Project. This manual will contain information and pictures covering everything from making simple looms out of recycled materials, to learning to design and weave with beads. From documenting the numbers, if you wish, to mounting and displaying a large group project, it will include the author’s tips and marvelous organizing methods. All aspects of this cross-curricular, community-building art project will be covered. An instructional video will follow, with special emphasis on learning, organizing for, and teaching bead weaving.
To receive notice about the release date, send an email to: 
with the subject line: “NOTIFY MBP BOOK/VIDEO RELEASE”
“Why can’t we do this the rest of the year?”
— Daniel L., Student, Moscow Charter School
“I wish beading was a sport.”
— Alex, Student, Russell Elementary
Read what others have to say about Jeanne Leffingwell’s art, teaching, and the Million Bead Project.
Thank you to:
Jeanne and assistant assembling a section of the Million Bead Project
- Idaho Commission on the Arts
- University of Idaho Prichard Art Gallery
- Latah County Community Foundation
- Robert and Erik Jacobson at: Longfeather Book Design
- Sue Weaver at susanweaver.net
