A New Year — New Beginnings!
Welcome! If you are new to Beading Help Web, be prepared for a wealth of resources in Beading Basics, Beading Projects, reviews on Beading suppliers/books/magazines and lots more! From total beginners to advanced beaders, I'm sure you'll find items of interest on our pages.
One of the things I like to do at the beginning of a new year is to make a list of goals for myself to accomplish. In 2006, I challenged myself to:
• Improve my wire working skills
• Begin teaching beading classes
• Expand my show schedule and retail presence
I did accomplish all four — while "improving my wire working skills" is pretty subjective, I can look back at early wire projects and compare to some that I'm doing today, like the Fall Flora bracelet pictured, and see improvement. I taught two classes at a local college, did more shows than in 2005, and placed my work in an additional retail shop.
What am I planning for 2007?
• Expand knowledge of chainmaille making techniques
• Learn to solder (without burning my fingers, hopefully!)
• Participate in the Year of Jewelry challenge
• Increase business by 20%
What are your goals for 2007?
Fun Winter Projects
I'm in the part of the world that's enjoying winter right now, so I like to keep a few projects handy just in case I get snowed it. If you're snowbound with children, these are also so great ideas to keep the kids occupied as well!
• Amy's Gone Wild — while making the dangles is definitely an adult activity, even little ones can help divide them out into groups of three and then string on the Stretch Magic! I love this project for snowy days because it's time-consuming and has impressive results! Don't limit yourself to Amethyst chips either, these bracelets look great with any colors of glass, crystal or tiny stone beads!
• Snowman Earrings — so cute and fun for winter! Create "snowmen" in different sizes and colors, using three graduated beads, and then add to your choice of earring findings!
• Kids from 5 to 105 love to make Simple Stretchy Bracelets — toss out a bunch of beads in a bowl, and get creative! Create endless bracelets using coordinating beads, from classy to casual. Stretchy bracelets are great for little girls, senior citizens, or anyone who wants a bracelet that's easy to put on their wrist!
Bead and Button Show Class Sign Up Begins January 16, 2007, 12:00 p.m. CT!
Bead and Button's annual show isn't until June 3-10, 2007, but you can begin signing up for classes in January! Many classes do fill up quickly, so sign up early to guarantee your place. Classes range from beginner to Master levels, with various mediums including stringing, PMC, beadweaving, and business classes.
Additionally, the Bead Dreams juried contest application will be available on the Bead and Button Show site beginning January 2, 2007. Entries must be submitted online no later than April 9, 2007.
