Hello just joined the beadstyle group. I live in (brrrr) Wisconsin, USA it is getting cold here - yuck.

Lets see Im a mom of 2 great kids, 2 cats and am working pt at our school. I bead sew create almost every day. I am trying to get my ETSY shop to be more productive as I am only able to work Pt outside the home. (working on getting disability - due to illness).

beading & sewing keep my brain active even when I cant be. Keeps this once very busy Mom occupied and I love doing it!~ bonus!

Quick promo yep I sell my work online etsy.com so stop by and let me know what you think you can always convoy me there if you have any tips.  My shop name is "Gwendolyn's Design" .

Thanks and I look forward to getting to know you.

gwendolyn

Hello GwendolynUSA, WI:  I am new to the forum just today.  I'm trying to get acquainted with the beading community.  I am new to beading, just started earlier this year, but I'm learning fast and seem to be quite prolific since it's so much fun.  I have always sewn and been creative in that venue, but I'm enjoying beading so much that sewing took a back seat.  Although I've sold a couple of my "creations", I'm really into it just for giving away, so the upcoming Christmas season has me working on multiple projects.  In that area, I'm making some bracelets for little bitty girls, 3-6 years old, and I wanted to use stretchy material for the stringing.  I bought some but find it extremely hard to close off.  Tying was almost impossible and kept coming apart.  Crimps don't hold well.  Have you ever worked with this material?  Any suggestions from anyone?

Try threading the strectchy cord thru the crimp bead twice & add a bit of glue-helped me with the very same project!

I don't work with it often.   But a double knot and a dab of glue or a crimp (longer 2x3) with a dab of glue works well.

I am like you once I started beading the sewing took backseat.   Perfect projects for sitting with the kids, or when I am a bit ADD... lol it's called being a mom pulled in two differnt directions at once!

Never hesitate to ask! Either thru here or my etsy shop also.  Have FUN!!!

Thanks a bunch.  I'll give that a try!

Thanks.  Another newbie told me a similar way, so that must be it.  I'll give it a try.  And thanks again for helping.

I also took out a lot of beading, jewelry and bead magazines from our local library.  This was also a great way to preview them ~ before deciding to purchase.  I do own a few now!

Also, our local JoAnn store had a beading class, I signed my daughter up and went with her. Learned a few tricks of the trade & Made a few good friends. Our local bead shop owners are great also, they are great resources to ask.  As most find loyal customers by giving advice .

Good luck!