Free stash-busting beadalong for IBW

At the start of July, I unveiled my plans for International Beading Week. They included a FREE stash-busting beadalong. I also invited everyone to sign up to join this and my other activities. So, if you have already signed up, you don’t need to do anything more now. This will just tell you a little bit more about what to expect on the free beadalong.

If you need to sign up, then here is the form to complete:

 

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What is a free stash-busting beadalong?

Well, a beadalong is basically the chance for you to follow an online program and learn how to make a new bead project. For this project, I wanted to help you out. If you’ve been beading for a while, then you will probably recognise this scenario…

I have a ton of bead tubes and little grip seal bags each with just a handful of beads. They are all leftover from different past projects. Now, for some of these, it’s fine. They’re beads I use a lot. So, I’ll just buy a new tube and that little handful will get incorporated into a project with the new beads.

But for others, I’m never going to use those beads again. Worse still, in some cases, I don’t even know what they are or where I bought them. So, even if I did want to buy more, I can’t.

Now, I love beads and I hate waste. So, there’s no way I’m going to be throwing those little tubes away. But, they are taking up valuable storage space. They’re standing in the way of me getting new beads. (OK, so maybe not – I just end up getting new storage too!)

The point is, every now and again, I need to do some stash-busting. Which means finding a project where I can use some of those almost-empty tubes.

So, here is one of my favourite stash-busters and I’m inviting you to join with me and sort out some of your stash too!

What do you need for this stash-busting beadalong?

This project uses small seed beads. So, you could use size 11, or even size 8. You want about 25g of these. But because this is a stash-busting beadalong project, DO NOT look for a full 25g tube.

No, you want to gather as many almost-empty tubes as you can. Try and stick to the same size. So, pick either 11/0 or 8/0. But you can mix in as many different brands and different colours as you like. In fact, the more the merrier!

Then, you also want a good sized selection of larger beads. These should be between 4mm and 8mm in size. You can include a range of sizes, different shapes (so yes, multi-holed beads are welcome) and any colours you like.

Since you’re going to be making a necklace or bracelet, you also want a clasp. Then, just bring your beading thread, needle, scissors and bead mat.

How does the free stash-busting beadalong work?

Basically you are going to be following a pattern, but online.

I have divided this into easy sections. They will cover the technique (naturally). But they are also going to cover how to put together a colour scheme and some different design options.

So, literally, whatever beads you want to de-stash, this project will work for you.

You can follow along at your own pace. So, you can do this as just a short amount of beading each day. Or, you could sit down for one long session to complete everything.

As you complete each section, you will be invited to move on to the next. If you walk away in the middle, you can see exactly where you got to when you return, and pick up from that point.

At the end of the free stash-busting beadalong, I have a little reward for you – you can print out a certificate to show you completed the project.

What previous experience do you need?

None. This project is really simple. So, even if you are a beginner, you can join this free stash-busting beadalong.

I’ll guide you through any slightly tricky bits. You get photos to see what you’re doing, as well as my instructions. So, it genuinely couldn’t be easier to make this project.

If all that sounds good, then make sure you sign up below.

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