Creative Beading

Beading Ideas Where Do You Get Them?

It is a disappointment for most designers and any creative person when they run out of ideas for their projects.  I’m sure we’re all acquainted with the term’writer’s block’, implying that a writer will find it hard to think of something new to write or to end off something they are already writing. 

Well for beaders out there we have what we call ‘beader’s block’ also.  This happens when for some reason you simply cannot think of a new idea or design for your beadwork or you have no clue as to the easiest way to finish a pattern that you have recently started.  Let’s try and look at some things we can do to help get over this. 

A neat place to start is understanding where you currently are.  What are the things and materials that you already have at your disposal?  What types and colors of beads are in your drawers and containers?  Sometimes the simple act of taking a look at these handmade glass beads is sufficient to get your creative energies flowing. 

Psychologists say that mind block is common when you’re in an environment of disarray and misunderstanding so naturally the first way to try and combat this is to keep yourself organized.  The brain is a dynamic organ and very capable of multi-tasking so you may not even notice it coming up with new ideas while you are in the act of organizing. 

All this fixing and shelving of your materials will get you beat at the end of it so it’s good to find a little time off for yourself.  When your brain is tired you won’t get to do much and it will feel a bit like you are overworking it.  Resting is also a good time to allow your brain to process the ideas that it developed in the organizing exercise. 

How do you customarily spend your relaxation time?  Do you read, visit a buddy, or walk around?  Give your consciousness a little time off from the whole beading activity and let it ramble on to other subjects.  When you get back to pondering beads your grey matter will be very refreshed and freed from old, exhausted concepts. 

When you think you are rested enough, look through some old material about beading.  Have you got magazines and books lying around?  Or perhaps you can look through some web sites on the internet, try finding jewelry making patterns. The rest period you had prior to this will allow you to have a look at these with a new eye and perspective no matter how old the mag or book is.  Still try and keep that atmosphere of relaxation by cozying up on a chair or drinking your favorite relaxing beverage. 

Don’t try and scrutinize each design you see.  Just let your brain call out to you when it sees something that sparks your interest.  Appreciate the designs rather than trying to analyse them.  Ultimately, visit a few craft stores and other bead stores where art abounds.  Art is not constricted to a single kind of form so even those that are not related to beading might give you that idea that you need. 

When you are prepared to start thinking about ideas again, sit down and write down all of the new ideas that are bound to be flowing in your head by this point.  Don’t be afraid to try anything at this stage.

simple beading.

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