Circles of life

While writing and drawing patterns recently in order to teach and share my beady designs, it dawned on me just how life at times comes full circle. I've often told my children that they are the sum of all their life experiences, and this certainly applies to me too!

In my very early working days I was a studio artist and designer in Dublin and absolutely loved the work! I worked with my hands and acquired many skills and most of all I loved working with color.

Years later, having spent time rearing our five children, I returned to college, this time in Texas, and learned to apply these same skills all over again using the computer. I eventually worked in the publishing industry and ultimately as a graphic designer I enjoyed designing books and book-covers, among other things. Once again I loved what I was doing. I totally loved working with color and loved what I always thought of as the mathematical discipline of it all. I also enjoyed the fast pace and constant challenges that each day brought.

Today I find myself once again using those same graphic design skills, but this time I'm producing my own patterns for bead designs I've enjoyed creating. These same skills are today helping me to share my passion.

I don't think I ever saw this current application for the skills I've acquired over the years, but somehow I believe that all of my life experiences have led to where I am today:- I'm still working with color, and loving the discipline and at times the mathematical precision of the beadweaving stitches I now design with.

Isn't life amazing? Life has certainly come full circle for me!

Another Year!

Well here we are already most of the way through the first month of 2011! I'm blessed to be here and still enjoying my beading to the max! I figured after neglecting this blog for most of last year, that this would constitute at least ONE post for this new year! I don't like to make 'resolutions' . . . but this year it is my greatest hope to teach more and share the love of beads that has kept me going for the last few years.

Last weekend I was fortunate to attend the Texas Bead Retreat -- TBR -- my second time to attend. It was just wonderful to catch up with beady friends and enjoy the great laughter that always prevails at these events. And this year I taught my Diamonds and Pearls

bracelet which turned out to be one of the most popular classes. I designed the bracelet specially for this event -- I wanted something that was suitable for beginners, yet would attract the more experienced beader, and I was successful in doing just that. This project can be completed in an evening.

I was thrilled to have so many students complete the bracelet and wear it AT the Retreat! Still more have contacted me with photos of their completed projects and all are pleased. So overall, it was a very successful experience.

I was happy with the pattern directions that are very clear and easy to follow, and I am looking forward to completing another half dozen patterns over the next few months and teaching more this coming year.

Fingers crossed my health will allow me to do this!