BeadStyle : Beading Parties

Beads on backpacks

Stacy Hillmer — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:09:00 GMT

In our special issue Beading Parties coming out on August 26, we published Janet Martinez’s book-bag dangle, which will channel your inner Harry Potter or Frodo Baggins (hint: The featured creature rhymes with “wagon”).

As the start of the school year quickly approaches, beaded backpack projects are popping up in unlikely places. For instance, sunjournal.com recently reported on the popularity of beaded backpack dangles in Denver, Colorado. The article even suggests project ideas for students of every age. My favorite project idea (number 4) is to use alphabet beads to “code” a student’s locker combination or an emergency phone number, thus keeping important information stylishly hidden in plain sight.

In addition to making a fashion statement, beaded backpack projects are a great way to ease back-to-school jitters, and for students reluctant to head back to class, a beautiful beaded strand will give them something to look forward to on the first day – showing off their cool handiwork!

Beading Parties – Just around the corner!

Stacy Hillmer — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:54:00 GMT

A few weeks ago, coloradodaily.com published an article about BeadforLife beading parties. The opening sentence says it all:

“Tupperware parties? So 1970s. Mary Kay? Way too much pink. Pampered Chef? Fun, but who really needs another garlic press?”

While we at BeadStyle will take any chance to party (yep, even with a garlic press), we are especially excited about the growing trend of beading parties. In fact, we’re so pumped about it that we devoted our next special issue to helping you throw your own! Beading Parties hits newsstands August 26, and we can’t wait to hear about the fabulous bead bashes it inspires.

In Beading Parties, you’ll find beading parties for every occasion and age group. In addition to simple step-by-step directions and plenty of how-to photos, you’ll find tips for beading in groups and recipes for eating in groups! And without giving away all the surprises, don’t miss out on Cathy’s editor’s letter. It’s full of familiar (or not quite so) faces!