I am deeply sorry that I have neglected you for so many months. I think part of the reason is that I didn’t really know what I was setting out to do when I registered the domain name, and a blog was pretty much all I knew.

But I want you to know that I have plans for you. Big plans. I just have to warn you that it may be awhile before these plans come to fruition. (I think I have to learn some kind of programming language first…)

In the meantime, I want to show you something I’ve been working on! Check it out!

Love,
Tabitha

***

So, my bloggy friend Cari is getting married in a few weeks, and she asked me to make some jewelry for her and her bridesmaids. I had so much fun making necklaces for my own bridesmaids that I jumped at this chance.

I have to admit, though, that Cari’s request was a bit of a challenge. She wanted different pieces for each girl (six girls in all)…which turned out to be NINE unique designs (since some girls had multiple pieces), and boy was that tough. I hadn’t really considered the fact that my bridesmaids’ necklaces were all identical, so the design process was pretty quick in that instance, whereas this one took a LOT of creative thinking (and a few failed designs).

Anyway, it took me several months to finish the Cari project, but it was worth every minute, because THIS is what turned out:

Cari's necklace

Cari's earrings

Kelsey's necklace

Christina's necklace

Christina's earrings

The flower girl's bracelet

Allison's earrings

Allison's bracelet

Heather's earrings

So, how do you like it? I hate to boast, but I think I’ve created a really great set of jewelry, and I can’t wait to see pictures from Cari’s wedding with everyone wearing their special, one-of-a-kind stuff.

I’m wondering now, though…would it be inappropriate to put these photos up in my Etsy shop, to see if any other people might want to purchase similar items? I have tons of orange and yellow beads left, and could easily make (almost) all of these designs again. Or…should I resolve to let these designs stand on their own, so that Cari and her bridesmaids will know that no one else in the world owns a necklace or a pair of earrings quite like theirs?

I would love all the input I can get!

(Disclaimer: the last two photos didn’t get edited with the same program as the rest, so they’re kinda darker and lamer…but you get the idea!)

Here we go…three great questions my mom asked in a comment to an earlier post:

1. Do you need to get an idea of what a necklace will look like before you buy beads so that you buy pretty close to the right amount? (I just wonder if you ever find yourself just a bead or a few beads short of being able to accomplish what you picture?)

   For me personally, I don’t tend to go into a bead show or store knowing exactly (or even roughly) what kind of designs I’m looking to make; I just go in and get inspired by the colors and shapes. Then, once I’ve bought the beads I like, I go home and play with them, try out different patterns, and take it from there. And in general, beads come in strands of anywhere from ten to 50 or 100, so I haven’t had much issue with running out — except when I was doing my bridesmaids’ necklaces and realized I was getting really close to running out of a certain bead that I hadn’t realized was in short supply. So, since that incident, I guess I do look at the approximate amount of beads on a strand I’m about to buy, and make a haphazard assessment of whether this bead is one that will be used sparingly on a necklace, or as a repeated accent throughout it. But I can’t even IMAGINE going in and trying to buy just the right amount of beads for ONE or TWO necklaces…no…I like to get beads that I can visualize in multiple different designs and color schemes and styles.

2. I would love to know about how long it takes to make a necklace, but I suppose that varies with the complexity of each necklace…

   Yeah, it really does vary based on the complexity of the necklace, my supply of beads/inspiration/lighting/patience, and my skill level as it (very, very slowly) increases over time. The first necklace I made took me HOURS (to my poor recollection, anyway), but if I made the same one now, it would take me about 30 minutes, I’d guess. Some days my wrists are a bit sorer than others, which can slow me down (darn you, carpal tunnel!). Sometimes I’ll stare at all of my beads for 20 minutes before anything really jumps out at me.

   Then there’s the clarification: does inspiration/initial design time count toward the total time it takes, or is it just from the time I actually start putting things together? If it starts when I first sit down to come up with designs, I’d say that one necklace usually takes at least an hour…but that includes about 20-25 minutes of sitting there and positioning the beads in a way that “clicks” before I ever bust out my tools. Once I’ve got the design laid out (and again, this will make more sense once I get my act together and do a “How I Do It” post), I can put a necklace together in 15 minutes if it’s fairly basic, 20-25 for more complicated ones.
   

