My passion for beading stems from my experience as a current employee of a local bead store here in sunny Arizona.
I started working at D & I Beads* in 2006 with little to no previous experience--sink or swim I was determined to learn and explore the countless possibilities that beading can offer.
As a sales associate and instructor, I've helped many people bring their projects to life from bracelets and necklaces, to embellishing curtains, scarfs, Christmas ornaments, and lawn décor. Over the years it's been a great joy to see ideas become reality.
Now, I'm happy to bring my learned techniques, patterns and tutorials, and love of beading (amongst other crafts) to the blogging sphere. I hope you may find useful tools, links, and be inspired!
a little back story
I tribute my love of crafts to my mother who, since I was little, has insisted I share her love of sewing. Thus at the young age of six I had my first sewing machine--a kiddie sewing machine mind you. Then, I had my first 'big girl' sewing machine at the age 13 but, to be honest, I've probably only made three projects on it. After the second needle broke from the sewing machine and towards my face, I called it quits.
In 2006 I sought a job and came across D & I Beads. While working there, I learned a lot of beading techniques and lingo and I didn't have to worry about flying needles. Of course there's the risk of an unhappy customer chucking one at me but that has yet to happen ;)
As I became more comfortable with beading, I was asked to be an instructor. I've since wrote patterns for our customers and plan to share these with you as well!
creating monabeille designs
I started Monabeille Designs, formally known as Creative Expressions, in April of 2010 but, due to time, I couldn't hit the ground running. I decided to change the name from something generic to something a bit more me. Many people may be wondering what 'monabeille' means. Technically it's mon abeille, which is French for 'my bee' and a symbol I've connected with. Although it's important to point out that I'm not particularly fond of them--they're not cuddly after all. Instead, 'my bee' derives from my last name: Higbee. Get it? I should be a comedian ;)
Actually, I'd make a pretty awful one. So I went to school for an English Literature degree and a certification in LGBT** studies instead. As a recent graduate, I've been confronted with questions like: what now? In an attempt to answer this question, I've decided to continue my love for crafts while also developing a career. I have yet to flesh that part out but the current plan goes like this: explore my other passion of education as (hopefully) a substitute teacher while seeking a Masters in Education for Higher and Postsecondary Education.
At the end of the day, regardless of what happens, I devote this blog to my endeavors. Here, you can be sure to find me sharing my experience of crafts, teaching, and the adventurers of life with you. Thanks for stopping by!
*Although I tribute most of what I know about beading to D & I Beads, this is not a blog affiliated with the company.
**You should check out my other blog Fluidity Teen which focuses on giving resources and tools for LGBTQIA teens.
No comments:
Post a Comment