Beadwrangler Special Feature
February 23, 2000

Question:    Dear Barb, I have been wanting to start making my own designs for some time now, but I am concerned I don't have what it takes to be a designer. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer:   Dear Beadworker, you already have the most important element for making your own designs. Your desire! Now, you just have to start doing it. Easier said than done? Not really. You know the old saying, "Each journey starts with a single step." Well, I’m here to tell you that each magnificent beadwork design starts with a single bead!

The most important piece of advice I can give you is - ‘Just Do It." Give yourself permission to create and design. That sounds silly, but it really isn’t. If you are like most people, you are your own worst critic. The worst thing you can do is compare your work to someone else’s. As you experiment and play with your beads, you’ll find your own creative voice, your own unique style. I always say, ‘Show me an original piece of art and I’ll show you the soul of the person who created it."

Don’t be afraid your efforts won’t turn out "right". There is no ‘right'!

The first rule is - there are no rules!!!!!! Every piece you make is a learning experience. I can tell you with confidence that some of my best pieces have come from "mistakes" I’ve made. And I have a whole box of UFO’s (unfinished objects) to prove it! That sounds funny doesn’t it? But it’s true, and every national designer I know has one too. Those UFOs are like old friends. When I have an idea that isn’t quite working I drag out my UFO box, sit down and paw through them. Invariably I find something I started months, even years ago, that inspires me to go on.

Today I received a package from a cyber friend of mine.She and I met on AOL and really got to know each other through live chatting sessions. Mel was just beginning to bud and grow when we met. She has been testing a piece for my new book and sent it to me for photographing. I was thrilled to see my design come to life by her skillful hands. But even more excited when I saw an extra gift piece in the box! Mel sent me a beautiful amulet necklace she designed herself! I sat in the van and cried as I read her wonderful note to me. I have watched this sweet woman come from a timid beadworker to someone brave enough to step out and create her own beautiful designs!

Her piece is titled, "Through The Woods - because the fringes give the illusion of peering through trees. " And it does! The front of the piece is covered with beautiful leafy fringe! I wish you all could see it! Wonderful Mel. Thank you!

Believe in yourself and your own creative voice. You can do it!

Barbara Grainger is the author of:
Peyote At Last! A Peyote Beadwork Primer
Peyote Design Techniques

She is currently working on a third book which is scheduled to be available this Spring.
She also teaches workshops at various locations around the country.
You can contact her at Beadteach@aol.com