Creative Musings: HierARTchy - Letter to a Beginner

Dear Beginner,

First of all, I'd like to start by saying that you're not alone. There's a reason for the extra space at the foundation of the pyramid. It's the place where we all begin, where we all start to find what we like to create and how we like to create it. But the point of the pyramid is to keep going up, getting better and better. I've learned some lessons as I've climbed that I hope will help you, and I wish someone had told me when I first started climbing.

First lesson, everyone was once a beginner, and may even still be at something.

I know you like to visit blogs and read books, and pore over articles of how-to's and how-not-to's. I know you see things that some of the professionals are doing and you think to yourself....there's no way I'll ever be there. But, remember, they were once in your shoes. I'm pretty sure not one of them walked out of their mother's womb making perfect wrapped loops or weaving smooth, flat peyote cuffs. Everyone begins somewhere and the first thing that you'll need to keep on going up is a little confidence to say, "Hey, if they can, I can...".

 The first strung piece of jewelry that I ever created. NO wrapped loops and the little filigree part at the bottom just literally fell off one day!

The next thing you're gonna need is a little patience with yourself. I know that you've done that tutorial from that magazine six times and it still doesn't look like the picture in the magazine. Well, maybe you'll have to do it six more. I filled up a garbage bowl with wonky herringbone samples until it just hit me one day and I could herringbone with my eyes shut! I know it's frustrating when what you're trying to do doesn't come out the way you want it, but take a step back and ask yourself, is there something else I can do that will teach me this technique in a simpler, more straightforward fashion? (Here's where a good tutorial, magazine, or book comes in handy) There's a reason that most magazines rank their projects based on difficulty, use that ranking, you'll end up a lot less frustrated and a little more patient through the learning process.

 My attempt a a "bling ring". Kinda looks like my bead box exploded on top of an adjustable brass base.

Also, you're gonna need some inspiration. I've said this before, but it's worth repeating. Find what inspires YOU! Me and nature? Not so much. Other than the colors, I'm really not a huge fan. Now, that said, give me a book on ancient roman architecture and I guarantee you I can find something worth turning into a necklace or bracelet. So, when you hear a designer say, "I'm really inspired by roses, who doesn't love roses?!" Just remember, you're not that designer, and you've got to find out what inspires you.

I made a billion brickstitched pendants during the summer of 2007. No, really....

Okay, last but not least (well, this isn't an exhaustive list, I'm sure there's more), you're going to need to practice. You know that one recipe that you know by heart? Well, you're jewelry process needs to be the same way. You need to do something again and again until you can do it without even bothering with instructions. They should be written on your heart and in your fingers. Honestly, after my brickstitch summer bonanza, I could probably do brickstitch wearing a blindfold while riding a roller coaster in the dark. This is where the focus comes in. 

My first bead-embroidered anything. It's a brooch, and I honestly have no clue where I put it!

You  have to find what techniques and materials really speak to you in order to master them. I like to do stringing about once a month, but I'm in love with bead embroidery and beadweaving, so it's those that I practice at least once a day. Trust me, you'll know what it is you like to do. It'll just come, you won't have to search too hard, but keep trying different things until you find the one that really speaks to you.

 The first thing that I ever sold on Etsy. A bead embroidered cuff bracelet of my own original design.

Don't give up, one day it'll happen, you'll create something original and unique and you'll love it, and it'll be you and you'll wear it around the house in your lounge pants because you're too lazy to get dressed, but you still want to wear whatever it is that you just created. It's a great feeling and one definitely worth working toward.

Oh, and it'll put you one step closer to the next level of the pyramid...

My medallion design, totally original and it looks great with pajamas.

...next week, the amateur/hobbyist - a person who engages in a study, sport, or other activity for pleasure rather than for financial benefit or professional reasons.

What would make the beginner different from the hobbyist in your opinion?