Beaders getting together

Yesterday I talked about our economy, how it is affecting us, and some things we can do about it. Today I want to talk about an alternative to the expensive bead classes at the large bead festivals. Don’t get me wrong; if I had the extra money, I would be there! I love seeing all the beads, the designers, and participating in the classes. They are amazing! But in today’s challenging environment, for some of us who still want to be active and enjoy the company of other beaders, there are some great alternatives out there.

First let me tell you about the Bead Retreat group I belong to. We had our first get together this past June right outside of Gatlinburg, TN. We rented a “Quilters Lodge” with the most beautiful view of the Smoky Mountains. There were 9 ladies and most of us had never met before. You would never know it by the way we all felt immediately connected. Even though most of us live in the Mid Southern States, some traveled from as far away as Florida and Indiana!

Everyone had a part in pulling it together. We prepared a menu and decided who would bring what, as the house was fully equipped for us to cook. There were cocktails and appetizers, candy and cake, and of course we had real food too! Within our group there were many who taught us their specialties

and we even had Jim McIntosh come and teach us Wire Wrapping. He and his lovely wife dined with us on my homemade pork burritos and Texas Margaritas! We didn’t have to leave the house; we didn’t want to leave the house! You got up when you wanted to and went to bed when you were tired. It felt like home and everyone became an instant family. We learned so much that long weekend. It was such a pleasure to meet the folks you are in groups with and leave with new friends. We areplanning another for late October just outside of Nashville.

Another new thing I am getting involved in is a Beading Circle. It’s just like a Quilting Circle but with BEADS!!!!!!! Some members from some groups I belong to tracked me down and we only live like 10-15 minutes from each other. We have even been going to the same Atlanta Bead Society meetings every month and had never met. It is a small world but if you don’t speak up you will never know what you are missing. The next Circle hasn’t been scheduled yet but I will be there for sure.

And I mentioned, we have a Bead Society here as many cities do. The Dues are not much; I only pay $25 for a year and that includes taking a friend or family member with me. We always learn something new and there is much to look at and buy.

Some of us go for pizza afterwards to know each other better. We have 40-50 members present and when you’re learning a new beading technique you don’t take time to chat.

Hopefully I have given you something to think about and you can come up with some ideas of your own to socialize with fellow beaders without using too much gasoline or spending a lot of money and still have a great time!

Here are some pictures from our Bead Retreat. Check out your local area for If you live in TN, GA, AL, NC. SC or Lower KY & IN or are willing to travel, send me an email and I will invite you to our group.

Take care and bead well, Auggie

The Holloway's Quilters Lodge

Susan taught us Viking Knit

Jim McIntosh teaching us Wire Wrapping

Kelly taught us Polymer Clay

Susan showed us the art of Kumihimo

We’re all working on projects and having a great time!

Don’t think we brought enough to eat though!

Genny taught us Flat Cellini, Annette taught us Bead Crochet

And Paula taught us how to do the Colorblock Cuff from:

Bead Daily

Hey Kid, Wanna Try Some Peyote?

Hi, my name is Elayne of ChezChani and I am a peyote-aholic. It started innocently enough, a picture of a peyote stitched ring on a bead store website offering a class. "Oh" I said to myself, "that ring is reminiscent of the Tiffany mesh band I’ve always wanted." I’d never gone to a bead store and taken a class but off I went. I was the only one in the class and lo & behold, in approx. 1 ½ hours I had made my first ring. I was so proud but so naive. I thought maybe I’d make a few more rings and it would end there. I could stop anytime...well cut to one year later and I have not stopped. It’s all peyote stitch, all the time. I have not done ONE other bead-related thing. And you know what? I don’t feel I’ve even touched on all the amazing things that can be made with this one little stitch. Is it the stitch? Is it the tiny, perfectly matched little beads? Is it the break from the evil thoughts usually running through my head? I don’t know. All I can tell you is once you’ve tried peyote, you may never put it down. So, if you are in the bead store and someone comes by and says "Hey kid, wanna try some Peyote?" think long and hard. The first try may be free, but you will pay, oh yes, you will pay.

So now you know what I do with every spare minute of my time and why my house is such a mess. I encourage you to check out the blogs and Etsy stores of all our team members to see where their madness lies. I have never met a more talented, friendly and supportive group. Prepare to be amazed.

Chezchani can be found on Etsy or at our Blog. Stop by and visit some time!