It’s been a social whirlwind for me during the last two weeks. On Monday, I spent the evening with members of the Loose Bead Society. On Wednesday, the Rings & Things Bead Tour Truck show was in town and the beads that Kim and the crew brought to Milwaukee were stellar.
Oh, and I received the latest issue of Bead&Button magazine. I think it’s the best issue ever. I say that with a sly grin on my face because my necklace is on the cover! My little dog Rocco was a little disturbed as I jumped up and down, cackling with joy over the cover. I hope you’ll take a look at my necklace project,which was designed around a Kristen Frantzen Orr focal bead. Some of the techniques that I use for this necklace include cubic right-angle-weave, herringbone, and a unique clasp. There are also tips about using art glass focal beads, really useful info when working with lamp worked beads that come in all shapes and sizes.
Enough of my foolishness and mayhem — let’s talk about bead societies and groups and how to stay connected with other beaders.
The Milwaukee area has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the art and craft of beading. As you know, the Bead&Button Show — the biggest bead show on the planet — takes place here. The bead stores in this area are top tier, each one offering classes and incredible selection.
Beading has entered the collective consciousness of this state. You ask anyone about beading and she’ll tell you that she knows someone who has the beady addiction. If that isn’t enough, there’s the Loose Bead Society.
Whoa, hold on! When I say “bead society” don’t EVEN think that this is some lil’ group who have nothing better to do. These folks rock! Here’s some information about this dynamic bead society.
The Loose Bead Society of greater Milwaukee has approximately 150 members and is in its 11th year. Each year it sponsors a spring weekend retreat that features beading classes along with a lot of good times and camaraderie. The LBS maintains an active website, http://www.loosebeadsociety.org/ and a Facebook page, and produces a quarterly newsletter. Recently, members worked with the Bartolotta Care-a-lotta Group to create 5,000 bracelets for Haiti relief efforts.
The society also has monthly programs, presentations, and demos featuring prominent beading instructors, metal smiths and lamp workers. A few weeks ago, LBS member Jim Kelly gave a presentation about Native American beadwork. He brought in beautiful examples of raised beadwork and shared his experiences about the Oneida and Iroquois.
On May 10th, I will be honored with the opportunity to speak to the Loose Bead Society. I’ll be presenting a slide show featuring the beadwork I have made in collaboration with Kristen Frantzen Orr. I’ll bring in the jewelry that I have so that society members can see samples of my work. My talk will focus on learning how to take beading techniques and apply these skills to designing beadwork. I’ll have a handout and questionnaire with ideas for kick starting the creativity muse. Am I a bundle of nerves? Yes, but the people in this group are really welcoming and friendly, so I’m expecting a good experience.
Gentle readers, perhaps you’re asking yourself, “Why is Maggie going on and on about the bead society in her area?” Here’s why — beading groups are a wonderful way to get connected. I ask you, how often do you bead alone? (I’m sorry, Miss Fluffybottom, the cat, doesn’t count in this instance.) Beading can be somewhat solitary, if you know what I mean. This art and craft is very personal for me and I kinda get deep into my head, so to speak, when I’m beading, and that can be isolating. Taking time to be with a part of a group of fine folks who enjoy beading is a breath of fresh air for me.
I’ve found myself hanging out in bead stores just so I can be around other beaders. And, just like going to bead society meetings and seeing old and new friends there, going to the great-big Bead&Button Show “bead shop” offers the same camaraderie. It’s like a class reunion —about beading!!
So, you’re saying, “What about me, I live in a small town?” Getting together with two or three other beading folks is an excellent place to start. Two people will soon become four people and the word will spread. Ask around, many churches, libraries, community centers have rooms that will accommodate groups. (Our group meets at a library.) You can also search for one by clicking on Societies & Guilds under the "Resources" tab. Bead societies can be structured or loose. Meetings can be once a month or whatever the group needs. It’s a great way to stay connected and enjoy the friendship with other beaders.
Maggie Roschyk is an accomplished beadwork and jewelry artist who teaches jewelry making and publishes articles about designing jewelry. She loves teaching aspiring artists and seeing the "aha" moment in their eyes. Her goal is to inspire others to look beyond the empirical moment and strive to create beaded art that reflects their individualism.