I know this is a beading blog, but it's been a busy week and I'm looking for some kudos as well. So here's the story: Both of the clothes dryers in the two-flat I live in stopped tumbling in the last couple of months—I realized mine wasn't working correctly on Friday night. (The garage door system also gave up the ghost on Friday—it was like appliance mutiny at my house, but I digress.) As I pondered replacing my dryer last weekend, I found myself googling around the internet for what went wrong with the dryers. I stumbled upon instructions to replace the belt and though "That doesn't sound too difficult; maybe I should give it a try." So Wednesday night I did just that and had GREAT success. I was SO inspired by my success that I fixed the other dryer the same way the next night. Two loads later, and nothing seems awry. My Dad's practically beaming over the idea of his mechanically inclined daughter tackling such a task. Of course, when I called him to ask him about dryer repair, his suggestion was to buy a new one, so I think I stunned him by taking on the challenge. Now, he's bragging to his morning coffee cohorts!
I tell you this story because I believe that the internet's main benefit is the amazing amount of information that's out there. I found instructions to repair a dryer myself and by having the instructions that made it look easy, I also found the courage to give it a try.
Just the other day as I was poking around BeadStyleMag.com, I ran across videos that walk you through basic techniques, the bead glossary that shows pictures and descriptions of various beads, and the forums where you can learn from or share with others. Just like it was with the "fix your dryer" instructions, these resources on the BeadStyle site can instill the confidence to tackle a new project or to take the first (or thousandth) step in beading.
And now some other links that can help you explore beading:
About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy's collected a load of links featuring jewelry related news and events around the web.
Carter Seibels for Divali Glass Jewelry
Who says the grass is always greener on the
other side? Stop by Carter's blog for a sneak peek at her green and
grassy new bead display.
Jennifer Jangles Blog
Jennifer shows off her very loved tools
Jewelry & Beading
Wendy Van Camp has written a wonderful tutorial for J&B on how to make adorable earrings!
Katie's Beading Blog
Back to school already? Make summer last a little longer with this fun, jangly necklace from the August issue of Simply Beads.
Savvy Crafter
Looking for the perfect tumbler? Candie's got the answer!
Strands of Beads
Melissa cracks some geodes to add to her jewelry making stash.