Saturday, December 12, 2009

Bead Craziness!

So, I love beading. I love looking at beads in stores, arranging them on my Beadsmith to find the right combination of beads, color, size, etc. and I especially love seeing the receiver's face when I give them my special creation. However, sometimes I spend so much time (and money) making a necklace or bracelet that I want to keep it for myself. I've always had this trouble with my art (not just my jewelry)...I wonder if other artists do? I feel like no one else will be able to truly appreciate all of the time, sweat, and love put into whatever I made. Of course, I also create stuff that I like, so when I finish it...well, I like it!

I started beading when I was maybe 8 years old. Someone who worked at my dad's office taught me to use a beading loom. A couple of years later, when I got a little better, she surprised me with my own little beading loom that her husband made. Over the years, my style has changed quite a bit. I went through a "choker" phase in high school and made tons of choker necklaces for myself. I remember one with a blue dice in the middle! I had another made of a mismatch of colorful beads that I loved. Now my style is a little more sophisticated. I love wearing and working with different stones the most, but they can be a little spendy at times!

Last weekend, I took a trip to Baltimore to visit my husband, who is performing in Around the World in 80 Days at Centerstage Theater. He has discovered quite a bit of Baltimore just walking around during his free time. In his exploring, he found a bead store that he insisted on taking me to. I knew it would be dangerous. I spent 1.5 hours looking at the beads and only went up to the register with a small tray. Yet, the beads still rang up to $80 or so! I had to put some back, but I still came home with a good amount of beads. Since I've returned to Chicago I've been beading like crazy, inspired by my new finds.

Because of my beading frenzy, I've decided to hold a sale on my Etsy site. All shipping is free within the U.S. until Dec. 21st. But that's not all....I also have a surprise gift I have made (not jewelry) that I will randomly give away to one person who orders between now and December 21st. I can't say what it is, except that I made it and it's pretty cool! Check out my new creations!

My new finds:
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This is how I decide what a necklace will look like, before I string it:
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And sometimes I have accidents. SIGH
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