The Toronto Bead Fair

At the moment, I have a few fun hobbies.  I occasionally sing with my friend’s eclectic band (honestly, it’s strictly for fun on my part. I can’t sing!!), I write (scratch that, it’s not a hobby, it’s my therapy), and I dabble in making jewelry.

It’s been some time since I picked up some beads and fashioned them into anything extraordinary, but when a friend asked if I would accompany her to the Bead Fair, I said yes!

The Toronto Bead Fair is being held at the Toronto Reference Library and runs from November 3rd to November 4th. * Today is the last day to catch it!

When we walked into the venue around 12:30pm, we saw that the place was bustling with vendors as well as other eager crafters.  It was stimuli overload for me as I had to look at and touch every exotic looking bead. Lol!

My craftier and more knowledgeable friend was excited with the abundance of beads and bead related items.  Some of her enthusiasm rubbed off on me and I ended up buying a few things for projects I hope to finish. (psst, I bought some gold tone beads, two ring holders, a silver bracelet to adorn, and a pendant holder to place any picture I like to create a unique piece of jewelry).  

We spent about 3 ½ hours at the show. When we left the show we wandered into at an accessories store that I used to shop at ages ago.  Funny enough, we saw tons of necklaces and bracelets that we know we can make.  Kinda inspired us to go home and attack our bag of crafty goodies.  Don’t worry; I’ll post pics of my creations!

Michelle

 

Happygrrl entrepreneur

Usually Christine and I write about a fascinating new person we recently became aware of, but this time around, the fab new person is me.

Okay, that sounds a little too egotistical; what I really wanted to write was that this post is about my latest hobby.

For years I’ve had the desire to learn how to make jewellery. I talked about it over and over with friends and I finally decided to take my interest to the next level and actually take a class. I signed up for a beginner jewellery making class in late summer 2008, and I learned how to create a simple beaded bracelet, a beaded necklace and a pair of dangly earrings.

Since that 3 hour workshop, I’ve become hooked on making jewellery! As soon as I come home from my j-o-b, I run to my bedroom, sit on the floor and look at all my wonderful beads and think of all the fantastic things I would like to create.

For the past couple of months I’ve made dozens of bracelets and necklaces. I started out with simple designs, and worked my way up to more intricate pieces.

I absolutely love my new hobby! I love it so much that it has become my not-so secret side project. I shamelessly promote it to all my friends, and to their friends, and so on and so on…. I also plan on showcasing them at local craft shows in the spring.

But before my jewellery is hanging off the necks of everyone you know, feel free to take a look at some of my pieces. If you would like more info, please feel free to e-mail me at michelle@happygrrls.com, or at michelledesigns08@yahoo.ca.

Thanks!

Michelle