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A Beader's
New Year's Resolutions
© by Kathy Reading; all rights reserved
It's traditional for ordinary citizens to have a list of resolutions for the New Year, and beaders are no different. My ten resolutions follow, a reflection of what I've learned from the last year and what I hope to accomplish in the New Year. Ten Resolutions
for the New Beading Year- I resolve to organize my studio so that I am able to find supplies when I need them - instead of finding them when I am looking for something else - and of course after I have already purchased more!
- I resolve to complete all the half-finished projects lying around my studio, the ones that I haven't finished because I get distracted and move on to the next project. I hope I can keep this promise when the new 8-loop ring forms I just ordered arrive next week.
- I resolve to really try to use some of the hundreds of thousands of beads and findings that I have already purchased before I buy more - slim chance! All of you reading this know how addictive beads can be and how you never have enough!
- I resolve to follow my Dad's guidance (when I used to help him in his workshop) of "measure twice, cut once." I will make sure to measure stringing materials correctly, and can be translated into "measure twice, bead once."
- I resolve to check, check, and triple check my work before tying off. I'll check the length, placement of beads, and ensure the pattern is correct each and every time - before I notice a mistake after tying off and end up having to restring the project.
- I resolve to go to sleep instead of trying to stay up and finish the necklace that I have worked on all day, only to discover a mistake in the third row and stay up all night to fix it, because it certainly can't wait until the morning.
- I resolve to be kinder to my digital camera and computer even when the pictures I take of my jewelry don't turn out - they are usually too dark. I'll resist throwing the camera out the window of my car as I drive down the highway and take some extra time and read the manual to improve the quality of my photos.
- I resolve to learn something new this year, taking a few classes to learn a new technique and expand my jewelry making knowledge. Classes are a great place to meet fellow beaders and get new ideas, and a fantastic place to network with other people with similar interests.
- I resolve to help others by giving back to the community. I will donate pieces to various fund-raising events throughout the year to keep up the tradition of generosity.
- When all else fails, I'll just point to my "beadfreak" coffee mug and reflect on how beading fills me with solace.
Author Kathy Reading of Catju Designs is a self-taught jewelry designer who has been creating unique pieces for over 12 years. Her jewelry is made with vintage Swarovski crystals, beads, components, findings, and buttons. Inspired by artistic, vintage, and art-deco items, many are one-of-a-kind and limited-edition pieces.Return to top of A Beader's New Year's Resolutions. Return to Bead Show Tips. Return to Home Jewelry Business Success Tips home page.
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