Give a child beads and string, and there's no questioning whether they can do it; they just start stringing beads! Kids jump right in and get lost in the shape, color, texture, and activity of putting beads to string, often creating random patterns just for the fun of it.
Somehow, as we grow into adults, we get caught up in the art of beading and become overly concerned with the end product. We forget to enjoy the process, which is, in itself, rewarding.
For years I didn't do anything crafty - though I longed to - because I told myself I wasn't artistic, not talented. Who would like what I made? I was outside myself looking in, judging.
What beaders discover is that none of that matters. The only questions to ask yourself are: "Do I have a desire to touch and string beads?" and then, "Can I get lost in the color, beauty and exercise of creating something - anything - with beads?"
Don't censor your answers. If you answer the first question with "Yes, but...," then you are censoring, judging. If something attracts you, give it a chance! Then after you've tried it you'll know if you can pass hours lost in the craft or if, after 20 minutes, you're ready to move on to something else.
I'm not the fabulous beader I hope to be one day, but I love doing it, and that's what's important. You've got to start somewhere.
I started out taking a semester-long traditional Native American beading class and rediscovered a long dormant love for beads, color, and creativity. I made losts of mistakes, tore out lots of stitches, and started over many times. But I wasn't alone.
On of the advantages to taking a class was sharing with fellow students and having an expert guide with mapped out projects. A flat fee provided all the materials, the buying of which would have felt totally overwhelming on my own, and it taught me what I needed.
That class also gave me the confidence I needed to start making beaded jewelry, to venture out on my own. I found that the support still existed, albeit online and in books and magazines. I started out following patterns until I was brave enough to make my own simple designs.
Imagine my surprise when a friend asked me to make something for her - my first special order! People love beads, so encouragement and praise are plentiful.
All you really need to get started is the desire to turn those beads over in your hands. If you find yourself wondering what it would be like to make something, take the leap. If you're like me, find a beading class, a bead shop, or a friendly beader who's willing to help out and give it a try. If you're more independent, find a free pattern online, get yourself some supplies and go for it!
There's a whole world of beading fun out there waiting for you. You can do it!
Somehow, as we grow into adults, we get caught up in the art of beading and become overly concerned with the end product. We forget to enjoy the process, which is, in itself, rewarding.
For years I didn't do anything crafty - though I longed to - because I told myself I wasn't artistic, not talented. Who would like what I made? I was outside myself looking in, judging.
What beaders discover is that none of that matters. The only questions to ask yourself are: "Do I have a desire to touch and string beads?" and then, "Can I get lost in the color, beauty and exercise of creating something - anything - with beads?"
One Bad Bead Earring Designs, 2013
Don't censor your answers. If you answer the first question with "Yes, but...," then you are censoring, judging. If something attracts you, give it a chance! Then after you've tried it you'll know if you can pass hours lost in the craft or if, after 20 minutes, you're ready to move on to something else.
I'm not the fabulous beader I hope to be one day, but I love doing it, and that's what's important. You've got to start somewhere.
I started out taking a semester-long traditional Native American beading class and rediscovered a long dormant love for beads, color, and creativity. I made losts of mistakes, tore out lots of stitches, and started over many times. But I wasn't alone.
Hummingbird, Melanie Wilson, 2013
On of the advantages to taking a class was sharing with fellow students and having an expert guide with mapped out projects. A flat fee provided all the materials, the buying of which would have felt totally overwhelming on my own, and it taught me what I needed.
That class also gave me the confidence I needed to start making beaded jewelry, to venture out on my own. I found that the support still existed, albeit online and in books and magazines. I started out following patterns until I was brave enough to make my own simple designs.
Imagine my surprise when a friend asked me to make something for her - my first special order! People love beads, so encouragement and praise are plentiful.
All you really need to get started is the desire to turn those beads over in your hands. If you find yourself wondering what it would be like to make something, take the leap. If you're like me, find a beading class, a bead shop, or a friendly beader who's willing to help out and give it a try. If you're more independent, find a free pattern online, get yourself some supplies and go for it!
There's a whole world of beading fun out there waiting for you. You can do it!
Hi Melanie -
ReplyDeleteThank you for a fantastic post. We are in full agreement... love what you do, and don't let anyone tell you you're not good enough. Great message!
Here's a bit of feedback on your post:
1) I like your title, and it certainly matches with the content that you deliver here. I will say however, that if you can add a bit of drama to a title, it will definitely help you to win more readers. One extreme example... go to weather.com. You see articles on there all the time such as: "Global Warming is HERE" or other things similar to that. Now, don't be annoyingly over the top like they are, but it certainly is a good thing to start practicing.
2) I love your introduction, and the content of this article in general. It provides an excellent tone that showcases personality and passion for beading. Very well done.
3) You do not include any links with anchor text. Although this particular article does not really warrant them - this is another practice to start integrating more often in your posts. Not only does it help with SEO, but when you link to other places on your website that is another way to help drive longer stay's on your website, and hopefully because of that, more goal conversions!
4) Your points are driven home very well here. Another strategy you might try as you continue to practice your content development is to give bolded content headings when you are switching gears into a new section. It helps the reader reconnect and summarize the information.
5) Your call to action here is telling people to go out and start beading! I love it. In a business situation, you would want to call them to some "Buy Now" or "Sign-up" or "Register" page that you can use to drive more goal conversions.
Extremely well done. Keep up the good work!
Eric Mills