Online jewelry and beading education
January 20, 2009 by Cyndi Lavin
Filed under Basics - Getting Started, Online Tools & Toys, Other Bead & Jewelry Sites, Technique Tuesday, Tutorials & Techniques
Technique Tuesday
Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to go somewhere to take a class. There’s so much to be said for classes…being able to see the technique demonstrated, being able to ask questions, mixing and mingling and meeting new people. It’s all good. But it just doesn’t work out for everyone.
Fortunately, there is the internet!
There are three categories of posts on this very blog that will lead you to lots of techniques, tips, tutorials, and fun new projects to try. There are also lots of new sources that I’ll be adding to these categories pretty regularly.
The Basics – Getting Started – online instruction to help take the place of basic classes
Tutorials & Techniques – all kinds of beading and jewelry how-tos
Technique Tuesday – my own step by step projects
There will be some overlap on these lists. Sorry, but it’s unavoidable 
If you’d like to share a source that you think I’ve missed, please do! I’d love to be able to have the most complete list of resource links for online learning anywhere!
I find that most online stores and magazine sites have free tutorials, some with video and most have pictures. If you’re a subscriber to the magazine, you usually have access to more indepth and complex projects.
Just don’t be slavish to the requirements!
In some cases, the shape of bead and wire hardness is important. When beads are close together and need to fit (like bicones) in small spaces, you’ll have to stick to them, and wire wrapping needs the right hardness.
However, in most cases it’s easy to substitute the same size bead (or wire) in colours and materials you like.
Enjoy!
I agree with your statement about not slavishly following directions, Paul, especially if the directions are mine!! LOL!
Hi Cyndi,
I’ve been following your blog for a while now and I enjoy all three of the categories you mention here. I’ve started my own blog – my specialty is bead crochet (for now – I am also learning flamework!), but I am exploring design and color decisions in my work that many jewlery makers can benefit from. Take a look around (www.lisaoram.com) and don’t hesitate to let me know if you think a guest post over here would be useful.
Thanks, lisa
Sure Lisa
Contact me directly to talk about what you’d like to share cyndi @ b5Media.com (remove the spaces)
Great topic, Cyndi. I don’t socialize much and don’t like classes (often can’t quite afford them) – so getting help on line is a great alternative. Thanks!!
Sometimes the traveling is the problem too
I tend to learn well by myself. I disturb classes with jokes and repartee.
Don’t drive – grew up poor in Rochester NY. No one in my family drove. I finally learned at 26 or 27 but I never liked it. Had a traffic accident that scared Leon so much he begged me never to drive again. My reflexes were not fast enough and I tend to drift off and not pay attention; a sort of altered mystical state of consciousness where I lose all track of time. (I don’t need drugs, my brain has its own way of doing things.) LOL Heck, I can walk and hardly notice I am doing so, Cyndi.
Finally – just massively weird hours. Bed time:7:30 up at 3:00 AM
Darn. I live a weir-r–rrd–d–d-d life!
No my dear, that’s called an *interesting* life!!
I didn’t learn to drive, really, until I was 22. I mean, I “learned” when I was 16 and got my license, but I never really did it until I was older. I don’t enjoy it, and no one really likes being in the car when I’m doing it, because I tend to drift off and not pay attention… enough said
That’s what THIS is ! I was wondering. Couldn’t think of the right Adjective !! (-:
What is it with drifting off? I sometimes walk and drift off – friends claim they honk and honk, even call my name and I am just in, well, my own little universe. Did you ever see the book “Drawing on the right side of the brain” I really think it is something like that.
I do admit something. I do admit to praying when walking. Not sure about when I was driving, maybe I should have !
I do a lot of creative thinking when I walk, also. Even carry a notebook in my purse for notes.
Oh – Frugality. I admit sometimes I wished I drove.. but we save a lot of money. We don’t have children (They’d be all grown by now, anyway.) so there is no inconvenience.