Those of us who are beadaholics know that part of the addiction to making jewelry comes from the fact that you never stop learning. Whether you are exploring a new technique, tool, medium, or material, it seems as though there is always something to discover. I have noticed in my years of designing that beading has taught me a lot about myself and a lot of valuable lessons that can be applied not just to my bead board but to life in general.
A few things I have learned along the way:
1. Frustration only breeds more frustration. Have you ever noticed that the more frustrated you get, the more negative you get, and the more this whole cycle of frustration and negativity hampers your creativity? The things we tell ourselves when we feel like we can’t do something are the very things that block us from being able to do that something. The solution: walk away from the bead board and return when you feel refreshed, relaxed, and more positive about yourself and your work.
2. Patience really is a virtue. Most people assume that designers—or creative types of any kind—are always “on” and just have those creative juices flowing all the time. This just simply isn’t true. I can’t tell you how many times I have had an idea in my head only to find that the piece isn’t working out quite the way I envisioned it or only to find that the pattern I am working on just isn’t going to measure out the way it should. All the creativity in the world won’t help solve the problem; patience is the only real solution. My favorite, most original pieces have come from a perfect fusion of creativity and patience.
3. Work from your strengths, not from your weaknesses. A few months ago, we went through a strengths training workshop to discover what really moved, motivated, and inspired us. This changed the way I thought about beading—and life. Admittedly, I am not a person who likes repetition so I don’t like creating the same finished piece over and over again nor do I like making long necklaces (especially if they are straight strung or wire wrapped). Knowing what I don’t enjoy frees me to concentrate on the things I do love so I can grow and further my knowledge in those areas. I learned that it is okay not to be a jack-of-all-trades and it is perfectly fine to spend more time doing what you love.
One of the biggest perks of my job (besides being amongst beautiful beads all day long!) is hearing from people whose lives have been touched by the amazing rewards beading can bring. What life lessons have you learned from your experience as a beader? When you walk away from your bead board, what emotions do you have when you have finished a piece that has that “wow” factor? Share your experiences with me—and your fellow beaders—by commenting below!
Shanna Steele, Auntie’s Beads Designer
September 28, 2009 at 7:22 pm |
Hello…
I’ve been making jewelry now for 3 years…it has always been enjoyable to me!
I also find it relaxing and have come to think of myself as a beadaholic!!! I enjoy the hunt of finding just the right components as I do making the piece…
I’ve tried bead weaving, I can handle simple weaves once in a while but for the most part it isn’ for me.
I’ve learned not to push myself to work on pieces when I don’t really feel like it because they won’t be my best work.
I’ve learned that I love working with sterling silver in any form.
I’ve learned that there is so much more I want to learn.
I always feel a sense of accomplishment when I finish pieces…it is instant gratification…I feel a great sense of pride when I’m complimented on my work regardless of how often I’ve heard the same thing in a day…it is even more wonderful when that “special” piece sells right away!!!
Can you tell I’m very passionate about what I do??? :0)
Cheers
September 27, 2009 at 12:01 pm |
I am just starting beading and I find that it is very relaxing and I love the end result of a project. But my problem is that I need more ideas and lessons, which is hard to fine in my area. I am glad that I discovered your website and I just want to say Thank you.