Saturday! Each week one of our contributors gives you a sneak peek into
their studio, creative process or inspirations. We ask a related
question of our readers and hope you’ll leave comments! As an incentive
we offer a free prize each week to bribe you to use that keyboard.
The following week we choose a random winner.
I had the pleasure of attending the Bead Fest Summer show in Philadelphia last weekend. It’s a great bead show. I went last year but, this year, I didn’t just attend the show, I taught at it! Yep, I’ve had my first experience teaching at a national bead show. This was a personal goal of mine and a major milestone for me. I enjoy teaching very much. I’ve taught lots of classes at local bead shops, but this is on a whole different level. It sure was a wonderful feeling to hang that official badge around my neck! I felt so professional. It was a privilege and a feeling I’ll never forget, but I’ll be the first to admit that badge sure does come with a whole lot of hard work and dedication. The amount of planning, prepping and preparing to teach a class at this show was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. It’s a joyous kind of work that I love doing, but boy oh boy, you sure do need to be prepared, love what you do, love to teach, and be on top of your game to pull this off successfully. I have a lot of respect for all those instructors out there. I know first hand that they must absolutely love every ounce of what they create and love to teach it! I think this must be true because it is true for me.
I was well prepared for class. Each student received a Bohemian Knotted Earrings Kit.
The kits include all the materials to make each of the 3 styles of
earrings in the workshop. “Sun Earrings”, ”
Fringe Earrings” and “Chandelier Earrings”. The kits contain Irish waxed linen cord, colorful gemstone rounds and artisan metal links and ear wires handmade by Shannon LeVart of Miss Fickle Media. I commissioned Shannon early in the year to make these components for me. Her handmade metalwork makes all the difference in the finished pieces.
Each student also received a
spiral-bound, hand-out that included materials lists, clear instructions, step-by-step photos and a resources list . For me, a
thorough hand-out is a vital part of teaching a successful class. It really helps the class to run smoothly and each student can follow along easily even if everyone is working at a different pace. I received lots of positive feedback from students about how much they loved and appreciated the hand-out booklet. My first experience teaching at a national bead show was a good one and well worth all the effort I put into it. Each student enjoyed the class immensely and that is the most important thing to me. In fact, I even received some really awesome complements at the end of class from seasoned workshop attendees!
I know not everyone can get the opportunity to attend a show, let alone take a class or workshop. There are a multitude of reasons that might be the case for many people. So, I’ve decided to turn my Bohemian Knotted Earrings Workshop into a downloadable PDF TUTORIAL! I’ve heard from quite a few that expressed interest in my class, but could not travel to attend it in person. I’m so very excited to offer my workshop in this way. Now, you can purchase my Bohemian Knotted Earrings Tutorial along with my Bohemian Knotted Earring Kit in my Etsy shop. I hope many more will enjoy making these earring designs as much as I do.They are so much fun to make!
Now for my questions for you this week:
a comment answering any of these questions and you will be entered for a
chance to win a digital copy of my 20-page, full-color photo, Bohemian Knotted Earrings TUTORIAL. The PDF file will be sent to the winner via email once I receive the winner’s email address.
beadrecipes
August 25, 2012 at 12:42 pmWhen I first started beading a couple of years ago, I took a class in simple stringing and connecting beads with simple loops etc. It was enough to get me started. Since then I have only taken one other class, about making mixed media pendants with resin etc, at the local bead show. Unfortunately, most of the classes at that show revolve around bead-weaving, which is not my thing at all, and I haven't found a class that appeals to me at this year's show. I just signed up for a Craftsy wire-wrapping class, as I'd like to improve my skills there and I've downloaded several tutorials for a variety of techniques.
Tammie
August 25, 2012 at 12:48 pmHi Erin~ I'll give you a couple of answers. 🙂 As for me I have not taken any classes YET, but I would really like to. I have downloaded patterns and tuts online and have generally found them to be a good way to expand my techniques. Thanks for the opportunity to be entered. [email protected]
CBH
August 25, 2012 at 2:10 pmThank you so much for this post. I want to let you know that I posted a link to your blog in Creative Busy Bee Craft Inspirations, under the Page 5 post on Aug. 25, 2012. Thanks again.
Saraccino
August 25, 2012 at 3:38 pmI would love to attend classes at shows or local shops but up until now I never got the chance. One reason is that if I go to a bigger show I only go there for one day and that is just barley enough time to have a short look around. The other one is that here (germany) classes often take place at a working day at normal working hours. Won't ever make that…
But what my friends and I am doing are workshops at the weekend for ourselves. Everyone prepares for a little project or technique and brings everything along so we can teach each other. I am mostly doing stamping techniques, carving and of course "playing" around polymer clay. 🙂
A Half-Baked Notion
August 25, 2012 at 5:19 pmErin, I am too far off the beaten path to avail myself of classes in person, but I've had fairly good experiences thus far with online classes (as long as they are "any-time classes", otherwise I have scheduling issues).
