HOW IT BEGAN FOR ME…..
My name is Robin. And I’m a self-appointed Bead Junkie. I can tell you that when it happened to me it occurred quickly and I was hooked before I knew what hit me.
It happened like this…….
A month ago a friend of mine insisted on teaching me how to make a beaded bracelet.
The excitement for beads was immediate!
I’ve become a hunter for beads in my spare time. All kinds too – crystals, glass, natural stones. I want to own them all! Within the first week it didn’t take much to impress me. If it sparkled and I liked the color and/or shape and it had a hole in it for my beading wire I bought it!
It’s been four weeks now and I’m still going strong. But, I’m pickier now! I’ve learned to watch for quality and price.
My non-beading friends are threatening to hold an intervention and I’m the guest of honor. I know they’re teasing me because as they joke with me they stroke their original one-of-a-kind bracelet I’ve just made for them.
I’ve noticed dramatic changes in me since this all started. When I look at clothes in the shops I begin to say to myself, “Oh I have beads at home that will match that sweater perfectly!” I’ve begun watching my relative’s and friend’s clothing too.
The final clue that beads have been life changing for me was when I was planning holiday gifts in September!
The beginning of my bead journey has been amazing and as I begin to experience more aspects of beading and the underground beading sub-culture. I gain joy each time I learn a new technique or stitch. I know I’ll finish my journey feeling great about myself and of course, the one with the most beads!
MY ANNUAL BEAD VACATION……
It's me again...Robin.
It happens every year. Just once a year, like clockwork. The national bead show. I wait for it. Plan for it. Faithfully attend it.
Sometimes I go with a friend and sometimes I go by myself. Either way I have a blast.
The book of classes and vendors comes to my by mail just after the holidays. Like the show, going through the catalog is a yearly ritual too! I snuggle up in my comfy clothes with a fresh cup of coffee and I prepare my plan of attack. With a sharpie and a highlighter I begin to mark my favorite classes and vendor booths. Frankly speaking I then go back through the book maybe a week later and adjust my wish list to fit my budget. It reminds me of when I was a child and the JCPenney’s Holiday Catalog would come in the mail. The first time through the catalog I wanted it all! After the dust settled I became more realistic. Especially when my mom would laugh as she saw my list. Now as an adult I have to serve as my own conscience regarding my budget. I’m getting better over the years.
Then the day comes where I’ve moved from my comfy chair to in front of my computer. This is the day the online registration for classes begins! I must be first! I’ve made my choices and I will not be denied! With my credit card in my left hand and my right hand on my mouse I’m ready for battle. Wait for it!.......Then the clock clicks over and the website is up and off I go! Click – Pay – Confirm. I’m in! I’m estatic! I know this is the class that will change beading history for me.
Now I’m ready to start phase 2 of my planning. I only have three months to go through all my beads and organize and plan what I NEED to buy at the show and what I HAVE TO buy at the show. I promised myself that after last year’s “mistake” I would at least go with a list of things NOT to purchase. Last year I had just as much fun as the year before. But I came home with beads that were almost identical to beads that were waiting for me at home. That has been happening to me more and more as my collection grows. I keep buying the same color just in a different shape. I promised myself this will be the year for change.
O.K. there is six weeks until my annual bead vacation begins. My bead tote is ready. I know what I’m going to wear and have my annual pin collection all ready in a baggie so that I can pin them to this year’s badge. I have my email confirmation that I got into all my first choice classes. And my hotel reservation has been made and confirmed.
I’m ready – six weeks early – I can’t wait!
BEAD SHOW – OPENING DAY!
Hi it’s Robin…..
It’s been Six weeks since my last entry.
It’s time! I’m blessed enough to live close enough to the bead show location where it’s only a four hour car trip for me. No airline ticket needed, more money for beads.
That’s what happens as the show date gets closer. I start to think….hhhhmmm…lunch out would be fun, then the voice inside my head screams, “that money could buy a lot of beads! Stay strong!” So I eat my PB&J sandwich and day dream about all the exciting beads I’m going to get.
O.K. back to here and now. I’m looking around. I’m in line waiting for the show to open. There are beaders of all skill levels all around me. We’re all holding our complimentary totes. They’re empty for now but that is a temporary problem. O.K. I can see the doors swing open. The corridor gets quiet for a moment then loud again with excitement. With big eyes I look at my friend that came with me and I announce to her, “It’s time!”
Then the line starts to move in the direction of the open doors. As I get closer I can see it. Row after row lined with table after table piled high with precious, sparkly, beautiful and AFFORDABLE beads. I quietly remind myself to stay calm but I quickly forget my own advice.
There is one yearly tradition that I never stray from. I always visit my favorite lamp work bead artist first. I’ve learned over the years that in my personal opinion she is the most talented and fairest priced lamp work bead artist at the show. I always ooh and aah over her latest creations. I take my time and pick for myself the best one I can afford. I always treat myself to one of her beads because they are so special. In the excitement of the show I make a vow that next year I will show her what I’ve created with my special bead. I’m not sure if I will be able to keep that promise to myself since I have five of her beads still in their original tissue paper waiting for me at home. I take them out often to touch and admire them. They are special to me and I’m waiting for the perfect project before I use them.
When I’m done at her booth I begin to move along the rows. Some booths are new and some I’ve seen in the previous years. They are all interesting and filled to the brim with beads and beading supplies. It’s only been an hour but the thought goes through my head, “How will I ever choose?!” Somehow each year I manage to make it through and go home with my tote heavy, full of wonderful treasures I just couldn’t live without.
Oh mannnnn!!! They’re announcing that the show is closing for the evening. No worries, my class is tomorrow and that’s a whole other level of excitement.
Written by Robin Cowart
Thanks for reading. I hope you find these short memoirs fun and interesting to read. There will be more added soon! Please do not copy of reprint without permission. Thank you.
