
Last summer I discovered that the local bead store that I had been going to for years also had a bead class!
I decided to give it a try. What I found was a group of local beaders who do much more talking than beading. They called it their "bitch & stitch" group. The conversation was full of fantastic local gossip. I found out whose husband was driving them nuts, whose neighbor was 'just over the line' and who said what to whom. I didn't know any of the names, but felt right at home.

The more you bead, and get better with your beadwork, the more you want to try your hand at complicated patterns. The problem is ... they are normally unwearable by the average Joe who wears a suit into the office each day. Basically when you're done with the project it can look like you've recreated the equivalent of a quilt and strapped it to your wrist.

Meanwhile the ones I find more wearable, that I can pull off with a work blouse, get low scores. Such as the right angle weave to the left here. Top scores on this one only got 3 out of 5 on Beading Daily.com

I have started taking apart the complicated patterns and recycling the beads. I just have too many pieces laying around getting no use.
So my question is ... Who do you design for? Accolades from fellow beaders, or the simple patterns that sell better on Etsy?
What a lovely, tranquil place - I would feel right at home there!
ReplyDeleteAnd yay on the bead classes :)
Actually I like all of the bracelets!!
Thanks Duni! Always hard to pull apart a project you put so much time into, but sometimes ... when it just isn't getting any wear it seems for the best
ReplyDeleteThis bead shop sounds fun! One of my friends is in a book club that sounds similar...a bunch of ladies getting together to bitch and drink wine. I have not tried bead weaving since I am not patient enough! The smallest bead I will work with is 6/0. The blue bracelet is gorgeous but I see what you mean about wearability. I love the look of the yellow piece. That can be worn with anything!
ReplyDeleteThanks Val - it was fun! I'll be back next summer for sure. Too bad all of us blogging gals don't live closer ... that could be a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteHi lovely, I love these bracelets!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend!
Besos, desde España, Marcela♥
Lovely pieces! Great patterns and I love the name of the beading club!Very funny! :) DeeBee
ReplyDeleteThanks Marcela and DeeBee!
ReplyDelete