About the Blog...

Welcome!

This is a space to share techniques, problems and news about our handcrafted jewelry. Taking one class to learn the basics is all it takes to to turn a hobby into an obsession! I first took a class just before the world-wide-web made its debut. The instructor was very careful not to reveal her sources for findings. They weren't in any store and the beading magazines hadn't hit the market yet, either. Imagine that! And it wasn't all that long ago. I was early for class one night and she had asked me to help her carry supplies from her car to the classroom. It was then I saw her catalogs, remembered their names and acquired my own.

Once the internet was plugged in, nothing was secret. All the suppliers, instructors and magazines just exploded with information. The web has knocked out some bead stores, which is really a shame. There's nothing like "hands on" while looking at beads and findings and having someone show you what to do with them.

Handcrafted jewelry is usually one of a kind. I know I start off with one concept and do variations on the theme until I use up the stock. Of course, nothing goes smoothly all the time. Crimping doesn't always work well for me unless I find the thick ones - like they used to be.  Everything is getting less and less...

Is your interest basic stringing? Wire work? Polymer Clay? Glass bead making? Ethnic beading? What magazines do you find helpful if you can't find a class? I find the British magazines to be more explicit in their beadweaving directions. What websites do you find helpful with instruction? What websites have the best prices? Have you ever been to a bead show? How do you price your items? Have you tried Consignment?

...And the dreaded copyright law... I've found some interesting information on that we can discuss, too.

As you see, there's lots to talk about.

So feel free to introduce yourself and tell us what you do!

And for my writing friends, please feel free to talk about your current successes!

Thanks,
Penny