Taking the Plunge

My Bead Room

I've finally decided to take the plunge and start a blog.  It's a little overwhelming to tell you the truth -- there's so much to tell, I don't even know where to start.  I guess the beginning is as good a place as any.

I've been a crafty sort for as long as I can remember and my entrepreneurial spirit has been alive and kicking almost as long.  Even as a small kid, I was thinking of businesses I could launch.  My first entrepreneurial endeavor was in the field of entertainment.  I rounded up my brother and the neighborhood kids, put together a script for a show, set up a theater in the carport (after asking all the neighbors to move their cars), and charged all the adults to come see us give our Oscar-worthy performances.  Well, OK maybe not Oscar-worthy but if you saw my little brother with the Hawaiian grass skirt on his head like a wig, and him singing Tiptoe Through the Tulips, you would have sworn it was Tiny Tim live and in person.  I was 11 at the time.

From there, it was one venture after another -- some stories I'll save for a future post.  My first jewelry venture was in the 70's when I was living in San Francisco and going to high school.  I was into macrame at the time and was making everything from plant hangers to chokers.  My beaded chokers were pretty nice and didn't require a big financial investment.  After perfecting my technique, I took a handful of my chokers down to Ghiradelli Square and found a small hippy boutique that would suit my merchandise.  The owner was just what you would picture for that time and place - she had long, straight hair, long flowy skirt with a loose cotton shirt, and sandals.  I can't remember her name now but she loved my chokers and bought them all.  I made and sold chokers for a year or so until I tired of it (or maybe I was distracted by the boyfriend d'jour, I don't remember).

Fast forward 30+ years and I've re-discovered the magic of beads.  I can't really explain the passion I have for this craft but I find it immensely satisfying to take a small pile of beads and make something beautiful out of them.  Even more rewarding is seeing people (friends, family, and customers) wear and enjoy my work.

Well, now you know where it all started.  The question is, where will it go from here?  Through my blog, I will share my adventure with you all and I'll share a few stories from my past.  I've got lots of other fun things planned (give-aways, contests, challenges, etc) so buckle your seatbelt and let's get this show on the road.