June/July 2002 - Beads of Friendship

Beaders are sociable people, they love to talk about beads, share skills, techniques, information.And the only thing as good as showing off ones own newly completed project is admiring someone elses new piece. Unfortunately, not all of us are lucky enough to have access to a like minded group with which to share our passion. Fortunately, the internet has made it possible to make new friends wherever you live....distance no object.

Email groups and chat rooms are readily available and easy to use. That beady buddy or mentor you always wanted is only a click away. This is how I learned to bead after my first introduciton to the craft while on holiday in Cornwall. Beaders are an incrdibably generous bunch, as well as friendly. Always willing to spend time with others to spread knowledge and teach new comers. Every bead in every project I have done, is a debt of grattitude owned to someone who has taken the time to help me develop my skills and confidence in whatever artistic talent I have.

The people you will meet on the lists are so much more than teachers or mentors. I have made some of the most precious friends in my life through this craft, this art of beading. Beads of friendship indeed. They have stood beside me through divorce, bereavement, depression and physical illness. They have celebrated small triumphs and large joys. To all those open hearted and caring women I call my friends, I say thank you. Two small words that mean so much.

On the following pages you will find links to my favourite email groups and to a couple of regular live chat venues. If you have not already done so, my wish is that you find the friendship, laughter, fun and support that I have found amongst these extradinairy people over the years.

British Beaders

As the ezine's main purpose is to encourage and promote beading in the UK, BB had to be the first group to start with. A lively and intereting list, with a mainly, but not exclusively British membership, well looked after by list mum, Stephy.

Beadtalk

The first group I joined, back in 1999, I think. Multi-national, active, a warm and friendly list that always makes you feel welcome. Cindy is the list mom here, a lovely lady who runs one of my favourite on line bead shops. You can join the list, which is not a Yahoo group, here:

Pollyannabeaders

Looking for a busy group of beaders ranging from beginners to experienced? Then come join list moms Skuddle and Nancy and get a little pollyattitude!

Seadbeadfrenzy

For those of you who prefer a topic orientated forum where the conversation is kept to bead related subjects and positive criticism, seadbeadfrenzy is the place to be.

Beadsinfashion

If your interest is in jewellery fashions, trends and whats hot, then come join us on BiF. List mom, Shala (editor of Bella on line - beading) will welcome you warmly.

Bead Hell

Last but by no means least, in my far from exhaustive listing of email groups, why not enter Bead Hell, if you dare! Created as a forum for venting on bead related issues, the motto here is definately not 'play nice'! See you in hell.....