At the ripe old age of 79 my daughter-in-law took me to a meeting of her bead society. I was terrified the night before, hoping I wouldn't make a complete fool of myself as I was having trouble even threading a needle when she helped me and my daughter complete a very simple bracelet. I caught on pretty quickly and from then on I was hooked, and I even got much better at threading a needle!

Time went by and I spent a lot of time on Pinterest and watching videos. Here are some of my favorites:


If there is anyone who also loves to bead, I would be happy to see your creations.

Lovely work jean.. do you work under a magnifier?
I love the tubular attachment idea on the back end of the pendants
These..


And I love the colors and design!

Wow, Jean, I'm impressed! Your work is gorgeous. That first set must have taken you a very long time to make! You could design and make some OOAK collector pieces to sell.

I've also been exposed to beading through my daughter, but the things I've made are much simpler. I also dabbled in Chainmaille on my own and made a few things.














I also have fun using my seashells in jewelry. They're not beaded.

Wow, @platmanager. You have some beautiful pieces there. Several years ago, I found some sand dollars and made some necklaces with them.




@MISSINGROSIE It took a long time, but it is one of my favorites. When the family gets together I always take a bunch to give away but the sign on this one is "Not For Sale".

I don't blame you for not wanting to sell that beautiful set! You're a pro at it. I've just dabbled at it. I have a lot of ideas, but too many different interests and not enough time.

@plantmanager Too many projects, too little time. That is me, too! Since gardening is off the table for a little while, I make my own flowers to enjoy.

Both of you ladies have talent for making lovely pieces.

I purchases a kit for making jewelry not beading like you do before the holidays, it is still packaged up.

@daylilydreams I have some of those, too!
@MISSINGROSIE Forgot to answer your question about using a magnifier. I don't use one but I bought the greatest magnification "cheaters" at Walmart which I have strewn all over the house. My expensive prescription glasses don't cut it.

When I do counted cross stitch I have magnifying goggles I use. I also have a nice stand magnifier/light that I use when I sit on a sofa or chair.

Karen, I have never attempted counted cross stitch, but our oldest daughter has been doing it for years and has done some beautiful pieces.

It's fun, but to do the 22 or 24 count cloth you really do have to use magnifiers. The smallest counts are what appeals to me. I've given most of my cross stitch supplies and books to my daughters and they do it when they have time.

I have a problem with written directions. I tried following directions and ripped out a bracelet three times before I realized how it was supposed to be done! My grandmother was the same way. She couldn't follow crochet instructions, but show her a piece and she could duplicate it.

I find it easier to watch youtubes or have someone show me something rather than read complicated directions.