Since we are focusing on business and technical advice and education this month, it seemed really appropriate to post this question from my friend Val. Val has a site called Journey into Art, and she asked for our help:
If you could give one piece of advice that helped you out the most when you first started, what would that be?
My answer, in relationship to bead embroidery: Pay attention to all the little details and don't crowd your beads!
So what about all of you? What is YOUR best piece of advice for new beaders or jewelry-makers? Share your comment here or in an email if you'd like to share an image too! Send your reply and attachment to cyndi @ mazeltovjewelry.com (remove the spaces), and please put advice in the subject line!
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Comments
The neater your stitches are, the nicer they look -- and also, the sturdier! The slower you go, especially at first, the more likely you are to make tidy little stitches and keep your spacing right.
My other advice is to play and experiment. A lot. :)
By the way, I am NOT advocating the theft of the designs of others and/or representing them as your own. When you're done, rip the pieces apart and build something original using the same technique/colors or tuck them away for future reference instead.
Pat, thank you for your advice! You are exactly right...copying the masters is a time-honored method of improving our technique, in every art form.
May I add my bit of advice? Don't be afraid to do what you really like or 'feel' is wonderful. It took me years to get the courage! Do not to be too influenced by what is the 'rage', what sells the best, or in is fashion. Your own 'niche' will make for the best art.
I would like to add that if you are working with wire do practice first with inexpensive craft wire before moving on to sterling or gold.