I've downloaded a few PDF tutorials, but I have a tendency to want to print everything, so that can be pricey LOL. I'd love a chance to win your Bohemian Knotted Earrings Tutorial. I read on your blog about your classes at Ornamentea, and that looked incredibly fun. It must be great for you to get that instant feedback from participants, too.
Renetha
August 25, 2012 at 5:27 pmIn answer to your first question: yes. Second question: yes. Third question: yes. However, my favorites are tutorials. I can access them anytime, day or night.
Liz
August 25, 2012 at 9:13 pmlove the earrings! I have only taken 1 class. It was an advanced class and I was a beginner having never strung a bead or crimped an end. However, I was hooked immediately! Thanks for the opportunity to win our wonderful tutorial.
Penny Neville
August 26, 2012 at 1:48 amHi Erin, I received your book in the mail and your earrings were something that I really wanted to learn how to create. They are made with yellow and copper two of my favorites. I have taken a few classes from bead shops. Viking knit, byzantine chainmaille and riveting.
Thanks,
Penny
Meadowland Designs
August 26, 2012 at 2:13 amNo, no & yet again no.
I usually get inspiration from other peoples designs but rarely follow someone else's pattern.
On the other hand, your earrings are awesome & fun. I have enjoyed looking through your book & love the variety of ways it incorparates fiber.
~Catherine
Sweet Willow Designs
August 26, 2012 at 2:30 amErin, congratulations on realizing one of your major goals to teach at a national bead show! I've taken both classroom sessions at BeadFest and have taken quite a few on-line tutorials. Right now I'm taking a needle felted jewelry online class. What's great about the online classes is I can watch over and over and take my time. Love that.
KayzKreationz
August 26, 2012 at 3:32 amYes, I've taken classes at shows I've gone to. I've taken online classes. I've downloaded tutorials (I love Beaducation classes) and I've gone to a shop or two for specific classes. I love classes. 🙂
Lynda
August 26, 2012 at 4:46 amFirst, congratulations on a successful teaching experience at BeadFest. Hopefully the first of many to come. I've taken several workshops at my local bead store and loved them all. Also, a couple of fantastic wirework classes at the community adult school. I love the fact that there's always something new to learn. And I'd love to be the recipient of your new tutorial!
Thanks for the opp.
kim Idalski
August 26, 2012 at 11:43 amHi Erin, Your jewelry is beautiful. I love the look of all of it. Matches with everything I wear. To answer all of your questions with a big YES 🙂 ! Well everything exctept traveling to shows. Im disabled and cannot travel. But I sure wish I could so instead I am a knowledge addict. lol, I am hooked on tutorials, book tutorials, downloads, online free tutorials. I cant get enough learning. I love to incorporate all the tecniques I learn together. Its amazing how much you can learn. I also take jewelry classes in town at a local Bead shop called Bead Hollow and my Jewelry is displayed there. There is nothing more fun than sitting down having some laughs with great people and creating together. I start teaching adults Polymer clay lessons there in September. I already teach children Polymer clay and jewelry lessons now. I would love your book. Would love to learn your tecniques and blog about them and your work. I wish you much success and thank you for the opportunity to win a great tutorial. Happy Creating. Kimberly @ http://www.Kimisjewelryandgifts.blogspot.com
Amy
August 26, 2012 at 12:22 pmWhat a great giveaway! These knotted earrings look amazing!
I have purchased and downloaded so many tutorials over the years! The internet is an amazing source for beaders/crafters/artists these days! This summer I purchased a beaded star tutorial that I have very grand plans for making them for holiday gifts!
Linda Landig
August 26, 2012 at 1:13 pmErin- Don't enter me in the giveaway. I just wanted to say how pleased I am that this class went so well for you and for the attendees!
To those of you considering purchasing Erin's PDF instructions, I can vouch that her instruction are top notch, with lots of clear photographs to guide you. Thes earring are really fun to make and easy to do.
cw whitedogjewelry
August 26, 2012 at 1:25 pmI attend Beadfest Phila each year and enjoy talking with the artists and seeing everything that is available in the beading world. I haven't taken any classes there, unfortunately, that would take up all of my budget.
I have taught classes at my LBS and find it very satisfying to do so.
I think a visual copy of what is being taught is invaluable.
'wishing you continued success.
Chris
Yee
August 26, 2012 at 5:18 pmThese are so awesome 🙂 And I love that anyone can learn how to do this – even me and my 10 thumbs!!
Yee
August 26, 2012 at 5:19 pmForgot to answer the question 😀 Yes…I've taken some classes at my local bead shop – mostly for stuff I didn't feel like I could teach myself at home. They were all fabulous!
