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Courting My Beading Muse . . .

I think about beads and jewelry a lot.  Maybe not constantly, but almost.  So when my muse is with me, I must court her so she stays and provides me with inspiration.  Here are some results . . .

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Destash 2013

2/25/2013

3 Comments

 
DESTASHING:  The "art" of finally letting go of treasured baubles and stuff.

I love destashing.  It gives me another chance to discover things I thought I'd lost, to reorganize, and to get ready to find new homes for those little babies I've been hoarding for way too long.  I loved them in the beginning, but today my styles have changed just enough that I don't use the same beads and findings.  But somebody can!  And I have way too much stuff!  (Is there such a thing where beads are concerned?)

I do most of my shopping on-line at favorite "stores."  Thus I have accumulated some items that perhaps were not what I thought they would be.  Have you ever bought way too many of the perfect bead and when it arrived it was NOT the chartreuse you thought, but lime green?  In the destash basket.  How about those clasps that are way cheaper when you buy a dozen, but you only ever used eight?  The orange daggers that "came in" sets of five strands, but you only need three? In the destash basket.  Or the chrome seed beads that are perfect for spacers, but you had no idea how much a quarter kilo amounted to?   In the destash basket.  

I do several DeStash Events throughout the year, so I periodically update my DS baskets and trays.  Right now I'm getting ready for a bead retreat where 75 women gather to bead, take classes, learn from each other by watching and informal chats, and eat.  Lots of the latter.  But many of us bring things to "liquidate", shall I say, so if we sell something we often bring home other people's treasures too.

The energy is AMAZING for that weekend.  I always take bead projects and spread out my tools, beads, findings, and light, but I get so distracted.   I make a few things but I find myself wandering around the room several times per day to see what is being designed, invented, tweaked, auditioned, mulled over.  Mostly the latter.  And see what other people are liquidating. . . I wouldn't want my stash to get too small, after all.

Here are a couple of the baskets and trays that are in the "think I'll take that" stage.  Do you see those lime green beads?  And the daggers?
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Right now this is sorted by type of bead: daggers (my current favorite). But I have hundreds and don't need all of them. I'll share.
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I have done color "stories" here by gathering the same bead colors together. When you want to work with emerald glass, you want to see all the options, right?
It's been a couple of days, and I think I have sorted all I can.  I packed up a couple of plastic totes with towels and placemats between the trays. There are paper plate "shopping carts" for those who need the beads I'm movin' on out.  I found some polymer clay buttons and charms I did a while back.  They're still fun so I had to save a few.  (I might knit.  Someday.)
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Here's my stuff ready to be packed in the car tomorrow. Can't wait to see what treasures I bring home from the other destashers!
3 Comments
american diamond pendant sets link
6/12/2013 05:55:38 pm

Agreed with your views.

Reply
Swarovski outlet link
7/21/2014 04:57:58 pm

Jewelry is the best, I always take it as a gift

Reply
Illinois BJ link
3/31/2021 10:00:04 pm

Very thoughttful blog

Reply



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    About Me . . . 

    I am a beader. 
    I love it. . . all parts of it:  planning projects, buying beads, accumulating tools, reading articles, organizing my studio, auditioning designs, researching other artists, and hopefully inspiring myself to continue courting the beading muse. 

    I have been designing handmade beaded jewelry since about 1995, 
    and always my focus has been on What Women Buy for Themselves  (although I have LOTS of customers who are men too!)

    All pieces are designed and made by me in my studio here in Camas, Washington.
    Czech glass in bold colors is my main "fabric."  In addition, copper, brass, vintage German glass, handmade lamp work beads, and copper and silver wirework are mixed with metals, gemstones, pearls and found objects in one-of-a-kind designs.

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    TURQUOISE & TAGUA: Winter 2009
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    CORAL CONFLUENCE: Fall 2010
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    WINGED PEACE: Spring 2012
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    SERENDIPITY: Summer 2012
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    MARIA: Tagua Nut Bracelet Spring 2013
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    SADDLES & SAGE: Gemstones and Glass Necklace Summer 2013

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