Those who say they are not creative are often the ones who end up with a life-long passion for beading. Why? Because they have learned the secret that so many talented jewelry makers know: Beading allows you to make a wearable work of art in a short amount of time, using the colors, materials, and textures you love. Don't be afraid to experiment and play with color combinations in brand-new ways. With beading, you are able to express your personal style and passion through jewelry. As you read this book, I will be with you every step of the way, encouraging your creativity and bringing out your inner jewelry designer.
- Suzann Sladcik Wilson
Blue Birds in Flight, page 68
Dedication:
This book is dedicated to my Father, William K. Sladcik. Thank you
for giving me the gift of creativity and for helping my dreams
come true. I love you!
Thank you to the following independent local bead stores for their help with this book:
Alya’s Originals, Illinois (www.aylasoriginals.com, 877-328-2952) The Bead Bucket/The Mother Bead, Wisconsin (www.themotherbead.com, 920-854-7047 or 920-437-2821), Bodacious Beads, Illinois (www.BodaciousBeadschicago.com, 847-699-7959), and Izora’s Beads, Findings and Inspiration, Wisconsin (izorasbeads.com, 920-868-4222).
Photography by Suzann Slakcik and William K. Sladcik.
Special thanks to Euro Tool, Inc. for the use of the photos appearing on pages 13, 16, and 17.
ISBN 978-1-57421-415-4
eISBN 978-1-60765-114-7
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Wilson, Suzann Sladcik.
Simple beginnings : beading / Suzann Sladcik Wilson.
p. cm.
Includes index.
ISBN 978-1-57421-415-4 (pbk.)
1. Jewelry making. 2. Beadwork. I. Title.
TT212.W56 2012
739.27--dc23
2011032431
COPY PERMISSION - The written instructions, photographs, designs, patterns, and projects in this publication are intended for the personal use of the reader and may be reproduced for that purpose only. Any other use, especially commercial use, is forbidden under law without the written permission of the copyright holder. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information in this book is accurate. However, due to differing conditions, tools and individual skills, neither the author nor publisher can be responsible for any injuries, losses, and other damages which may result from the use of the information in this book.
INFORMATION - All rights reserved. All images in this book have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the artists concerned and no responsibility is accepted by producer, publisher, or printer for any infringement of copyright or otherwise, arising from the contents of this publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that credits accurately comply with information supplied.
WARNING: Due to the components used in this craft, children under 8 years of age should not have access to materials or supplies. Under rare circumstances components of products could cause serious or fatal injury. Neither Design Originals, Suzanne McNeill, the product manufacturer or the supplier is responsible.
NOTE: The use of products and trademark names is for informational purposes only, with no intention of infringement upon those trademarks.
© 2012 by Suzann Sladcik Wilson and Design Originals, www.d-originals.com, 800-457-9112, 1970 Broad Street, East Petersburg, PA 17520.
eBook version 1.0
About the Author
Author Suzann Sladcik Wilson.
Photo by Alysa Correll Clark of Water Street Dreams.
Joy is the theme that runs through all of Suzann Sladcik Wilson’s work. Whether she is designing an original piece of jewelry for a client, introducing a student to the joy of beading and jewelry design, or hosting or appearing as a guest on radio shows, her message is about empowerment through creativity and inspiration.
For more than eighteen years, Wilson has been and continues to be a master in her field. Using only the highest quality materials of Swarovski crystals, Hill Tribe silver, artisan beads, and more, Wilson creates beauty and joy in the form of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches, and instructs her followers to do the same. In a time when many individuals are searching for something more, Wilson teaches all of her students how to maximize their minds, bodies, and spirits by using the power of jewelry design, coupled with the drive of their passions, to create and inspire.
As an artist, author, educator, consultant, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Wilson is as successful as she is busy. Her blogs, articles, and jewelry designs have appeared all over the web and in print. In her professional jewelry design career, Wilson has been published in Bead Style, Simply Beads Magazine, Bead Trends, on the website epatterns.com, and in the books Four Seasons of Beading and Earrings, Earrings, Earrings!.
Wilson has been a guest on Military Mom Radio and Motherhood Talk Radio, each show reaching 60,000 listeners. Additionally, Wilson has been a substitute host on the Her Insight Radio Network. She is also a Professional Designer Member of the Craft and Hobby Association, and in January 2011 received the coveted Craft and Hobby Association Designer Press Kit award for an innovative necklace design. An active contributor and participant in many charities, Wilson strives to make the world a better place for today’s and our future’s children.
Suzann Sladcik Wilson was born in Chicago, Illinois. She attended Loyola University of Chicago, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She continues to expand her professional knowledge of beading and jewelry making by attending the yearly Bead and Button Show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, subscribing and contributing to several leading beading and jewelry-making magazines, and networking with several other leading designers.
Wilson currently splits her time between Chicago, Illinois, Door County, Wisconsin, and occasionally Frankfurt, Germany. You can learn more by visiting Suzann online at Beadphoria.com, BeadphoriaBlog.com or www.BeadphoriaBoutique.com.
Contents