bead-rhapsody.com Blog

It began not too long ago really. Only about 4 years ago, with a gift of beads and wire and findings from Michaels. Four years is nothing in a life time. So I have not been at it that long really, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. It was like a new passion, a new addiction. Finally I could make something myself and actually wear it around my neck or my wrist. It was nothing special or elaborate or fancy but it was something I made myself and I proudly showed it off to anyone who liked to see (and those who didn’t).

I remember the first visit to the local bead store. It was a rather crowded place with swamp cooler instead of AC and it smelled funny. You couldn’t walk around without bumping somebody. You had to stow your purse in a locker at the door. But, ahh…what a sight to behold…..There were beads everywhere: hanging from the walls by bundles, in rows, from ceilling to floor. Every inch was covered. All shapes, all colors, shiny, dull, plain, decorated, small, big and bigger. And on tables in bins, tubs, buckets, small containers, individually or in bunches. Oh, so glorious, magnificent, beautiful beads; overwhelming, empowering, mandating, calling out to me, beckoning to be bought and fashioned into wonderful adornments only I could create…….Sigh!………Alas, I spent a hundred bucks and got a small paper bag full to take home and call my treasure. And that’s how it started.

One good thing ,when you have a somewhat creative mind, is that it doesn’t end there. There is always more to learn and see and dream and create and buy and explore and envision and aspire. The process takes time but growth comes naturally and curiosity helps it all to proceed toward the next phase. Like so many others who started the same way I soon became bored with the simpler creations and ventured farther into the complexities of the beading world. I bought books, magazines, downloaded articles, looked online for more information and advice and found tons…!

My kids said “you need to start a business”. My friends said “this is cool, you ought to sell this”. My husband said “you are out of control and out of your mind”. And I said ”hmm, now there is a thought. It could be fun.” To make a long story short, I listend to my kids (they came up with the name), partnered up with my friend Caroline and divorced my husband. Yes, I know, that was a bit drastic, but it was already in the making and we have remained friends. Everything worked out in the end.

Here I am now, four years later. My business is small but powerful. I drifted away form the “beading” and I concentrate more on chains and chainmaille jewelry and use gemstone  and crystals and other fine material. I learned how to wire wrap cabochons and other semi precious stones. Life is good and friends are plentiful.