Posted by: whisperandfriends on: October 21, 2009
Hi, Friends.
After I took my first jewelry making class, I couldn’t wait to go to the local craft store to buy beads. I was ready to let those creative thoughts flow! I walked in and found about 3 rows of beads, findings, and tools.
I walked up and down the aisles, again and again. I grabbed a set of beads, and would soon put them back. I didn’t feel creative; I felt overwhelmed! I had no idea of what I wanted to make, what materials I wanted to use, or how I should really group them together. After about 20 minutes or so, I practically ran out of the store! Maybe I wasn’t meant to do this.
I shared my experience with some new beading buddies. They laughed at me and shared a few thoughts.
Yes, we may go into a store knowing exactly what we are looking for. My friends said that they often go and pick up beads that they may like without having an idea of what to make. (What? No plan?) Part of the joy of bead shopping is finding little things that you know you will make something wonderful out of…one day.
Another reason to shop is to make that special gift for someone. It is like a treasure hunt, finding that special stone or shade of green that you know they will love. Again, you might not know exactly what you are looking for, but it is such a pleasure when you find it.
Finally, if you see beads that catch your eye, pick them up. Chances are you will be sitting there one day, and all of a sudden you will have an idea on how to use them. Or, you might be working on something and realize the bead that you bought on that rainy day is exactly the bead you need now!
The following weekend, I went back. It still took me a long time – over 40 minutes. I picked up beads that came in color schemes. That helped me learn how to group shades of the same color together, along with a variety of shapes. I picked up some basic things like findings and a container for the beads I was picking up. I left with $60 bucks worth of creativity!
So, what I am saying, friends, is that you don’t need to be intimidated by the selection of beads, and the many bead stores in the neighborhood. You don’t need to feel pressure, like you have to hurry up and be creative. What’s nice is having the beads, findings, and tools you need when you need them. What you don’t have, you can go shopping for. It is a win-win situation!
Your friend,
Whisper
December 13, 2009 at 11:15 am
I just found your concerns on the Whisper’s blog, ( I know, I’m a little slow) and I too found that you can enter a store with all good intentions of creating an item and them get overwhelmed by all the parts & pieces that were needed to make what you wanted. I just started to buy a few different types of beads at first then bought the findings & stringing materials, basically I was building a supply of pieces with no idea in mind. One Saturday I sat down with a bright light and my tools and to my amazment I created my very first necklace. It was kind of “putting the horse before the cart” way of doing things but since then I have been buying most of my beads & findings on line and go to the local stores if I run out of something that is needed to complete my necklace, bracelet or earrings. I found I could do it without confusion or frustration. I love to bead now and sell many of my items to people at work. I have even had requests to create necklaces & earrings for a few weddings.
December 14, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Good for you! I do a combination of things. I buy beads that I like, with no idea what I will do with them. I also go to a store knowing exactly what I am looking for. Do you take pictures of what creations you make before you give them away? I’ve started doing that, keeping a list, so I know what I made, what beads I used, and where I can get more of them. Can’t wait to see your work!