April 7, Free Event: Learn to Make Earrings From Portland Jewelry Designer
April 2nd, 2008
Local jewelry designer Susan Beal will give a free, hands-on lesson in earring making on April 7 at Powell’s to promote her new book, Bead Simple.
Says Susan about the event: “I’ll do a short reading and show a bunch of the 150 jewelry projects from the book, and my Portland guest designers will be there with their work, too. Plus everyone who comes is invited to make a pair of Solo Earrings to bring home as part of a little jewelry 101 demo! I’ll bring pliers, supplies, and a big stash of vintage beads from my collection for you to choose from.”
I met Susan a few years ago and was immediately impressed by her jewelry designs—so impressed that I asked her to create some pieces for me to wear at my wedding.
Since then, it’s been a thrill to watch her career soar.
Her latest accomplishment, Bead Simple, is a stunning book that provides ideas and instruction for a variety of beading projects, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, hair accessories and brooches. There are also ideas for using beads to embellish clothing, bags, books and greeting cards.
Being a frugal-minded person, I love that the book includes some budget-friendly projects, as well as ideas for using stuff you may already have. For example, the book says this bracelet design is ”a great project for using leftovers in your stash—and might just inspire you to start keeping a drawer for all the little lost bits you only have one of.”
I also said amen to passages like these that encourage readers to look for inexpensive materials in unconventional places:
“You can buy beads in every shape, size, color, and material, and in every price range, too, at local bead stores and shops online. You can also look for costume jewelry at yard sales or thrift stores—take it apart and use the vintage beads to make your own unique designs.”
“Most hardware stores offer inexpensive brass- and silver-colored wire in different gauges that can be great for jewelry making.”
If you have any desire to make your own jewelry, I encourage you to go down to Powell’s on April 7. Maybe you’ll be inspired to make a pair of earrings for your own wedding.
For more information about the book and about Susan, go to the Bead Simple blog or Susan’s craft blog West Coast Crafty.
Bead Simple Book Event With Susan Beal
Monday, April 7, 7:30 pm
Powell’s Books on Burnside (upstairs in the Basil Hayward Gallery)
1005 W Burnside
Portland, OR 97209
FREE
1 Comment Add your own
1. six free things - to make&hellip | April 2nd, 2008 at 11:08 pm
[...] ideas, free events, and all kinds of other interesting resources. She was kind enough to post about my Powell’s event this week, too — thank you so much, [...]
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