My First Bead Fest Texas

by Mandi Ainsworth on October 25, 2011

I was so excited for Bead Fest on Friday and helping Ralonda with her “Meet the Teachers” table. They said you could sell anything, so she let me bring my kits, and I happily sold several. Everyone loved her beaded fish, and signed up for “Fish Kit” info. Unfortunately neither of us brought our camera that day.
Lesson Learned: have a checklist of what you want to bring

Joanie and me

I saw my friend Joanie while I was working the Dallas Bead Society table. I had someone take a picture with my phone of us in front of our banner. We had a complementary bag check for some very grateful bead shoppers, and I was glad we could help. I had a nice chat with Met Innmon while closing down the bead society table Friday evening. I was excited to meet her and we are planning for her to be a guest on the podcast!

A few of Ralonda's students

I came back early on Sunday to help Ralonda in her class. The students were so fun and had an great time learning “Waves of Grace.” Then it was time to shop! We found these awesome owl beads by Michelle Davis of Tangible Light Studio, and they were too cute to pass up!

Jeannette and Me

Jeannette Cook had a booth there, and I was so excited to meet her in person! I got her Buckle bracelet kit which I’ve been wanting ever since I saw my friend Gina’s. She is interested in doing a podcast interview as well. I bought a bunch of seed beads from Beyond Beadery, some for fun and some for new kits. I had a great chat with Betcey, and was happy to find out that she has read my blog!

My Bead Fest Loot

It was an awesome weekend, and they have already set dates for next year’s event: October 26-28, 2012! A week later than this year so as not to conflict with the Rangers if they happen to go to a 3rd World Series in a row. I actually avoided all the sports traffic and had no problems. I will definitely be submitting some proposals!

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Ready for Bead Fest Texas?

by Mandi Ainsworth on October 20, 2011

I am so excited to be going to Bead Fest Texas! Tomorrow, I will be at “Meet the Teachers” and then help staff the Dallas Bead Society table. On Sunday, I will assist my friend Ralonda in her “Waves of Grace” class and then help at the ticket booth. I had to miss last year’s event for a family obligation, so I’ve really been looking forward to this. Especially, the shopping!

I also taught a class at Artful Bead, today. Sherry and I worked on a St. Petersburg chain bracelet and a Spiral Rope necklace. I’m teaching 3 more classes there between now and December, and you can check them out here. I also updated the Beading Contest Calendar.

Now for the grand announcement: The winner of the copy of “New Beadwork” is…Karen/kshan2000!! Congrats and keep an eye out for my email so I can get the book to you. Thank you so much to everyone who entered and left comments. It was amazing to read each one. I think as a group we are ahead of some in the crafty community because they aren’t ready to call what they do art. I was thrilled to read all the strong convictions that beading is an artform!

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Falling Leaves Beading Challenge

by Mandi Ainsworth on October 18, 2011

Beadaholique is hosting it’s first beading challenge with the theme of Falling Leaves. Ten finalists will be selected from the contest entries, and their work will be published on the Beadaholique blog, as well as Facebook page for public voting. The winner will receive a $50 gift certificate and further exposure. I love the prompt and the colors of Autumnn, so I’m excited to see what everyone comes up with!

Here are the Rules/How to Enter from the Beadaholique website:

Email us a clear, in focus, well-lit photo of a beading project which fits our theme and uses one or more products from Beadaholique. Email one photo, no bigger than 1600 px wide and 1600 px tall, to challenge@thebeadingwire.com (do not use this for questions; contact us here) with the following included in your email:

Subject line: Name of Piece tags: oct2011 (Example: Midnight Leaves tags: oct2011)

Body: Very important! Include your full name and email address within the body of your email. Optionally, you may also include a brief description of your piece.

Important Dates:

  • Wednesday, October 26 4 PM PDT: Last day to submit
  • Friday, October 28 @ 1 PM PDT: Top 10 will be posted on our Facebook and notified via email.
  • Tuesday, November 1 @ 4 PM PDT: Public voting closes
  • Thursday, November 3: Winner is announced in the next issue of The Beading Wire and notified via email.

