A Creative Awakening at the Bead and Button Show
Picture this: it’s the first Friday of August 2008, and I’m standing in line, practically vibrating with excitement as “The Milwaukee Bead and Button Show” is about to kick off. I’m ready to dive into a treasure trove of colorful beads, just itching to touch, hold, and caress these little gems while dreaming up all the fantastic creations I could whip up.
It was my glorious half-day escape from the drudgery of my accounting job—let’s be honest, it felt more like a rehearsal for my future as a fiction writer. In that office, I was knee-deep in numbers, receipts, and invoices, all while concocting tax reports that were basically educated guesses based on the cash drawer's whims. But hey, at least I was honing my storytelling skills, crafting short tales from the musings of others—perfect practice for my future as a novelist!
Creativity Runs in My Veins
I’ve always been a creative spirit, turning bits of nothing into something fabulous. My early ventures? Oh, they were a hoot! At seven, I was jamming pearl headpins into Barbie’s neck for some avant-garde jewelry. I learned to sew on a rickety treadle machine, using scraps to whip up outfits for my plastic friends.
By ten, I had penned seventy pages of a novel—only to have my dreams dashed when someone swiped my notebook. Seriously, who wouldn’t want to read about an orphaned ballerina trapped in a cruel orphanage? My current writing endeavors felt like a slog compared to that whimsical tale.
At fourteen, I was all about making scratchy macramé necklaces from garden twine and wooden beads. My bedroom walls were plastered with Teen Magazine cutouts, and my family was always crafting something—crocheting, knitting, sewing, you name it. Creating was woven into the fabric of our lives.
A Colorful Reunion
Fast forward to that fateful bead show, where over 350 vendor booths awaited me, bursting with vibrant beads, semi-precious stones, and all sorts of shiny trinkets. It was a feast for the senses! The displays ranged from meticulously organized rows of beads swaying in the light to chaotic piles of colorful strands that were practically begging to be packed up and taken home. I dove right in, letting the energy and excitement fill my soul with joy and endless possibilities. Of course, a few stubborn strands clung to me until I whipped out my credit card!
I was in a bead-induced daze, marveling at the colors and textures, but oddly enough, I didn’t go overboard like I usually did. I stumbled into a booth filled with handmade African clay beads, and after a quick selection that would make a couple of necklaces, I was ready to escape when a gaggle of white-haired women swooped in, squealing over “Kitty Cat beads.” Oh, the joy! I can still hear their delighted shrieks.
With my arms laden with bags, I understood why most attendees brought small suitcases. Those little bits of beauty add up quickly!
A Bead-Laden Return
Back home, I spread out my haul—deep red coral beads that cost a pretty penny but were oh-so-luscious, paired perfectly with bright turquoise nuggets. But wait! I realized I didn’t have enough clay Kazuri beads to make earrings. Time to hit the bead show again!
This time, I called my friend, the voice of reason, to keep me in check. I thought I’d be safe with her by my side. Spoiler alert: she was a terrible influence! She waved around gorgeous semi-precious stones, tempting me with every “Have you seen this?” How could I resist? My suitcase filled up faster than I could say “bead bonanza!”
I snagged everything from stone beads to carved gemstones, and yes, even some strands of sapphires (but not the $300 ones, thank you very much). Carnelian, agates, Lapis Lazuli, and a smorgasbord of other beads danced in my head. I was in a state of bead-induced bliss!
Saying Yes to Joy
As we shopped, I felt something magical happening. It was like I was saying “Yes!” to joy, creativity, and that profound part of me that was just bursting to break free. We left the bead show in stitches, my suitcase overflowing with treasures and my credit card gasping for air. I hadn’t even bought the essentials—no wire, tools, or clasps. Just a suitcase full of dreams!
Driving out of the parking garage, I felt a tingling sensation wash over me. I didn’t know it then, but my life was about to change in ways I couldn’t imagine.
Letting the Universe Lead the Way
Looking back, it’s hilarious to think how the Universe was guiding me. I bought enough beads to start a business—what was I thinking? But in that moment, it felt right, and sometimes, following your gut can lead to incredible transformations.
That summer, I dove headfirst into jewelry-making classes, read everything I could find, and practiced until my fingers hurt. Suddenly, people were stopping me on the street to ask about the jewelry I wore.
How Things Can Change in a Flash
One evening, at a gathering with friends, a new acquaintance was so captivated by my jewelry that she followed me home to see my collection. When she tried on a necklace I thought was just okay, it transformed her into a radiant goddess! Okay, so I’m exaggerating a bit. But honestly, she lit up, and her energy was practically pulsating. We both had tears in our eyes. It was a defining moment, and I knew I wanted to create that magic again and again.
Thus, Gemstone Alchemy was born (originally Bold Bodacious Jewelry, but hey, we evolve!). By summer’s end, I realized my accounting job was sucking the life out of me. I craved the joy of working with beads, so I took a leap of faith and quit that soul-sucking gig.
My jewelry designs have blossomed, along with my understanding of gemstones and their properties. Now, I’m passionate about helping women embrace their empowered, bodacious, and magical selves!