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Sunday, 8 January 2012

Am I good enough?

I have been a beader for just over 4 years now, and I have to say, I am completely hooked... I'm a bead addict. I love the way that the little seed beads fit together to make so many different shapes, and how all the different stitches feel, and how they work together.  Up until now, I have been a self-taught beader - learning from books, tutorials, the internet etc.  I even class myself as a novice designer - coming up with a few original designs of my own - I've even sold a few tutorials online, and had one of my designs published in a magazine.

The more I bead, the more I want to get into designing properly, and I want to start taking some classes, and more than anything, I'd like to meet some other beaders!

There are some pro beaders out there that I really admire, I am even honoured enough to have a few of them as 'friends' on facebook.  One beader whose work I admire a lot is Laura McCabe, she is renowned for her seed-beading around rivolis, highly faceted Swarovski crystals.  Rivolis have no holes, they have a flat-ish front, and a pointed back.  They have such depth to them, and they come in an amazing array of colours, shapes and sizes, they are truly stunning.  The reason I'm talking about Laura McCabe today is that I am contemplating taking one of her 'master-class' classes, designing and making beaded sculpture - it's being taught at Stitchncraft, in Dorset, which will become one of my local bead shops when I move later this month.

There were two things putting me off going to this work shop... the first is a lame reason - I didn't really want to go on my own, and the second is what this blog is about - am I good enough?

Regarding going on my own, I now know two people from one of the groups I belong to on facebook who are going, so I won't be on my own, but the second bothers me more.  To help me decide if I am good enough, I've bought one of Laura's tutorials - to make the ultimate beaded bead.  I've found some vintage square rivolis online, and ordered them... pretty much everything else is going to come from my stash...


This is what the ultimate beaded bead looks like - photo courtesy of Laura McCabes website.

Mine will not be this colour - it will be a multitude of greys and blacks, with several different bead finishes.  If I find I get on with this pattern, and can follow it, then I'll book the workshop... I'll blog with my progress, as I'm sure it'll take me a while to make - especially as I'm going to be moving house in a few weeks!
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14 comments:

  1. DaniRae8 January 2012 at 22:17

    Wow...that's quite a project to undertake but from what I've seen of your work, I don't think you will have to much of a problem..looking forward to seeing the progress!

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  2. June8 January 2012 at 22:24

    My mum used to have a really good saying, 'never doubt yourself, there's always plenty of people who will do that for you'!! In other words, think positive. Good luck, look forward to seeing your progress with it. Go to the show ... then, you'll definitely know how to do it.

    June

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  3. Becs Dean8 January 2012 at 22:45

    Thanks for your positive words ladies, I'll keep you all posted on my progress!

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  4. Ellad28 January 2012 at 23:47

    I don't have any doubts about you! You can do it and yes, you are good enough!

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  5. Shirley9 January 2012 at 03:04

    What a stunning piece! I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at your skill sweetie. I've seen your pieces, and I do think you'll do a great job on it. Looking forward to the process posts, and to hearing that you have booked your spot in the class!

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  6. Unknown9 January 2012 at 12:11

    Contemplating the good enough issue myself! That's an amazing pattern. Good luck with it Becs
    Gemxxx

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  7. Unknown9 January 2012 at 13:51

    Do I need to have a talk with you? If I had said this very thing what would you say to me? You and I have been beading for almost the same amount of time and have the same experiences under our belt what would you say to me? Say that to yourself and take the class already! I can't wait to hear all about it!

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  8. Becs Dean9 January 2012 at 18:18

    Ladies... I've booked some annual leave... I'm booking the course!

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  9. Sarah9 January 2012 at 18:40

    You will have a wonderful time! So jealous.

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  10. Tim9 January 2012 at 21:08

    Glad you decided to go for it! I have no doubt you are good enough. I'm sure you will love it and get plenty of new inspiration for new projects and blogs to write in the future! Now go and have some fun!

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  11. Kristen Haskell10 January 2012 at 14:54

    I totally believe in you. Your work is gorgeous and you can read a pattern [many of us struggle] and i think you should go for it. Classes are not for those that already know how they are for those to take the next step. I think you are so ready to take the next step.

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  12. NEDbeads10 January 2012 at 22:14

    Well, of COURSE you're good enough, woman!

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  13. Sally Anderson12 January 2012 at 01:01

    I really love what Kristen said. So true! It's hard for lots of us to treat ourselves the same way we'd treat our friends. I, too, have issues with this. But you are clearly talented and able to do this! Go for it!

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  14. Jax2 February 2012 at 09:31

    Where abouts is stitch and craft in Dorset - i live in Dorset as well. Just love all your earrings. x

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