Other Rules:

One entry per person. If you send more than one entry, you may be disqualified. If your entry does not meet the “Rules/How to Enter” stated above, you may be disqualified. Winner must respond to our email notification within 2 weeks to claim gift certificate.

See the Beadaholique blog from more information, and good luck to all who enter!

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Beading as an Art Form

by Mandi Ainsworth on October 13, 2011

Enter to win a copy of The New Beadwork!

In my recent discussions about beading, art, and marketing, the old art versus craft distinction came up again. I’ve had in depth discussions, several hours long on this debate with my friend, Diane Gilleland. We discuss bead art and fiber art and point to all these amazing examples of work we’ve seen. I always end up deciding that the lines have been blurred between art and craft. You can label yourself whatever feels right to you, or you can say to heck with labels altogether. I like to call myself a bead artist. Some have decided what they create is “wearable art” or “bead paintings,” and it makes me happy to think about how much we’ve progressed as a community.

I think one of my gifts is being able to see the inner artist in others, even if they don’t see it in themselves. If you’re using a pattern as a guide, but change the colors, develop a cool closure, or add or subtract elements to make it your own, that’s art, too. Always give credit where credit is due, of course. My friend Denise took a bracelet class at a retreat, but she didn’t like the metal findings. She created a beaded toggle clasp with the same beads as the project so it would flow better in her eye. She’s a bead artist in my eye. Elevate beading to art in your own way. For further discussion, see Kirstie Beaven’s article “When is a craft an art?” (Thanks, Sue!)

"Monarch Wrist Corsage" by Erin Simonetti

Bead Art has been around thousands of years, as I learned from Lois Dubin. There are beautiful examples of bead art from American Indians and the Maasai in eastern Africa. I feel we came to a point where beading was considered by most to be a craft, when along comes the book The New Beadwork showing exciting and progressive ideas in bead art. NanC Meinhardt referred me to this book, and the work in it is still relevant for today.

So, I decided to giveaway a copy of The New Beadwork to someone who shares their thoughts in the comments below. See the yellow box for details, and I’m excited to read what you write!

Enter the Giveaway: To enter, leave a comment below and share your thoughts on beading as an art form. Be sure to fill out the email box when you comment so I can contact you. A winner will be announced Thursday, October 20th. Good luck!

Update: The winner of the copy of “New Beadwork” is…Karen/kshan2000!! Congrats and keep an eye out for my email so I can get the book to you. Thank you so much to everyone who entered and left comments. It was amazing to read each one. I think as a group we are ahead of some in the crafty community because they aren’t ready to call what they do art. I was thrilled to read all the strong convictions that beading is an artform!

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Tip for working with dyed stone

by Mandi Ainsworth on October 11, 2011

I made one of those leather wrap bracelets the other day using some dyed magnesite and it tuned out beautiful. I tried it on and after awhile I began to notice that it was turning my arm blue! I mentioned this to Lindsay of House of Introspection, and she gave me this tip for leaching out excess dye from the beads.

Apparently, you just need some warm, soapy water.

Here’s what I did:

  • I popped a cup of water into the microwave for a minute. That way I wouldn’t waste water waiting for it to get warm from the faucet.
  • I put some dish soap in the bottom of a plastic container, added the water and the beads.
  • Right away the excess dye began to leach out.
  • I left them to soak a couple hours while I was out to dinner, and the water turned noticeably blue.

I did the same with my red beads, but hardly any excess dye leached from them. I like using gemstones, but I make tons of leather wrap bracelets. So, I like to use magnesite for the stone “look” and the pretty colors, but at a more affordable price. This tip will keep me from turning my customers arms blue!

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Shows and New Classes

by Mandi Ainsworth on October 7, 2011

my table at the Frisco Lakes Vendor Fair

Yesterday, I had the privilege of visiting with residents of Frisco Lakes about my new classes and upcoming shows. I am excited to be teaching 4 new classes at Artful Bead this fall: Feathered Bracelet, Glam Rope, Faux Bangle, and a Mini Ornament. I handed out Ferrero Rocher chocolates and schedules and had a great time. I will be coming back for their Holiday Shopping Soiree on Sunday, November 13 from 1:00-4:00p.

