I've been beading my life away

by Ruby
(Armstrong, British Columbia, Canada)

First of all... I'm a jewelry artist. Secondly... I just turned thirteen. When I was eleven I saved up all of my birthday and Christmas money and spent it all on beads.

Pretty soon I had a huge collection of handmade jewelry.

One day I happened to be reading the local newspaper and I saw an ad wanting people to participate in a craft sale supporting the local museum. Of course I signed up right away... well, after I asked for my mom's permission to let me.

Two weeks later it was the big day! I had my table set up (a silky blue table cloth, a black velvet earring stand and some paper snowflakes were all I had), and then laid out my jewelry.

Even though I was only twelve at the time my jewelry actually looked more interesting than all of the other beaders.

My advice to you there is to actually weave and do different stitches (like: peyote, dutch spiral, netting, spiral rope, square stitch, daisy chain, ladder stitch, herringbone, brick stitch, African helix, South African scallop - an awesome stitch I must say - and bead crochet) to make your work look unique, because everyone else had simply strung necklaces that only look pretty because of the beads.

I did pretty good - I made $100 which doesn't sound like a lot but to me that's wonderful because:

I was tweleve.

It was my first time selling jewelry.

My display wasn't very attractive.

The reasons that I was successful:

Twelve year olds are cute.

My jewelry was unique.

I brought my cute seven year old sister with me.

This year I am planning on doing two or three shows making $150 - $200 each time. Thanks to your website my display will be totally unique and draw more customers.

You rock Rena.

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I've been beading my life away

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You Go, Girl!
by: Rena

Ruby,

It's awesome to hear how much you've accomplished in the jewelry world so far! I'm proud of you for getting out there and doing it.

I'm also glad to hear that you're setting goals - that's the best way to get to where you want to be quickly.

Thanks so much for sharing your story with us - I hope to hear updates as you keep adding to your successes!

Keep on making your beautiful jewels, and never let go of your dreams.

Rena

p.s. - Thanks also for your kind compliment - people in their 40's don't always feel like we rock, so it's very nice to be told that we do! :o)

photo?
by: Amy

Do we get to see a photo of your creations??

Whatta Girl!!!
by: Anonymous

I am so pleased to hear of your success and your plans for the future.
My daughter went to Belize when she was 14 and learned beadwork from the natives. Reading about you brought back memories. At 27 she still loves beading and has found it so rewarding.
I have just started making polymer clay beads and havve not tried to do any other beadwork yet.
Reading what you have done already just blows me away. I am so impressed. Keep it up.
Take care and God bless you and all your works.

My Best,
Alice

Great Job!
by: Marilyn

Way to go Ruby! Keep up the good work. Concentrate on the beads and the cuteness will continue for a few more years......long enough to build your bead building skills to selling top notch unique designs. Keep us updated on your progress.

More Success Soon to Come!!!
by: Ruby

Hi, fellow jewelry artists!

I haven't been to any shows yet but I have found a couple that need to be looked into. I've been very busy lately. It seems that my whole life seems to revolve around jewelry when I'm not at school. I have been looking around for craft shows, planning my displays, and making jewelry! Lately I've been thinking of getting a business license but I'm not sure how old you have to be to get one! I guess I'll get there someday. Later I'll send some pics of my shows and my jewelry. I doubt that you have ever seen jewelry this creative and detailed made by a thirteen year-old!

Pictures soon to come, Ruby