Meet Claire

When it comes to good fortune, I believe it finds us all on a daily basis. I have the good fortune of being surrounded by an amazing group of beaders. Each one is exceptionally talented, and generous with their time. They’re patient, kind, clever, encouraging, and best of all, they’re friends who are excited to share their gifts with others by teaching classes at Dancing Beads!

I thought it might be fun to get to know them, so I sent out a list of questions to each one.

Was I surprised that Claire was the first to respond? Not at all! When it comes to verve, Claire’s photograph is used to illustrate its meaning. Vivacious, very talented, and a beading visionary, Claire’s classes are a joy to attend.

Claire’s repertoire of techniques is extensive. She has reached the point in her beading that she is creating her own designs, and techniques. This session she is sharing three of them with us.

The Fair and Square Bracelet is a clever netting technique using crystals, firepolish, and seed beads. It’s gotta lotta bling… and Claire just loves the bling! This class is being offered twice. First on Wednesday, February 23rd from 6:30-8:30, and again on Wednesday, April 13th from 6:30-8:30. Claire tells me there will be time to make the bracelet, and start matching earrings

Peyote stitch is so versatile, and amazing. Claire was inspired by a bracelet design in a recent issue of Bead & Button for these great earrings. She made the triangles smaller, and enhellished* them (are we surprised) with sparkly firepolish beads, and fringe. We’re offering this class once, on Wednesday, April 2nd from 6:30-8:30. Bring your peyote stitching skills with you for this project, as it’s not a beginning technique.

Our first class to fill was this one. These earrings are wonderful! Claire surprised me with a pair made from my very favorite brick red fire polish beads. I’ve worn them almost daily since getting them. They’re light, but bold enough to be noticed. We have a cancellation list for this class, and may be able to entice Claire to schedule another session.

Claire heading to her favorite bead shop.

Dancing Beads:: We’ve just met, and are at a point in our conversation when you describe who you are. So, who are you?
Claire:: I’m a mother and a school employee who goes along and does all those little things necessary to maintain myself, two children, one cat, one dog, and a house. But, I am also someone who has always enjoyed creating in some way. Beading has allowed my creative side to blossom to the point where I am creating all on my own.

Dancing Beads:: When talking to others, how do you describe your bead art?
Claire:: I lika the bling. Give me something over the top with color and crystals and fire polish and my reaction would be much like a deer caught in headlights. Oooooo pretty!

Dancing Beads:: In what ways does your beadwork reflect your personality?
Claire:: In some ways my beadwork does match my personality. It can be loud and the earrings are TOO BIG. But always something I love to wear and am proud I made.

Dancing Beads:: On average, how many hours per week do you devote to your bead passions?
Claire:: I bead everyday especially at night. I look forward to rainy days on the weekend when I think, “Too nasty to work outside. Hmmmm. What shall I do? BEAD! ALL DAY!”

Dancing Beads:: Any beading weaknesses?
Claire:: Yeah, how about African Helix or African Quadruple Helix. Even the name is scary.

Dancing Beads:: What do you like about teaching beading classes?
Claire:: Teaching classes connects me with other beaders! I want to know what they’ve done, what they’re working on. They are a whole new source of inspiration.

Dancing Beads:: Where do you bead? Do you have a special place?
Claire:: I bead at my coffee table in front of the TV. Sometimes I even watch the TV.

Dancing Beads:: Just for fun…
What is your favorite…