Well folks..today is the day!
July 30th, 2018…and my first designed bead is launched.
Almost a year ago I sat in my living room reading the post John Bead had posted
about a contest to create a new bead. I remember thinking..ha! I know nothing
about designing a bead. I remember closing that post and walking away thinking
it’s not something I can do and yet right days before the deadline I thought
why not just try…you have nothing to lose.
Sitting with my sketchbook I thought about all the new shapes and sizes…and I
thought…hmmm why can’t there be a bead with a simple shape…that shows off its
color and design in a perfect piece of jewelry.
I thought about all the shapes I’ve enjoyed working with. I wanted a curvy sexy
bead…one that makes a piece some together quickly. One that could be used by
anyone to give their designs a splash of color.
I sat with my sketchbook all day….then circled the ones I liked.
I took to the computer to look up the shapes…and many had been done before…but
one shape stuck out.
I took foam core from the Dollar Store and cut out the shape…I wanted to see
how the beads would go together in a design. Where the holes would go. Would it
work.
I looked at the Questions asked of me on the entry form.
Size?
How do I pick a size knowing nothing about designing a bead?
I’m a designer…I know what I like…a slightly bigger bead.
Why not make a slightly bigger bead than everyone else and show of the shape
and color.
So that’s what I did.
Fast forward to almost a year later…I have nearly 15 designs that have come
together quickly with my new bead.
It’s a pretty bead…full of color…gorgeous shape..looks great in designs…full of
endless possibilities.
I’m pretty darn proud…of myself…of my bead….of the fact that a year ago I
didn’t give up because I had nothing to lose.
The feedback has been great!
Especially when it comes from Executives from a world famous bead company who
take photos of your designs and tells you that you have a great eye for design
and color. I think I glowed all day after that!
My designs are a hit with everyone who sees them.
You might say I’m in love with my very first bead.
I hope you love working with them…and designing beautiful things.
This bead was made for you.
A
few months ago I noticed a facebook post from John Bead
Corp Inc. about a Creative contest they were
having to design a new bead.
This
would be a first for Canada’s Largest Bead Wholesale Company, to have their
very own bead.
I
read it.. absorbed it and sort of went Meh!…I really don’t know anything about
designing a bead.
I
walked away from the computer.
It
sort of bothered me for weeks. Nagged away at me a little. Then suddenly
my voice of reason (usually my husband) said what do you have to lose Lena?
And
really what did I have to lose…not a darn thing.
So
I sat with my sketchbook doodling ideas for the entire day…when I came across a
pattern I sort of liked.
I
drew it out…loved the shape and then took to the internet to see if that shape
existed anywhere in the great big World of bead shapes. While there were some
similar…none stood out the way I knew this one would.
Being
a crazy visual person I cut the shape much larger than it would be out of foam
core and began to play with the pieces to see just how the pieces could come
together…where the holes could be and the best way to fit the beads together.
I
drew finished pieces in my sketchbook and was pleased with the design..simple
but elegant.
I
read the rules… Followed the instructions……took the photos …took a deep breath
and hit SEND!. I had submitted all the photos and info they required. It was
done. I took my chance!
A
few months later I received an email asking me to come to the John
Bead Corp Inc. Head Office to meet with the VP
and their new Director of Marketing to discuss my vision for the bead I
created.
Was
I nervous?…surprisingly not at all…. I had faith in my simple but elegant bead
design.
The
Presentation went well and I left with a really good feeling.
On
November 6th 2017 nearly 5 months after I had submitted my design, I
received the email Congratulating me. John Bead Corp Inc. had chosen my design over the many entries and their Next
Great Bead was picked!
I
can’t even begin to explain the feeling or excitement I felt. I wanted to yell
it from the roof tops.
Instead
I messaged friends and family and once John
Bead made it official I told the world on
social Media
What’s
next…the fun of course.
I
get to see and follow the process of my design of a bead on paper coming to
life and in a multitude of colors..
While
I won a prize pack by finishing in first place which will include plenty of
hard work and a bit of travel on my part, just knowing I have designed a bead
that will be used around the world by other fabulous Artisans and
Designers to create works of beauty and adornment that will make your soul sing
is …………..priceless.
