Inspired Beaders: Beading Buds

For many beaders, the first spark of beading inspiration comes when we are young. Perhaps we have a crafty mentor that shares some of their stash on a Saturday afternoon, or have a chance encounter at an incredible bead shop. Many beaders get their start through crafting sessions with clubs or groups like Girl Guides, and these fun moments can be the beginning of a lifelong love affair with beads.

Thanks to the Beading Buds, inspiration like this isn’t just a lucky coincidence. Esther and her team of jewelry designers have been sharing the love of beading with kids (and grown-ups!) at parties and functions in the Toronto area for 5 years running. From birthday parties, to summer camp, to company retreats, these beaders are on the go wherever a fun time is needed!

Inspirational Beading: How did you first get into jewelry design and beading?

Esther: When I was a little girl, at a beading club at the school that I attended

Inspirational Beading: How did this passion evolve into the idea for beading parties?

Esther: The idea found me! I used to work at a law firm and co-workers there
knew that I made jewelry and asked if I could do a party for their children, and the idea just kind of took off.

Inspirational Beading: Is there a trick to teaching beadwork as entertainment? What’s your favorite thing about the process?

Esther: The trick is to make sure you are teaching the correct project to each age group. If it's too easy they get bored and if it's too hard they get frustrated. My favourite thing about the process is that I am teaching children skills that they can use for a lifetime. I have had so many of my little beaders contact me a couple of years after I've taught them telling me how beading is now a true hobby for them and they are so happy that I introduced them to something that is such a big part of their life now.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite memorable beading party moment?

Esther: One of the most special parties I ever did was teaching a group of girls to make jewelry that they were going to sell and donate all the proceeds to the prenatal ward of a hospital in Toronto, Canada. The mom of one of the girls had contacted me while I was actually at that hospital having just had my first daughter. It was just such a coincidence and was so special because I felt like I was helping other new mothers. Of course we offered to do the event probono and the satisfaction we received from doing it was the best payment anyone could ever receive.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite material or bead type to work with?

Esther: We love using bright colourful beads, mainly glass or acrylic, depending on the age group and what they are making.

Inspirational Beading: Who do you hope to inspire with your work?

Esther: Whether through a birthday party or afterschool program, or any other scenario, we hope that every single child that has ever beaded with us discovers what a fun and enjoyable hobby jewelry making is.

You can learn more about the Beading Buds and the fantastic work that they do on BeadingBuds.com, or stay up to date with them on Facebook and Twitter.

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Beading Buds
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