3. Are there beading “rules” that help you in your designing? For instance, I imagine things should be symmetrical, but I could be wrong.
   I’ll address your “For instance” first, then the rules question. Symmetry is all up to the preference of the designer (or the person they’re designing FOR, in the case of more considerate beaders…hehe). I’ve only made one asymmetrical necklace, and it was inspired by one I saw on my cousin’s MIL, Janet. Otherwise, I don’t tend to be inclined toward asymmetrical designs when it comes to making them myself. But I’ve seen people make necklaces that were completely NOT symmetrical, and I love it. It’s just not something that comes instinctively to me as a jewelry designer. All that said, the word should really has no place in the realm of jewelry design, in my opinion, except that beading should

   be something that makes you feel warm fuzzies inside. *smile*

   As for rules…well, there are the basic How-To’s that Pauli taught me as far as how to close an eye pin, attach a clasp, etc., but even those “rules” are subject to the designer’s preference, style, and edu-bead-tional upbringing. I have a couple of friends who use wire rather than chain and pins, so their methods are, for one, totally foreign to me, and two: they’re their own. No two people bead alike. That’s what makes it so wonderful!

Thanks for reading, dear hundreds of imaginary friends! I’ve got another round of Q & A coming soon, with more questions from Pauli, plus that mysterious step-by-step on how I do it.

Again, feel free to leave me some suggestions for topics, design ideas or requests, connections I should make, or whatever your heart desires! And check out my still-in-bubble-wrap Etsy shop. Buy my one necklace! (And I don’t mean you, Mom or Pauli…) 

Thanks bunches.

Anyway, I bought a bunch of great beads today, in some colors I don’t normally go for. I  made a necklace for my grandmother’s 80th birthday. Granted, I made it in rather bad lighting, which only got worse as the sun went down, but upon inspection under the bathroom vanity light, I think it turned out pretty great. I’m tempted to make a second one as a prototype… But I think I want this one to be special and one-of-a-kind, just like my grandma. The funny thing about the necklace is that I bought several different strands of beads that all appeared to be lavendar in the lighting at the bead show, and now as I sit here looking at the completed necklace, it seems to be more of a periwinkle blue color. In fact, the bedspread that the necklace is laying on is a light blue pattern that looks like clouds in the sky…and the necklace is practically the same color. I’m sure in the sunlight it will look different, and no matter what color it really ends up being, it still looks nice.

And if I wasn’t feeling totally lethargic and sloth-like right now, I’d take a picture, upload it and show it to you.

Ah, what the heck. Lemme see what I can do.

…

Okay. I kid you not, my camera just DIED. I took about four pictures and was about to look through them really quickly to see if any were postable, and my camera died. I’m not at home tonight, so I don’t have my charger with me. Sorry, peeps. I tried.

Anyway, just wanted to pop in with a little beady update. I have big plans for this place, I promise…

Oh, and while you’re waiting for another post, don’t forget to check out my official Etsy store! I’ve only listed one item so far, and I still need to write up a profile (and apparently some store policies?), but it’s a step in the right direction. And who knows? Maybe one of you will meander on over there and see my one item and go, “I need that!” And then I’ll be like, “YES! Someone wants to buy my jewelry! I’d better get cracking on making more and posting them up on the site!”

See? You could play a crucial role in my success, here.

Do it.

For the past week, whenever I’ve thought about this endeavor, I mostly felt all kinds of discouraged. I haven’t had time to do much with it, and to be totally honest, I haven’t had as many ideas for posts as I thought I would. Granted, I haven’t had time to think about any post ideas, either. But I’m still hopeful.

I’m hopeful because I know that people like my bead jewelry, and people (generally) like my writing, too.

I’m hopeful because I have an amazing husband who is encouraging me to stick with this thing.

I’m hopeful because I know there is a lot of potential here.

I’m hopeful, but I’m not under any delusion that I can make this place bloom overnight. I’m not even very optimistic that I can make it bloom in a month…

But I’m going to stick with this…even if I only manage to post a few things in a month’s time.

And I’m going to implore you, my few readers, to help me out. Send me ideas for topics to write about, things you want to know, people you think I should connect with or interview or whose products or methods I should feature. And send the link to this site to anyone who might like it or have ideas of their own to contribute, too.

It would be SO much fun to turn this into some kind of collaborative place, don’t you think?

Let’s do it.

…Please?

In case you’re new to the world of beading, a bead show is basically when a bunch of vendors (okay, more likea couple hundred vendors) congregate in a big showroom or auditorium and sell their products. It is…in a word…heavenly.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Here are some questions that Pauli posed for me to discuss about bead shows, and interspersed are Ben’s photos to give you a glimpse into a real live bead show.

