This summer I'm learning to bead.
Okay, so I've been working in the beading and jewelry field for about ten years now, but that doesn't mean I know everything. I've recently had the chance to write a few guest blog posts for Beadwork magazine. I love this kind of freelance assignment that lets me learn new things about a fun activity and then share them with others.
Here's an overview of what I've learned about beading so far this summer:
12 Expert Tips for Making Beautiful Bracelets of All Types
In this blog post, I share beading and jewelry-making tips I learned from looking at a dozen different types of bracelets. The process of writing this post reminded me of a quote from Bill Nye (The Science Guy): "Everyone you meet knows something you don't." When you look at a jewelry tutorial in a magazine, book, or online, try to look past any obvious stumbling block. So you hate the color combination and technique that the designer chose. Can you learn anything that you can use in your own project such a new way to attach a clasp?
7 Reasons You Will Love Kumihimo (and Instructor Jill Wiseman)
I took Jill's kumihimo class at a bead show a few years ago and found her to be an excellent teacher. Of course, I didn't do any kumihimo when I returned home after class, so I promptly forgot everything. Viewing her video renewed my appreciation of this technique. The finished braid looks so cool and doesn't take a lot of expensive tools to make.
Secrets to Successful Structural Peyote Stitch with Nancy Cain
Watching Nancy teach, I gained a much deeper understanding of thread tension. I hadn't fully grasped its importance early on, which lead to some wonky projects early in my beading life. Plus, I learned from Nancy how to make beaded beads without beading around a structure, which is just awesome! I am totally in love with her little beaded bees and I'm not a big fan of insect-themed crafts.
How to Design Beaded Beads Like a Pro Using Two-Hole Shaped Beads
I'm intrigued by Cindy Holsclaw's scientific background. Copying her methodical approach to jewelry design could save me a lot of time in the future. My own approach tends to be messier and more frustrating.
Your Turn ...
I'm currently writing a blog post for Beadwork about bead stitches and would love to know if you have a favorite. Which bead stitch do you like best and why? Feel free to leave a comment here on this blog post or send me an email by Monday, June 26, 2017. Selected comments may appear in the blog post. (I'll contact you if I want to use your comment.) Thanks!