by Kathy Cano-Murillo - Sept. 14, 2002 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

Bernie Lawitz can always tell when someone enters his store for the first time.

“There's always that of look of confusion,” he says.

Then they say, “Oh my God.”

The name of his outlet — Beads Galore — explains why. The multiroom warehouse houses has thousands of beautiful baubles that are ready to be strung, threaded, crimped and woven. Although the shop has been an artistic mainstay in Tempe for more than 16 years, beading has only recently emerged as a popular mainstream activity. It's not just artists who are designing wearable art nowadays, it's also the part-time crafter.

“I'm not at all intimidated at the thought of designing my own accessories,” says 30-year-old Minnie Torres-Andrade, a full time marketing consultant. “I always steal ideas from things I see in stores. I'll think, ‘That looks so simple. I bet I can make my own for a lot less money in the exact colors I want.' Especially if I have an outfit and I want something to go with it that is unique and different.”

Lawitz welcomes those fresh faces that cross his threshold day after day. Many novices to Lawitz's store find their initial introduction overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. A safe — and fashionable — place to start is with elasticized bead bracelets that are a hot item in boutiques and department stores.

The first step is to decide on a color scheme and the number of bracelets you'd like, and then survey the goods before making a selection. Lawitz suggests a budget of approximately $30. He adds that those who feel they are creatively impaired should just relax and enjoy the process.

“Buying enough materials to make six bracelets equals the cost of buying one from someplace else,” he says. “It's silly to buy a pre-made bracelet. If you can dress yourself in the morning and choose the right colors, you should be able to string a bracelet the same way. There is no right and wrong.”

Phoenix artist Jennifer Meyers is a shining example of his mantra.

Her passion for beading began 10 years ago when she needed a special accessory to match an outfit. Nothing at the store appealed to her, so she took matters into her own hands (literally). The experience led to a new endeavor future. She now works full time producing beaded jewelry that she sells on the Internet and at local jewelry shows. Her work is so appealing that she often sells pieces she's wearing. right off her arms.

“I was at my own baby shower, and I had my beaded bracelets on, and the women were like, ‘Oh where did you get that?'” she says with a laugh. “I ended up selling them off my arms at my own shower.

“I also once sold earrings from my ears to a cashier at the supermarket. Of course, I cleaned them for her first.”

The 32-year-old considers beading a mess-free method of self-expression. It takes several cases to hold her materials, which are sorted according to size, shape and color. In addition, she has portable boxes that allow her to work while when she is away from home.

“It's so easy to get addicted to all the supplies,” she says with a tone of caution. “You start amassing all this stuff before you can even use it all. It can get expensive. I say, try to set limits when you go into a supply store. Tell yourself you are only going to spend ‘X' amount of dollars. Remind yourself that you can always go in again.”

Elastic bauble bracelets

Supplies:
1 package of Stretch Magic elastic cording
Assorted beads
Small jump rings
Assorted charms
Scissors
Needle-nose pliers

Directions: Use the needle-nose pliers to attach the charms to the small jump rings. Measure your wrist, cut a piece of the elastic two inches longer, and tie a knot at one end. Begin to string the beads in your desired pattern, interspersing the charms as you go. When you reach the desired length, tightly tie both ends of the elastic together and trim excess.

Variations: For a more refined-looking bracelet, use wire, thread or memory wire and secure with crimps and clasps.


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Labels: beads, jewelry, wearable art