1. What is a “bead show”? Where are they held?As I mentioned before, a bead show is essentially a massive STORE, made up of vendors from all over the place and beads of an inconceivable variety. The shows that Pauli and I most often frequent are in Santa Monica, Costa Mesa, and Santa Barbara, but they’re all over the place. The Santa Monica show is usually held at a giant convention center; and the Costa Mesa and Santa Barbara shows are at the fairgrounds.Vendors will often hold specials and sales at bead shows in order to drum up more interest. My favorite vendor is Kahn Fagan. They specialize in vintage beads, so their selection is always unique, and their prices are very reasonable. It also helps that the gentlemen behind the table are pleasant and easy to do business with. In fact, I used a bunch of beads from Kahn Fagan in the necklaces I made for my bridesmaids, and months after purchasing them, the guys remembered me at another bead show and congratulated me on my marriage. (Note to self: Get pictures of the bridesmaids’ necklaces! Can’t believe I forgot to do that…)

   Also, bead shows are not ONLY for buying beads. There are people selling semiprecious stones, all sorts of different chains and charms, storage containers, tools, displays and more. To be quite honest, it can sometimes be overwhelming to walk into a bead show! But the thrill of exploration is so worth it, and the feeling you get after taking in thousands of colors and shapes is absolutely priceless.

   

2. What was your first impression at your first bead show?Ooh, that’s kind of a funny story, actually. My very first bead show was last November (2008), and I only got to spend about two hours there because I had to go to a funeral service AND a wedding rehearsal later that day. Now, two hours may seem like plenty of time to you, but wait until you walk into one of these giant buildings full of shiny things — two hours ain’t NOTHIN’.But anyway, my initial impression at that show, upon walking into the Santa Monica Convention Center, was one of amazement-bordering-sheer-terror. It was as if, in that first breath of bead-show-air, I knew I was doomed. Pauli and I spent at least half of our two hours at Kahn Fagan’s booth, just gawking and touching and imagining all of the wonderful things we could create with their beads. Suddenly we realized we’d been standing there the entire time, and that we should at least browse the rest of the room quickly so that I could begin to grasp the magnitude of All Things Beaded.And boy, did I grasp.

   
   I mean really, people. SERIOUSLY. How can you not be in love with this stuff right now?

3. How do you choose beads? It’s hard to say, really. Sometimes when I go to a bead show, I have something specific in mind, like I did when I was finding beads for my bridesmaids’ necklaces. Other times I just go and expect to be inspired by something — and inspiration never fails me. The two necklaces I showed you in my last post were made up primarily of beads I saw at the last show and just went, “Yes. I need those.”In general, though, here’s how it works (for me). I’ll grab a tray, which most vendors have on hand because they like to make it easy for you to buy Lots and Lots of Beads. I’ll peruse a booth for a minute or two, or until one strand of beads leaps up at me and demands to be grabbed. I’ll pick it up, hold it up to the light (mostly to look like I know what I’m doing), feel its texture, and then if I can see myself using it for anything, I’ll keep it in hand as I look at other beads that might go with it. It’s really that simple.Most of the time it’s a Matter of Necessity. Some might call it obsession, the way I fawn over beads and practically moan with delight at the really great ones…but if it’s something that I can sense will fuel my creativity (and it’s within my price range), I just have to have it. Who am I to stifle my right brain…right?
4. How do you store beads? I’m SO glad you asked! See, there are probably upwards of 13 million ways to store your beads (and I never, EVER exagerrate), and it all depends on your method of creating, I think. A friend of mine stores her beads in those sectioned plastic containers that are about the size of a sheet of paper and an inch or two deep. These generally have 16-20 sections, so it makes for pretty functional storage. Plus you can organize them by color, or shape, or any way you want.But since I learned all of my beading ways from Pauli, here’s how I do it. I use containers like these:
   

   (Photo via my2angels.net/)

   You can find them at Michael’s, or at bead shows, or probably any craft store, really. They are small cylindrical bottles that come in a larger lidded box for easier transportation. The reason I love these is because I can move individual containers of beads around to get a feel for which ones could go with others; whereas, with the sectioned containers, your blue beads are always in that spot second from the left on the top row, and it’s not as easy to visualize the blue ones with those iridescent ones way in the lower right corner of the container. This is all a matter of preference, though.

5. Do you buy beads with a specific project in mind, or for other reasons? Oh, I guess I sort of answered this one earlier, too. Basically, sometimes I buy beads deliberately, knowing ahead of time what I plan to use them for — but the great thing about beads is that even when I DO buy a strand with one idea in mind, there are almost always a bunch of beads left that can go into a totally different project.Beading really provides an endless amount of creative opportunity, which is probably why I love it so much.

