Stronger Together

Stronger Together

When Erika and the Beading School team reached out with their idea for a collaboration of designers to celebrate 5 years of Beading School, I be like Whoopeeee! beads! new design op! collab with friends, check! Of course yes.

‘Stronger Together’ is all about our beading community, and the inclusive philosophy that Erika began with long before her dream for Beading School grew into the business it is today. ‘The No-one has to bead alone’ sessions helped many find a little focus and escape during the scary Covid outbreaks and lock downs. Coffee time with Erika welcomes everyone who loves beads to sit a while and try something new.

We are celebrating Beading School’s 5th birthday, fourteen beadwork designers accepted the invitation to create a collection of beaded beads to be published in an e-book. It's such a gorgeous collection! In our beading world, we are a strong community of creatives, we support each other, welcome new designers, celebrate each other’s wins, and group hug when things are not so good. Which, having worked in a number of industries over the years… is pretty special.

Every beaded bead was to have a story, and I thought about this for quite a while. I think it’s fair to say that we are living in interesting times, we are a global community and some of our friends are caught in the midst of war, while others walk in fear because of the colour of their skin or for who they choose to love. Fair to say, it can be hard to manage the anxiety we feel for each other.

As this project began, I was following the progress of the ‘Walk for Peace’ across the USA, undertaken by Buddhist monks and led by Bhikkhu Pannakara. I caught snippets of his thoughtful words, encouraging us to start each day with ‘Today is going to be my peaceful day’. Many years ago, I came across a Buddhist temple in a remote valley in New England. Outside the prayer flags were gently shredding over time as they fluttered in the wind. It struck me that the air was filled with tiny fragments of good will and blessings from strangers. The same is true today.

I created Serena, a chonky beaded bead, and some dainty little ‘Unity’ beads. I threaded them together onto a silk ribbon, as a reminder of the prayer flags. I enjoyed the whole process so much, as soon as they had gone off in the post I made another set for myself, with Paradise shine sparkles, and violet and green beads among the champagne gold. I extended one end of Serena to make a tassel head, and looped colourful chain to make the tassel.

To the beaders who love to bead, wherever you are in the world, and whatever life is throwing at you right now; you are seen, and you are loved.

You can find out more, purchase the e-book and join the party here:

https://beadingschool.com/strongtogether/

 

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