Crafty Gal Linda
August 26, 2012 at 5:30 pmI have only taken one class BUT it was with Ruth Rae! I would love to take a class with you one of these days. In the meantime, I wouldn't mind winning this tutorial from you! Remember I was your bead swap partner at bead fest. ::wink wink:: lol
Stepha
August 26, 2012 at 5:35 pmI have downloaded and watched many tutorials on handmade clasps this past week, Along with wire wrapping. I have admired your knotted earrings and would love to win the tutorial.
They are very pretty and I know my aunt would go nuts over them. I love your designs and have followed your blog for a year or so now. I hope one day I can join one of your classes. 🙂
Pine Ridge Treasures
August 26, 2012 at 6:04 pmWhat a great giveaway! I take tutorials on Youtube, but have not taken any formal classes.
Suzette
August 26, 2012 at 7:44 pmThis is a great giveaway! Would love a chance to win!
CreekHiker / HollysFolly
August 26, 2012 at 8:32 pmI've always been a self taught beader & started teaching when I was 17! I still teach many moons later! I do take glass bead making from bead makers I admire.
Rising Designs
August 27, 2012 at 2:05 amHi Erin, To answer your question, yes-I have taken courses at local beading shops and at peoples homes. My first course was in peyote stitc h. It was a long time ago. I have also taught simple earring making . It was very well recieved and an absolute blast. I would love to try to make your earrings and win this tutorial. tahnk you so much for the chance.___
Franziska
August 27, 2012 at 10:02 amSince I'm living in a diferent country as the most designers I "stalk" online I have yet to attend to a jewellery class, but I soak up patterns and tutorials online, buy books, even if I would prefere to learn some things in my native language I have tought myself to understand the basics in english, so when I'm following a tutorial, I switch my thinking to english, and bead! (pictures and videos are allways apreciated!)
Thanks for this great chance to win, the earrings look amazing!
SueBeads
August 27, 2012 at 11:00 amIt was great seeing you at Bead Fest! I have taken classes at ArtBLISS, on-line and have downloaded patterns that I never even do! It seems there's never enough time. It was great meeting you at Bead Fest – I'd love to win!
DESPINA
August 27, 2012 at 11:21 amI have and it's been great to exchange techniques and tips!!
I also got to know people that share this passion, it's been great!!
DESPINA
[email protected]
Joanna-Gloria
August 27, 2012 at 11:23 amI have downloaded many tutorials, bought some, found some other ones, I would also be glad to attend a class, although there aren't many where I live…
Joanna-Gloria, [email protected]
Ashleigh Becker
August 27, 2012 at 11:40 amI took one PMC class at a bead store and I dont even do PMC (haha). I bought Color Drenched Metal from Shannon Levart and I'm using it & loving it.
Ashleigh Becker
August 27, 2012 at 11:41 amI have Color Drenched Metal & I love it!!
Lynn
August 27, 2012 at 2:58 pmhi Erin – i think my circuits would overload and fry my brain if i ever got to go to a beading show! we don't even have a bead shop here in Birmingham, AL that i know of, much less classes. i did find one, about wrapped loops. but the teacher didn't ask me (and I didn't think to tell him :: my bad ::) how i learn best. so, we spent almost 2 hrs. getting nowhere. he kept stepping in and finishing or correcting what i'd done. a couple of months later, i found a tut online and learned to make wrapped loops in less than 10 min. ever since, when it's time for something new, i compare tuts on the net and pick the best. Lorelei Eurto's Asymmetry Made Simple has been one notable exception. I printed it out, studied it and it completely rearranged my brain (about time, too) and the way i think about making jewelry! Now, altho I still reread hers often and find something different every time, I'm hunting for another PDF that's as well-done and mind-opening as Lori's. Yours, maybe? :o)
Angi
August 27, 2012 at 3:24 pmI have never taken a class on-line or in person. I have downloaded PDF patterns and inspiration ideas from beading websites. Then I can add my own flavor! I love your earring designs and would be so happy to win your tutorial!
Karen Williams
August 27, 2012 at 8:22 pmHi Erin! Congratulations on teaching at Bead Fest Philly! I'm set to teach at Bead Fest Texas later this fall, and like you this will be my first time teaching at that level. So it's fabulous to hear about your experience!
I teach beading and write beading tutorials, so I rarely take other people's classes. But several years (2008) I did take a two-month master class from David Chatt at Penland School of Craft.
Your tutorial pictures look great!
Lucid Moon Studio
August 29, 2012 at 7:57 pmSorry I missed Bead Fest! Hope to go next year. I have taken online classes and downloaded tutorials. This tutorial looks great – I would love to win one 🙂 Congrats Erin!
Lori Anderson
August 30, 2012 at 12:06 amLove that pink ribbon! 🙂 And it was great to see you!
Shaiha
September 8, 2012 at 6:28 amI have taken a couple classes at my local bead store and really enjoyed them. I had saved up to take some glasses at our 'big' bead show here in Washington but I didn't care for any of them so didn't want to waste the money. I haven't tried any of the online classes but I love tutorials.