   Well, that and the fact that I love finding beads that are so delightful I can seriously TASTE them. It’s so fun to confuse my senses like that!

   

   

   So, tell me: What did I leave out that you want to know about beads, bead shows, or the process of buying beads? Or, if you’ve been to a bead show, what’s your favorite part?

   And while you’re helping me out…what else would you like to see here at Wearable Joy? I already have a post or two in mind to show you some more things I’ve made, but I want to know what you’re interested in!

I was tempted at first to put alllllll of the pictures in one post, just because I’m so excited to share them, but I think I’d better be a little more methodical. So, look forward to some upcoming snippets on various pieces I’ve made, as well as a look into a real live Bead Show!

For now, I’d like to show you two of the necklaces I’ve made most recently, and share a little about them.

Here is my “Pretty in Pink” necklace (clever, I know):

The little striped tubular-looking beads are ones I stole from Pauli, my MIL, which I also coincidentally gave to Pauli for Christmas (or her birthday?) last year. They are hand-blown glass, and sooo super cool to look at in real life. If you’ve ever seen a glass-blower work his magic, you understand how awesome these beads are.

In fact, why don’t I show you the close-ups of the three different sizes I used of these tubular beads?

The shortest one I used as the centerpiece (then I hung a crystal bead from that):

The medium-length bead was the one that started the inspiration for this necklace. How delicious is it? I mean, really. It’s almost unbearable:

And then there are the longest ones, which make me think of those fruity candy canes…or, if you want to get really imaginative, those huuuuge, swirly lollipops you get at Disneyland:

Please, tell me I’m not the only one who is completely drooling over these beads right now.

…Bueller?

Okay, moving on to necklace #2.

I made this one on the same day as the first one. I was hesitant to show it here, because it’s actually supposed to be a gift for my little sister. But since her birthday isn’t for months, I figure it doesn’t HAVE to be a surprise, so if she reads this post…no biggie! She’ll have something to look forward to. (Or she can tell me it’s awful and I should keep it for myself.)

This one is called Emerald Elegance…not because I used any authentic emeralds (I didn’t), just because, you know…it’s kind of an emerald green color, it’s elegant… Basically my creative juices are all spent on making the necklaces, so I have nothing left for naming them:

This is actually the necklace that I used for my header photo. See? Here’s another version of that photo:

And here’s a shot of a pair of “vignettes” from this necklace:

My fabulous MIL has always called the little sections of bead designs “vignettes,” but whenever I say that to other beaders, they’re like, “Huh?” So, maybe it’s a term she coined. But I think it’s a great way to describe them. (And soon, I will tell you more about the process of making these necklaces, so that you’ll understand the difference between the vignettes and the chain and the centerpiece and yada yada…)

Er, handsmanship.

Craftyship?

…Stuff I made!

If you’re curious about what Wearable Joy is, go up there *points to top of page* where you see all the little tabs, and click on “About” and “Behind the Name” — those will give you a little bit of background on how this project came to be.

…Did you go there and read?

Great! Welcome back. Now, let’s get down to business.

Without going into boring details, I need to tell you that I have given myself ten days to figure out if this website is worth my time and effort (and a little bit o’ money, too).

What the deadline means for ME: I have to get cracking on some photos of my work, posts to go with them, and some initial layout tweaks to make this site look pretty. If I can’t drum up some creativity (and interest!) by September 24th, I’m killing it.

What it means for YOU: You have ten days to give me tips, suggestions, ideas, feedback and Uber Amounts of Praise! for what you see here. Tell me what you like, what you don’t like, and how much you would pay for one of my necklaces. Share the link on your own blog, or tweet it, or show your mom / husband / cousin’s hairdresser’s poodle what you want for Christmas! And if, by September 24th, I haven’t managed to peak your interest or improve things to your satisfaction, you are obligated to be totally honest with me and say, “Hey…you should kill it.”

Anyway, I am actually quite hopeful about this idea. I’m not even completely sure where it might be headed, but stick around because it’s sure to be somewhere fun!

Oh, and I’m also planning on opening up an etsy shop where you can actually buy some stuff! But since I have this ten-day deadline looming over my head for the blog here, that will come later…assuming Wearable Joy makes the cut on September 24.

Stay tuned for a much more visually interesting post, as I plan out a little photographic adventure into the World of Beads. And please bear with the current Majorly Boring and Generic Layout, and the lack of aforementioned coming-soon photographic attractions. These things take time, friends!