After the meetup, I did a little shopping (of course) for a new pair of chain nose pliers. Beadlush had several sets. I couldn’t decide between two of them and the employees helping me were evenly split on which one was the better choice. They were even priced about the same (I think one was about $10 and the other about $12). I decided to buy both of them. I’m so glad I did. I think I’ve used them almost every day since. And you gotta love that red and black zebra striped handle!

The group is planning a day trip to go bead shopping in Asheville, NC. I would love to go but it’s the same weekend I have family in town. Hopefully, they’ll plan another trip later this year. Can’t wait to see what everyone comes back from Asheville with.

Learning this weave was a blast. I don’t think I’m meant to be a bead weaver (could be wrong) but I’d love to learn more weaving techniques. I have some ideas that involve combining weaving with wire. Just not sure how to do what I want to yet and haven’t had the time to explore. Learning more about weaving is on my list!

Beadlush is quite the  happening bead shop. They donate their class space for CAJA’s meetups. I’d been there for a previous meetup and have taken an excellent soldering class with them. Of course, they sell all sorts of beads and supplies but the coolest part of the shop is it’s lovely staff. They are knowlegeable, creative, helpful and so nice. I learn something everytime I walk in.

Beadlush is also part of the Plaza Central Art Crawl this weekend. If you’re in the area, you might want to swing by Friday night. Here’s the blurb on it from their site:

“We are very excited about our upcoming art party. Join us March 28th from 7 to 11 as the merchants of plaza midwood bring the streets alive with music, art and entertainment! Beadlush Will Have DJ Calvin (formally of Pteridactyl fame) Spinning tunes on the front lawn and artists Desiree Petty and John Norris will be doing a collaboration piece right in front of your eyes. Arun’s trunk will be on view throughout the night as well so if you want to see the best in gemstones and learn a thing or two as well, please join us.”

We got together at Expressive Impressions. It’s a Charlotte bead shop that generously donates their workspace to the Beadaholics for meetups. The workspace is just amazing. It’s feels like you’re in a jewelry artist’s studio. Of course, that could be because they regularly hold jewelry classes there. They also sell a myriad of beads, findings and all sorts of supplies.

So who are these Beadaholics? Well let you tell you, this is one lively group of  women. (Not sure why there aren’t any men at the meetup. Where are the Charlotte male beaders? There must be a few out there.)  The Beadaholics have a wide array of interests, skills and design styles. This makes it fun because someone always seems to have something to share that you’ve never heard of or seen before. The Beadaholics are more than happy to help you out with a project, design or technical issue. There’s a genuine  love for beading (whatever form it may take) in the room. Members bring projects to work on, books to pass around, beads to trade and pieces they already made for the rest of us to admire. I love that last part. It’s inspiring and a lot of fun to see what other people have created.

Last month, I made the earrings in the photo above at the meetup. This time, I think I talked more than I worked on my project. No harm done. I can finish that piece any old time. It was more important to take advantage of the opportunity to gush, have a few laughs and learn more about jewelry making.