Learning How to Bead: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

re: Learning How to Bead: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

bertandpetunia — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 04:08:17 GMT

A few days before I was to teach my first class at a local bead shop, I started doubting my ability to teach- what if my written instructions didn't make sense, what if I didn't make sense?!? I decided if I could teach someone who knew NOTHING about beading, I could teach anyone. So I asked my darling husband if he would be my first student. So my big , burly construction worker hubby sat at the dining room table and took my "class". Not only did he understand me, he finished the bracelet and, because I hadn't pulled enough beads for him to practice with, I got to hear him say "I'm going to need more beads". Don't we all!!

re: Learning How to Bead: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

dhinesrn — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 03:46:19 GMT

I don't usually blog but this one was to good to pass up. I have taught several people to bead. I started by making simple earrings because I could not find leverback earring to purchase. I ended up making earring for my mom, sisters, granddaughters and as gifts. I found that I spent all my time making earring for everone else but myself. I then made my daughters wedding set, earrings and necklace. I also made a set for my other daughter who was in the wedding party. Then I finally told my mom that she needed to learn how to make earrings for herself. She said that her eyes were probably too bad for her to bead but I taught her anyway. I shared my supplies and drove 90 miles to her house and taught her how to make earings. Then we decided to learn how to make bracelets (beaded ones). My mom had a customer that came to work always wearing hand made bracelets and she agreed to teach us. So again I drove 90 miles to my moms just to learn how to make a beaded bracelet. We enjoyed it so much. My moms friend hooked us up with websites to get new patterns and we started making more and more bracelets. Since then, I taught my sister, my 8 year old granddaughter, and at least 4-5 friends to make beaded bracelets. I have shared my patterns to anyone who is interested. Everyone that I have taught is now addicted to beading but I am still the worst addict ever. I am now making neclace, bracelet and earring sets. I hope everyone has a way to escape reality and relax. Beading is my way to reduce stress and make something that is not only beautiful but I wear everything I make.

Thank you for reading my story

Donna from Nevada

re: Learning How to Bead: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

callcindyr — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 17:21:24 GMT

When I first taught myself to make jewelry from books and web tutorials, my coworkers asked me to teach them on our lunch hour. Soon after that I saw a sign at Michaels looking for a jewelry instructor...and 8 years later I am still loving it!

Beading Daily also helps me keep up to date on trends and improving my skills as a designer, which I get to pass along to my students! So thanks for the inspiration and guidance. I look forward to more stories like this.

re: Learning How to Bead: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Clg — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 16:49:55 GMT

I belong to a small craft group and we take turns hosting projects. Over the last few years I have done 5 or 6 beading projects with them. Last month I taught them all how to make a bracelet with kumihimo and beads. Since then one friend has made 10 more bracelets - I guess the beading bug finally got to her.

Carol

re: Learning How to Bead: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

KimzMom — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 16:00:38 GMT

Thank you so much for writing this article. It warmly reminded me of my friend in Florida who generously taught me to string jewelry while I was visiting her at a tough time in my life.

I had no idea I could do this or how much making jewelry would light up my life and introduce me to such a wonderful group of fantastically creative, generous and supportive people. You can never overestimate how much you can help someone by teaching them something creative.

You all do such a great job of writing these articles and I love reading them.

Thanks again!

Elsa

re: Learning How to Bead: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

DCscrafts — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 14:38:57 GMT

I started my friends daughter beading when she was about 8. This last year she has been quite ill, so has had a lot of time to refine her technique...her designs are extremely professional, and she has started selling on my etsy site...and she is only 15!!!

Judie

re: Learning How to Bead: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

carasmiths — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 14:38:19 GMT

Thanks for writing this, Jennifer. I too find myself in teaching mode although I've never actually taken a beading class...do you have a recommendation for which basic stringing skills to teach in order to get someone started? TIA!

Caco

CaraSmiths

carasmiths.blogspot.com