I have been beading for over fifteen years and my beadwork is bound up with my health. You will know this story if you have followed my blog before.
I started beading after becoming seriously ill and I have found the beadwork consistently therapeutic. Beading has also given me a creative outlet and I think this is a healthy thing for anyone. I have come to know a lot of other beaders and I realise that many of us are suffering from difficult health conditions.
So, although I wanted to write mostly about my beading adventures, I have also talked more personally. I think we can all support each other. Sometimes it is comforting just to know that you’re not the only one who is struggling. So, I’ve shared some of my struggles and doubts on here. Since I believe it’s important to speak out, I thought I had better start by setting an example!
I hope you enjoy reading about my general beading adventures in this part of the blog.
Before I get on to my September ‘be prepared’ campaign, I want to say a quick thank you to everyone who answered my two questions. You’ve given me some great ideas. So, I’ll be introducing even more improvements to help you all. If you missed the little survey, you can still take part here. Saving…
It’s a couple of months since I announced my resignation from Bead and Jewellery Magazine. Well, my last issue went to print two weeks ago. It may even be out in shops and on subscriber doormats right now! You might remember, when I made that announcement, I also said I was contemplating what would be…
People often ask me where I get my ideas. What is my beading inspiration? In fact this is one of the most common questions put to designers. What is it that sparks an idea? For some people, the question is simply curiosity. Perhaps the desire to find out more about the designer. For others, this…
Did you know that the number one beading problem in my recent survey was how to make time for beading? Well, if you are one of the people who feels this is a problem, I’m about to share my solution. Even better than that, all it takes is two simple tricks! How do I know…
I want to get in with this big announcement before the rumour mills start. So, I have recently resigned as editor of Bead and Jewellery Magazine. Whilst there are a few things that have factored into my decision, the main reason is my health. You all know that I’ve been struggling with the ME for…
Let’s face it, times are hard. So, if I told you I could show you how to save money beading what you love, would you read on? Well, I’m going to show you the two simple steps to take. They’re very practical and you can start saving money right now. If you want to know…
If you are one of my newsletter subscribers, then you will have seen me promise this post. I want to show you how you can use my beaded pen patterns to make bracelets! First, let me just tell you why this occurred to me… Reason number one: I’ve realised that there is such a thing…
I almost didn’t publish this today because beading problems seem rather trivial compared to what happened in Manchester last night. Then, I thought, if we start changing the way we behave, or ceasing to ‘live’ because some misguided individuals threaten us, the terrorists win. So, just know that my thoughts and prayers are with everyone…
Well, drum roll please….I want to reveal my new website to you! To be fair, you’ve possibly already seen it. The thing about re-vamping an existing website is that there is only so much you can do before publishing. So, this has been a phased launch. What do I mean by that? Well, anyone who…
Do you know your beading trends 2017? Do you even care? I never think of myself as a slave to fashion, but I want to share why that can be a problem. So, join me to find out how my beading inadvertently became fashionable. Get to know what’s on trend for 2017. Then find out…
