Knowing myself, I hope I am wrong with my usual pattern of taking on new “hobbies”. In my life time I have tried many things qualifying as hobbies and I always seem to have the same outcome – not following through and giving up way to easily.

This summer I have become interested in “Beading – The Fine Art of Homemade Beaded Jewelry.” Gwennie, a co-worker of mine, makes beaded jewelry and sells it as a side-thing. I own a few of the pieces she has made and they are such beautiful pieces of work. Some of the pieces she has made have special beads in them that came from jewelry that was her Grandmothers, this makes those pieces “one of a kind” pieces. Many of the other employees and clients recognize the jewelry you are wearing and the pieces have become know as a “Gwennie”.

I became inspired by Gwen and decided that I would try to make some of my own jewelry. Heading to Michael’s, with Josh along to assist with the purchasing, I find myself in the middle of “Bead Heaven” – I am not kidding, as a new comer to the world of beading I stand in the middle of the isle thinking “where do I begin”. You are literally surrounded by millions of beads coming in all shapes, sizes, colors, textures, not to mention kits and pennants, wire and string… it really was a very overwhelming experience for someone who became inspired and basically took a stab in the dark as where to begin with this new found hobby. Unfortunately I have to report that I left that day very overwhelmed and feeling like there was no way I would ever be able to get started and feel comfortable making these creations that Gwen seems to be able to make effortlessly!

Many people who take beading on as a hobby go to a class and learn techniques and ways that help you in the future. Since I decided to try and teach myself and not go to a class I did purchase a few books and magazines to aide me in the learning process. I also purchased a Beginners Kit which had a beading board, some pliers, wire, clamps, and of course a limited amount of beads for you to get a feel for the beading process. Using the books and the kit I made my first necklace!

After showing Gwen the necklace I made and getting a few tips from her I returned to Michael’s. Still not sure where to begin I managed to find a set of beads that I decided would be the “focal bead(s)” of my necklace and then looked for beads that would look good in a necklace with them. Not wanting to become overwhelmed or buy more than I will ever need “if” this new found hobby does not take off, I decide to only buy minimal beads and see how things go. Having Josh along however, makes the word minimal non-existent as he proceeds to throw packages of beads into my basket (Love You Hunnie)!! He was very helpful and even picked out some beads that I have since used in some of the necklaces I have made!!!

I have only been beading now for about 2 months and find it to be very enjoyable. While I don’t plan to get as into beading as Gwen has done, I do hope to continue making jewelry for it is fun and wearing a necklace or a pair of earrings and then getting compliments on it makes it that much more enjoyable because I’ve made what just got the compliment!!!

I am planning to take pictures of the necklaces/jewelry that I have made and plan to continue to do so in the future. There will be a photo album added as well that will be specifically for photos of the jewelry in my collection.

The only thing left to ask is what should my pieces be called? “Meggies” just doesn’t sound very catchy! 😉