Welcome to Ann's Page

Thank you for having me. I came across your website Googling "How to organize your beads". Im not going to lie, I was very very impressed with everyone's warm personality's and how everyone gives each other ideas, compliments, and how welcome you feel when your not a member. All the work everyone has designed is so amazing. Thank you again for the warm welcome, and I will be definitely be posting many more pictures of my earring designs.....i'm very to be part of this group
:-)

Hello Ann ,

thank you for adding me , iam a new comer to this site as you know .... but i find it so interesting & wonderful ..... Many Blessings To You

Thank you, Ann, for warm welcome:) I will try to upload some photos today and introduce myself to all members.

Happy to be part of your group:)

Thank you very much for your note. Here are some of the things that come to mind to give you a sense of where my obsessive hobby is at at the moment after a little less than a year...

As far as experimentation goes, currently the benefits of the beginner's mind lead me to try techniques such as different stitches, or different materials such as wires and even thread, to help guide what I learn from books and online. I found that beginner's books, albeit excellent resources, were rudimentary almost immediately. The books that stay on my table tend to focus on a particular technique or on something specific like color theory. Online can be a huge time sink! There are so many creative talented people and too many inspirations to chase after if you know what I mean.

My worst trial and error problems were with getting the right thread and finding one I liked to work with. After 10 months Fireline is the best for me. Sigh of releif. And big eye fine needles. Those hands down made the biggest different in the work.

A example of a successful experiment I just finished a bracelet after a few failures with this concoction: Miyuki Toho "frosted jet" 3mm cubes and silver 3mm metal cubes using an even count peyote stitch to about 1" width (6 rows) and a three loop magnetic slide bar clasp in silver. I started it with gold metal cubes but the clasp was impossible to find so took it apart and redid it with silver. It looks like a watch band - very nice and easy to work up. It could be unisex as well since the pattern of the silver cubes could be less decorative or more so. It's the first piece I think has enough quality to give to my mom for her birthday and that I'm even a little proud of. Otherwise there's earrings that were inspired by some bumble bee pewter charms and I like those too.

My early experiments were focused on wrap bracelets using leather and other cords along with all kinds of beads and stones as well as micro macramé. What was good about that was seeing the result of colors and texture and allowing the beads to inspire me completely. Right now am currently experimenting with some wonderful new stones of amethyst, agate, blue sapphire jade and labradiate from a great Indian shop in San Jose and my favorite store Sew Bedazzled, which has wonderful Czech glass and good variety of everything...and great owners.

I suppose it's also the people who are involved in the craft that make it a rich and rewarding hobby. I took it up when my dad was ill in the hospital and through the mourning process after he passed away. It kept me sane, and the people with the same experience were very supportive and warm. It's something I cherish. Now it's consumed my free time and some of my not so free time but I'm okay with that!

If I can get good enough photos of my good enough work I will post them and thanks again for the warm welcome.

Thank you so much for the welcome!!just as soon as I settle in on my page,I will upload some photos of my work.I look forward to  advice and learning experience from others here at Beader's Showcase.Thanks again,

Michele