Bead Unique Magazine: Winter 2007, Issue #15
I was invited by Pamela Hawkins, Bead Unique Magazine editor, to join the first Bead Unique bead swap and although I was in the midst of finishing the last excerpts of my book, I couldn't refuse. I didn't want to miss out on the fun as I've never been in a bead swap. I'm a sucker for challenges that test my time management, ability to multi-task and juggling of deadline focused projects. Who needs sleep anyways! Somehow I managed to design four pieces (one of which, I'd admit, I should have done better and I've since taken apart! - such a perfectionist, here). Unfortunately I couldn't make more and many swap beads were left unused. The swap gave me a chance to work with materials that I may otherwise not select myself and challenged me to work outside of my comfort zones. (Eeek, biting my nails). My biggest challenge was actually finding time to bead! I, in turn, challenged the other swap members to design around the Serenity leaves and you'll be able to see a few of the finished pieces in the winter issue. My favorite design utilizing the Serenity leaves is by my friend Debbie McDermott. Debbie does beautiful work and debuts her first two articles in this issue. I'm so proud of her! My pal Kelly Russell also has a wonderful article on color options for your PMC designs. The fun does not stop and my buddy, Beki Haley, owner of Out on a Whim Beads, one of my favorite places to shop for seed beads, has a lovely design gracing the cover. Can't help loving those sparkling Swarovski rhinestones. Great job everyone.