Where to Get Beading Ideas?

Beading Ideas Where Do You Get Them?

It is a frustration for most designers and any creative person when they run out of concepts for their projects.  I am sure everyone’s familiar with the term’writer’s block’, implying a writer will find it hard to consider something new to pen or to finish off something that they are already writing. 

Well for beaders out there we have what we call ‘beader’s block’ as well .  This occurs when for some reason you simply cannot think about a new idea or design for your beadwork or you don’t have any clue as to the easiest way to finish a pattern that you have just started.  Let’s attempt to look at some things we can do to help get over this. 

A neat place to start is working out 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 easy act of taking a look at these handmade glass beads will get your creative juices flowing. 

Therapists say that mind block is common when you are in an environment of disarray and perplexity so naturally the number one way to try and combat this is to keep yourself organized.  The brain is a potent organ and extraordinarily capable of multi-tasking so you might 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 knackered 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’ll feel just like you are overworking it.  Resting is also a good time to permit your brain to process the ideas that it developed during the organizing exercise. 

How do you usually spend your relaxation time?  Do you read, visit a buddy, or walk around?  Give your consciousness some time off from the entire beading activity and let it wander on to other subjects.  When you get back to pondering beads your brain will be very refreshed and freed from old, exhausted ideas. 

When you think you are rested enough, look through some old material about beading.  Do you have mags and books lying around?  Or perhaps you can look through some web sites online , 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 viewpoint 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 drink. 

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.  Eventually, visit a few craft stores and other bead stores where art abounds.  Art isn’t constricted to a single sort of form so even those that aren’t related to beading might give you that idea that you need. 

When you’re ready to start thinking of ideas again, sit down and write down all of the new ideas that are sure to be flowing in your head by now.  Don’t be afraid to try anything at this time.