How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
I started beading after finding a book on brick stitch in the library where I work, I had a collection of beads, vintage ones m,ostly which I didn'tknow what to do with, I've never really liked more traditional beaded jewellery, or at least never fancied making any, but this book had some beautiful designs, particularly the paisley shapes on the front cover. I made a necklace using some of the beads I'd hoarded, and started looking for other books. That's when I discovered beading with cabochons by Jamie Cloud Eakin. This was the breakthrough, her work is beautifula and I wanted to make some of that. I started with a few glass cabochons bought cheaply from a local craft shop, having also bought some much smaller beads and proper beading needles. The first piece sold to a friend at work and led to 3 more sales. I'd also been collecting beach or sea glass for a while and suddenly I got a flash of inspiration and put the two things together. I suppose I've been doing this for nearly 3 years now.
Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
One of the big negatives is the time it takes, it's a very slow process. Also I insist on using very small beads and I'm getting quite old. The first one has no real way round it I and the second involves lots of light and a magnifying glass round my neck.
What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
Don't! Seriously make sure you have a lot of patience and are prepared to do a fair bit of undoing what you've done, when I finish this I have some of that to do on my current piece.
How did you find Misi?
I did a lot of searches for things like selling crafts online etc and eventually found Misi, I think I found Etsy first but was a bit put off because they insisted on you having a credit card which I didn't have.
What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
At the moment my favourite is the Peacock's Eye pendant, I'll probably like something else next week. I'm very pleased with the thing I'm working on at the moment.
What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
JoJo jewellery, she's really got the hang of that silver stuff!
Random Facts about you:
What is your favourite time of day?
Around 6.00clock in the evening when I get home from work and have a cup of tea.
If you could go anywhere in the world, money no object ~ where would you go?
Oh all over ,but I'd love to visit Japan
What was your favourite Christmas present this last Christmas?
A beautiful photograph taken on her travels by our daughter Zoe, You can see it on Flikr it's a lovely picture of a lake with turquoise blue boats and she calls herself zoesoldout. I think it's in Nepal
What is your favourite animal?
Cat, or giraffe
What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
Johnny Depp!
Thank you Ley. If you would like to see more examples of Ley's gorgeous beadwork, then visit Vintage Beadery on Misi.
Helen
xxx
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