Q How do you come up with designs for beaded jewelry?

A I've been asked this question countless times while teaching a class, or at the Bead&Button Show.

Crystals are my favorite design element

Most of the time when I sit down to create a new pattern, or incorporate a cool new style of bead into a design, the act of just working with the materials ends up resulting in some sort of jewelry. Not right away, of course, but if I work long enough, something usually begins to emerge. If I feel like I am "blocked," I just keep going. A lot of the time, I will just cut off whatever it was that I was working on, let it go, and start fresh. Sometimes a little part of a stitch, or the way two different beads sit together, is enough to spark a new direction. But if it isn't that easy for you, here are some ideas to get you started:

Working in a comfortable color palette helps my flow of creativity

• First of all, I think it is really important to surround yourself with materials that inspire you. Fill your work surface with materials you love, but mix it up once and a while. It is no secret I love designing with crystals, but sometimes the variations in a beautiful strand of ocean jasper can really get my mind going in a different direction than if I had only crystals in front of me. If you like a certain designer, or a particular style of jewelry, start there. Make something designed by someone else, then try changing it as much as possible. If you must, start by only changing the color, but then change some of the beads and see if other styles work. The more you experiment, the easier it will be to know what will go nicely together, or how the different styles of beads can complement each other.

• Learn the basic stitches. I feel like the best thing I did while teaching myself to bead was to learn all of the stitches, and learn them thoroughly. This way, I could combine the stitches together, making some really interesting designs. It really helps to feel comfortable with all the stitches, so if you find yourself in a rut, learn a new stitch, or revisit one you haven't done in a while.

• Maybe try a stitch in some beads you normally wouldn't have. I love the way triangle beads nestle together, changing the basic stitch because the beads won't behave like round ones. Grouping beads on your work surface can help you fit the beads together like a puzzle, and also choose your colors better than if they were left in tubes or bags. I find that tubed beads often look like a different color once out of their containers.

• Master the techniques. Adding and ending the threads, crimping like a pro, and working even stitches make all the difference when designing. You can't have a fabulous design if the thread ends are showing all over the place, or the crimp beads are mashed or loose. Give attention to the details, like covering crimps to give any piece a finished look. Take the time to really think your jewelry design through. 

• Take a class. When I get a chance to take a class, which unfortunately usually only happens at the Bead&Button Show (so once a year), I am amazed by how inspiring it is. Fortunately, taking classes at the show is a huge benefit, since some of the best teachers are there. Watching masters teach, the way they utilize their tools, or the expertise they exhibit with their color palette make it really worthwhile. Open your mind while in class and let the teacher teach, but also listen to fellow students. Many of them may have been working with beads long enough that their own beading wisdom enhances the class.

• Bead, bead, and bead some more. You have to make the time to allow your creativity to take over. Set aside some time each day or once a week, even if it is jotting down an idea or sketching out a part of an idea. Look at store displays or products for design ideas or color options.Take some time to sort or organize your favorite beads, which can lead to great ideas. And go easy on yourself! If something doesn't work out, try again. It takes time to get it right.
 

I think it is one of the best feelings to be complimented on a piece of jewelry, knowing that my creativity and passion for beading can move someone else.

Anna Elizabeth Draeger
Associate Editor
Bead&Button magazine