I am also happy to be showing at the Annual Contemporary Art Show and Sale held by the Craft Guild of Dallas. I got a tour of the new space in Addison last week, and everything looks amazing! I’m excited to reconnect with all the people I used to take classes with there, and maybe sign up for something new.

Here’s the show information:
The Craft Guild of Dallas
5100 Belt Line Road, Suite #400 Dallas, TX 75254
Opening Night Reception & Sale Thursday Nov. 3, 7-10pm
Friday Nov. 4, 10am-6pm
Saturday Nov. 5, 10am-5pm
Sunday Nov. 6, 12-5pm

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What does selling for “pin money” mean?

by Mandi Ainsworth on October 4, 2011

I know several bead pattern sites and designers that give permission to sell what you make from their instructions for pin money. I want to look at some definitions and talk about what they mean because my fear is that beaders may underprice their work because of this wording.

Dictionary.com defines it as “any small sum set aside for nonessential minor expenditures” and formerly “an allowance of money given by a husband to his wife for her personal expenditures.”

So basically it means pocket money, or spending money. I also feel like this can mean different things to different people.

I’ve seen beaders comment on forums that it means to “pay for your hobby.” Bead Patterns Boutique defines it as “You, as in the person that has purchased the pattern, may make and sell the project that was completed using the pattern as a guide. You may not employ others to make or sell for you as this constitutes commercial use.”

I like the idea of everyone covering their costs and that BPB’s definition is a little broader.

Then, I searched further into the origin of “pin money” and found this story via sacklunch.net: “Catharine Howard, wife of Henry VIII., introduced pins into England from France. As they were expensive at first, a separate sum for this luxury was granted to the ladies by their husbands. Hence the expression “pin-money.”

My opinion is colored by the fact that I have the mindset and the goal of making a living as a bead artist. My hope is that others selling their work for “pin money” do not equate that to mean “cheap” and ask a fair price for their work. The phrase started out meaning a separate sum for a luxury item, and I believe a beautiful piece of beadwork falls in that category.

What do you think? Do you have another perspective as a beader or designer? Please share with us in the comments below. I know people are passionate about this topic, so thanks for keeping it constructive!

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Premiere 23

by Mandi Ainsworth on September 20, 2011

I am so excited to be showing at Premiere 23 presented by my friend Alexis Boots of Red Kru Production!. It will be held this Friday September 23, 2011 from 7:00pm-11:00pm at Visit ADDISON! My fellow artists and I have each donated a piece of work to be auctioned off, and the proceeds will be going to the North Texas Food Bank. It was hard to choose a piece, but I knew I wanted to donate a little work of art that a man or woman would appreciate. I decided on a bead embroidered art card, and chose the one below. It’s abstract but you can still see elements of slides, sandbox, and monkey bars, too!

"Earthtone Playground" by Mandi Ainsworth

We will have our work displayed for purchase as well. I have been working hard on my leather wrap bracelets that are looking great on my new display stand! I will also have beaded and feather earrings, beadwoven bracelets and necklaces, and more bead embroidered art cards.

The evening is by invitation only, so if you wish to come email Alexis Boots at: artgala13@yahoo.com It’s $20 a person at the door for food and wine, and there will be some fabulous door prizes donated by local restaurants. The attire is cocktail, the event will be catered and have beer and wine, children will stay home, so arrange your sitter ASAP and we all hope to see you there!

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How To Become A Beading Master

by Mandi Ainsworth on September 15, 2011

my freshly finished Delight Cuff

I received an email the other day asking about how I “mastered” beading, and if I had any tips to share. I wrote a pretty detailed email with all my tips and suggestions, and I think it really boils down to two things:

  1. Be a Sponge
  2. Apply Yourself

What does it mean to be a master?

