it for what it was, be grateful for each stage that
led to my present creations, and let the early
ones go.
I became one of the first designers to name bead
artists when I listed my work. At one time, many
designers “protected” their sources by not crediting artisans who made the beads they used. It
seemed to me that everyone felt an uplift when
we credited and supported one another.
I made up a term for this: “good Etsy karma.” This
has brought me many friends in the worldwide
beading community, friends that I learn from,
friends whose work I incorporate into my own,
friends who spread the word about my work as I
spread the word about theirs.
If not for these wonderful women who carved a
path in front of me, I wouldn’t know the joy I feel
today when I take a set of beads, hold them in
my hands, and let then “tell” me what to do with
them. They also tell me if I get it wrong, when to
start over, and when to call it a day. Beads have a
lot to say, and like it when I listen.
Finally, why Wild Woman Beads? Where did that
come from? The part of me that burst onto the
stage, that came alive, under Alli’s tutelage more
than ten years ago felt like she had been let loose
after years of containment. In my mind’s eye, she
had wild hair, wore gypsy skirts and big earrings,
and danced when the moon was full. She sang,
loudly, boldly…and almost always off key. I loved
her.
That image inspired the name of my business.
Today, I have a large banner I hang at shows that
says, “Wild Woman Beads.” I watch as women
approach my booth. If a woman smiles when
she reads the sign, however shyly, I know she
recognizes the wild woman in her own soul. If a
man smiles, it means he loves a woman who has
a little wild in her spirit, and knows it. It’s a secret
delight we share.
The creative journey, at least in my life, has run a
wild and wonderful race. I still love the work I do
in the other parts of my life. I enjoy being a person who helps others in their own journeys, in
whatever form those journeys take. But, for me,
the creative journey has brought more joy, and a
more complete life, than I ever imagined.
May this be true for all of us.
Meredith Jordan ~ WildWomanBeads.com
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