Beadaholic. Yes it is true, most of us at Nina Designs are hopeless bead addicts. For some, like Juanita, the condition is relatively new. She only started beading a few years ago when she came to work with us, but she has developed a fierce case nonetheless. Clara claims that she, “has been beading since birth.” When I asked Ana about it she blushed as only a red head can blush, then admitted to stealing beads from her kindergarten class. Her mother found the beads and forced her to confess to the principal, a trauma from which she has yet to recover.
Erin’s mother served up trips to the bead store as an annual Christmas treat. When Emily was 12, she moved up from beading to metal-smithing, both skills she still employs on a regular basis. Leah’s love for African beads was honed when she lived in Zimbabwe but her bead roots dig deep into childhood. Personally, I have always loved to bead. My favorite childhood memory from driving cross country was a stop in Sante Fe where I spent my meager life savings on “liquid silver” beads and turquoise. Are you a Beadaholic? How did it begin?
An Early Nina Designs Original!
Young Leah's first jewelry creations
Hi gals,
I think my bead obsession began when I was very very young and my Dad gave me a silver articulated fish pendant that was part of his silver collection (coins and other artifacts). It was stunning and so cool! Strangely, tho, I am not a jewelry person — I wear barely any and don’t even have my ears pierced! However, I don’t make anything I wouldn’t wear myself. Go figure.
peggy
Comment by Handmade Jewelry by Peggy Li — February 8, 2010 @ 12:05 pm
I’m not surprised that the American Indians sold Manhattan for $24 worth of BEADS and other stuff, beads are primal, delicious and addictive!
Comment by Jennifer — February 11, 2010 @ 9:14 pm
My name is Sherry and I am a beadaholic. I have always picked up beads somewhere - just to have them. It started with those plastic beads as a kid stringing the beads on string. Then I learned how to make beads using frozen peas - really. My beading turned into a business and making jewellery for family and friends. I did all the jewellery for my friends weddings. That was fun. I just love beads in all kinds of materials - glass, crystal, clay, wood, acrylic etc. They all feel wonderful in your hands and the colors are always fun and bright.
Sherry
Comment by Sherry — March 2, 2010 @ 3:09 pm