Before discussing how to become a master, it is important to think about what that will look like to you. Does it mean learning all the stitches and techniques in the bead world? Does it mean utilizing them to create your own designs or to be able to complete advanced projects? Maybe it means to explore one aspect or technique of beading thoroughly, and to develop your own style much like Sherry Serafini and bead embroidery. Maybe you’re a visionary like me and want to elevate beading to art. Whatever you choose, I hope you enjoy the journey.

my stack of Beadweaving Master Class books from Lark

Be a Sponge

When I first started, I didn’t take any classes or have access to bead stores. I just became a sponge of learning from books and magazines, and when I mastered one thing, I would try something a little harder. The Beadweaving Master Class series by Lark is amazing, and I subscribe to both Beadwork and Bead & Button magazines. With the internet its even easier! There are some really great free tutorials online, and Christina of Good Quill Hunting has rounded up some of the best in this list.

Many designers sell their tutorials on Etsy and Artfire, so it’s easy to search and find something you’re interested in. Some of my favorites are Smadar Grossman, Mikki Ferrugiaro, Carol Dean Sharpe, and Heather Collin just to name a few.

Learning from videos is great because you can pause and rewind as often as you like. The Auntie’s Beads Channel on You Tube has a wide variety of tutorials, and they are easy to follow. If you would like to learn some fabulous projects from masters like Jill Wiseman and Maggie Meister, give Beaducation and CraftEdu a try.

Beading Forums like the one at Beading Daily are great resources for asking questions and showing off your creations.

However there’s something to be said about learning from the masters themselves. I just signed up for a class with Laura McCabe through the Dallas Bead Society. I also learned more about being a bead artist in my 3 days with NanC Meinhardt than from anywhere else.

Apply Yourself

If you want to become a master, make your beadwork a priority. I know for some of us beading a necessity of life, so this part is easy for us! Doing a little reading, learning, and practicing can go a long way, even if you can only find 30 minutes a day. If you think you will have trouble finding time, consider my 5 ideas for making time to bead. Another great resource is the free E-book titled Time Management for Creative People by Mark McGuinness.

I have been following Mandy Duffy’s blog about “365 days of a beginning beader’s self-taught lessons” and have been impressed with her progress. I think it’s so inspiring for other beaders to see, and she’s proof that this stuff works!

Final Thoughts

I wrote my thoughts on this topic to inspire and encourage those that have a passion for beading, and want to become very good at what they do. I also feel that its important to think about what that means for you, and not to compare yourself to other people. I’ve been guilty of that myself. What I want for all of us can be summed up in my tagline for this site: to learn, grow, and elevate beading to art. Thanks for being a part of the bead circle.

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3 Tips for Working With Your Creative Process

by Mandi Ainsworth on September 8, 2011

I shared this story with my subscribers, and thought it would make a great blog post. I’ve been wanting to share it but was a little hesitant, maybe because I wanted you to think my design process is magic and rainbows, but it’s not. I rip apart and start over and deal with tangling thread just like some of you. So, I hope you enjoy the story and benefit from the 3 tips.

As I worked on my new Waterfall Lariat design, I started to think more about the creative process. I got my idea last spring and asked my friend Bonnie to create some custom lampwork beads with a waterfall theme. She blended the blue and the white glass beautifully and created some textured swirls going around the bead representing the turbulent, crashing currents.

Waterfall Lariat kits are now available under "Bead Kits"

The beads are so inspiring, but I got stuck in the execution. I wanted an odd number of fringe, but the method I liked best resulted in an even number. As I worked on the length and bead counts, the nymo started tangling something fierce! I threw it in one of my handy plastic storage boxes to simmer.

A year later, while beading at a friend’s house, the solution came to me! I immediately sketched it in my notebook. I started working on it again last month. To solve the thread problem, I decided to give Fireline a try. I was back on track and the kits are now available!

We all get “stuck” sometimes, and I wanted to share some tips for working with your own creative process:

1) Think: I wonder what would happen if… Maybe you change bead sizes, types, counts, colors, or weave back through instead of forward. This has helped me open pandora’s box :)

2) Try working on another area, then you can go back and connect the original idea to the new idea.

3) Let it simmer. If you work on something else, your solution may present itself. Hopefully, it will only take you an hour or a day instead of a year like it did for me!

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