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A Whole New World

The past 3 months has been very strange. Like everyone else, I have been trying to become accustomed to living a different life – no contact with others, no in-person classes, worship or shopping. No meeting friends for a leisurely cup of coffee and a visit.

We are fortunate to live in a time and place where most things can be delivered directly to our homes; where young, healthy people are willing to bring them to us. We are fortunate to have phones and computers that allow us to visit electronically via Skype and Google and Zoom.

I have a great deal in the past 3 months. I have learned that my hair is wavy, not straight. I have learned that I do not miss putting on makeup. I have learned that I would much rather shop for my own groceries than have someone else do it for me. I have also learned that I miss spending time with my peeps. I see them on Zoom of course, but I miss seeing them in person. I miss the hugs, the in-person laughter and joy and sharing the tears too. Although I have learned to teach on Zoom, I look forward to the day when I can teach in person again.

I have made any number of pieces of jewelry in the past months. I have also been completely reworking my website. It is a process; there is much more work to do, and much more to learn. I hope you enjoy the pictures and the visit. And I hope you are learning too.

Bead Happy, Judi

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Whirlwind 6 weeks!

WOW! The last 6 weeks has flown by! Although my shop was closed for 2 weeks, I had no down time. I took everything out and completely redecorated, from floor to ceiling. The new rug and light colors provide a lovely, light and airy backdrop for the hundreds of other colors displayed inside.

Craftgarden Beads, Simsbury CT
Craftgarden Beads, Simsbury CT

New classes are well underway, and new students have joined the Creative Beady Buddies group. I have had a marvelous (if too-short) visit with my super creative designer friend from Florida, celebrated my daughter’s birthday in NYC, and finally have begun to settle back down into a “normal” routine.

The class I am teaching now is a netted design; a 5 year old pattern. It’s a great refresher for some, and a great introduction for others, using virtually all seed beads. In a couple of weeks we will work on a slightly more advanced netted project with a staggered edge and spectacular crystal drops.

Elegant Choker

If you are in the area and would like to visit the shop, or are interested in a private class, be sure to let me know!

For now, Bead Happy, Judi