Within just 7 months of joining the Loose Bead Society, I not only have expanded my horizons by becoming the Website Coordinator but also have started bead stitching! I have made jewelry for over 15 years and have dabbled in polymer clay and silver clay, but I thought that stitching was too difficult. Hanging out with the LBS members and seeing the amazing things they've done has given me the courage to take needle in hand and see what I can come up with. There has been a lot of hand-holding (thanks, Kathy, Cindy, and Susan!) and a lot of whining (yeah, mostly from me), but I've done it! This picture shows my first finished project - a black and white tubular herringbone necklace made specifically for this blouse. I've since completed two spiral stitch necklaces, a daisy chain bracelet, and a peyote ring. I still find written directions somewhat difficult to understand, but I know that if I get stuck there are members of the Society who can decipher them, who know short-cuts, and who are willing to sit with a southpaw until she finally gets it.
