After a few tough months of battling illness, I’m finally back from a Beading Hiatus to picking up my beadwork tools—and it feels incredible. The journey to rediscover my creative self wasn’t easy, but I took gentle steps by diving into projects that bring me joy and remind me of why I fell in love with jewelry making in the first place.
I started with a personal favorite: the Hinged CRAW Diamond Drop earrings, a gorgeous design by the talented Debra from DatzKatz Designs. Debra generously allowed me to make and sell several pairs. The entire process of creating these earrings—picking out the beads and weaving them into something beautiful—was just as joyful as wearing them. They have a perfect blend of sparkle and elegance that makes them a delight both to make and to wear.
Next, I went back to basics with the spiral stitch. There’s something wonderfully therapeutic about its simple, repetitive rhythm. Feeling each bead glide through my fingers was like a soothing balm for my soul.
As I eased back into beading, I’ve been inspired by our creative community. Marcia DeCoster and her Bead Love project—a fantastic initiative that celebrates the art of beading and its power to connect us—have reminded me that at the heart of this craft is connection, creativity, and pure joy. Seeing fellow artists embrace the spirit of beading reinforces why we do this: for the love of beads and the pleasure of creating.
If you’ve been feeling stuck creatively, maybe it’s time to pick up your favorite beads, try a simple stitch, and reconnect with that spark. Sometimes, the smallest steps can lead us back to our greatest passions.
Take a look at another great design: How to Make DIY Knotted Cord Bead Earrings
