My first project

November 2012 I decided I wanted to make jewelry. I had avoided the bead section at my local craft store which was Michael's. Was always so tempting but dangerous. But finally I wanted to fall into that world of beads.

So I told my coworkers, told my boss who gave me a gift card to JoAnn Fabric's for a Christmas present.

I didn't get started for five months. I'd recently moved and didn't yet have a desk. That was my first goal.

I finally went shopping for beads and it was definitely overwhelming. I didn't know where to start. I knew I preferred wire and needed clasps. And tools and storage containers. But the fun was those bead strands.

I have always loved making jewelry. As a kid I loved those kits for girls, different projects. I made earrings and bracelets. The first earring gift I made for a sister was wood beads. I also got a present of various plastic beads. I made various necklaces. I even made something with glass beads, really heavy and chunky. One kit taught me how to make paper beads.

Working with nice beads was a bit of a hurdle because suddenly I had to get my mind on shopping for patterns. Needed spacers and to choose colors and shape. Hadn't really done this before but it was fun.

So this is the first necklace I made. The bracelet came later.