How to become a BETTER Student . . .STUDENT: Jennie K. Stephens

I've only met Jennie once and if I remember correctly, she was energetic, bubbly and very sweet. I'm pretty sure I met her at the Interweave party in Tucson but it might have been at the Meet the Teachers Reception in Wisconsin? When I sent out the call for student volunteers - she accepted and gave me tons of great information - why? Because she teaches also - so she's given me a great view from both sides of the table. Here is Jennie K. Stephens:

3. What is the AVERAGE cost of your classes (don’t need exact, just average): about $50.00

4. Do you usually take a class that supplies a KIT? NO! (A)If not, what motivates you to take the class? (cost, teacher, friends) I am usually motivated first by what the class is teaching, and then perhaps by the teacher. If all things line up, the price is not an issue, nor is it an issue if a kit is included. BUT, if I do not like the teacher, then the project isn't that enticing. 

5. When you signed up for your class - did you read the prerequisites for the class or just assume you could learn once you were in the class - in front of the instructor - with the instructions/diagrams in front of you?  I have NEVER done this because I am a teacher myself and I absolutely can NOT stand it when I have very specific prerequisites and then get students who expect they can either learn it in class or by the instructions. If I do not have the prerequisite , I do NOT take the class. Period.

6. Did you learn the techniques you paid to learn in each class (be specific). A. If not, please tell us why?  I always make sure I leave the classes I take with written instructions and confidence that I learned the actual technique and can go home and finish it or start a new project using the new technique. If I don't, I am an unhappy camper and the teacher will know!

7. What was the best thing about taking the/a class?  I take classes for many reasons - first and foremost is to learn a new technique or project. But also as important is the camaraderie between the students and the teacher. I love getting to know other people and what they do, while sitting around learning something new together. It really adds to the experience, especially if the teacher is awesome too! 

8. What was the MOST difficult obstacle to overcome while taking a class?  I usually struggle with the fact that because I think I'm "creative" that I can learn anything EASILY! This is so not true! Which is why I take classes. . . I find that I struggle when I look around the room and everyone is happily working on their project when I am having a difficult time. It is just because I am a perfectionist and am too hard on myself! Once I get past that point, though, I am usually a happy student.

9. Was the fee you paid for your class -worth it and why or why not?  I would say that almost every class I've ever taken was worth it, but I have never paid more than about $85 for a class (other than the 3-month metals class, which was DEFINITELY worth it). As I mentioned before, it's not just the project or technique that makes it worth it - it's the interactions between the teacher, the teacher and the students and me and the other students. It's the creative vibe that goes on in a class that makes it worth it (but only if all other things are in alignment as well, like how good the teacher is and how well they are teaching). If the teacher is poor at what they do, it is very difficult for me to look past that. . .

10. Adding all your classes together - to make ONE class - what could you have done better - as a student - to get more out of your class experience?  I probably could have been more patient with myself and the other students if they weren't grasping the concept. I tend to be very hard on myself which only creates a stressful environment for myself and probably everyone else. I need to remember that I am there to LEARN something I didn't already know and to give my brain and hands a chance to learn!

11. OPTIONAL: If you want, write some tips for others who might want to take a class in the future.

a. I would say my #1 tip is to make sure you have the prerequisites down. It is not the teachers responsibility to catch you up! Especially if they already told you the prerequisite.
b. I would also say that it is very important to follow along with the pace of the teacher and the pace of what they are teaching. As a teacher - I have had a lot of students who think they can read it and dot it on their own without following along with the teacher/students and inevitably, they end up needing more help because they tuned out while they were working ahead. I always tell my students that it might seem like it's taking more time to go at the same pace but really it is saving you time and more questions in the long run.
c. And I would just say PAY ATTENTION. You paid to be here which means you have some sort of trust in the teacher to actually teach you something fun. So listen and do what you're told. There's a reason for all of the steps in the instructions. 
d. Ask if you don't understand something and take notes so you can go home and understand the instructions again.

Don't forget to check back every Friday for our Scavenger Trivia Game!

Like what you've read about Jennie? Find her here: MAJIK
While we've finished with our students - we're now moving on to the teachers!


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How to become a BETTER Student . . .STUDENT: AJ Reardon

Oh gosh, I've been waiting for this moment! To get to write about AJ (again) on our blog! I met AJ in Tucson, Arizona 2011. She was working for a vendor I adore - and I had the pleasure of talking to her later at a local party. AJ is "fresh" and she's "real" and she's so funny! When you first meet her - your impression might be that she's quiet. BUT after the initial introductions - she's so quick, smart and did I say "funny?" And if you want to win my heart for the rest of your life - make me laugh! I adore AJ. If you get a chance - friend her on Facebook - but first read her answers to my How to be a better student questionnaire. 

AJ's Salome's Dance

3.         What is the AVERAGE cost of your classes (don’t need exact, just average):
Honestly can't remember, they were part of retreat package deals.

4.         Do you usually take a class that supplies a KIT? About half and half.  A. If not, what motivates you to take the class? (cost, teacher, friends) Both times I was motivated because the retreat was organized by someone I liked and the teachers were people I wanted to learn from.

5.        When you signed up for your class – did you read the prerequisites for the class or just assume you could learn once you were in the class – in front of the instructor – with the instructions/diagrams in front of you?
I'm a compulsive reader. Of course I read the prerequisites :)

AJ's Phoenix Feathers

6.        Did you learn the techniques you paid to learn in each class (be specific).
Yes, in each case I left class with the skills I needed to finish the project. A. If NOT, please tell us WHY?

7.        What was the best thing about taking the/a class:
Learning from big name teachers and being surrounded by long-distance friends.

8.        What was the MOST difficult obstacle to overcome while taking a class?
Honestly? A stupid obstacle of my own making. Never use black beads and black thread for an all-day workshop!

9.       Was the fee you paid for your class – worth it and why or why not?
Totally worth it. All of the classes I've taken have been part of retreats, and so it's been a big experience... travel someplace fun, learn from the best in the field, spend time with friends old and new.

10.       Adding all your classes together – to make ONE class – what could you have done better – as a student – to get more out of your class experience?
Be a little less shy and star-struck and get to know the teachers better. They're usually very friendly, chatty and willing to impart extra tips if you ask the right questions.

AJ's Guildmistress

  11. OPTIONAL: If you want – write some tips for others who might want to take a class in the future.
Travel prepared! I attended a retreat where we were told our kits would include needles and thread... but only one teacher provided those. I foolishly did not pack any needles or thread and spent the entire weekend bumming off of my friends. How embarrassing! Make yourself a personal class kit that includes your favorite thread, needles, scissors, any other tools you might need or want, and a little pad and pen for taking notes or getting contact info from your new friends.

Like what you've read about AJ? Find her here: AJ's Erthe Fae

Last and not at all least - we have Jennie K. Stephens

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How to become a BETTER Student . . .STUDENT: Maureen Warland

I've known Maureen Warland for a long while now - through e-mails and of course, Facebook. She's an accomplished beader - a mother, grandmother and friend to all. Maureen has been needle weaving for over 10 years and lampworking for the last 5 years. Her questionnaire was chock-full of information about the 20+ classes she's taken up to 7/25/2011 and by reading her answers - she's had lots of practice being a student. So I am sure we can learn from her experiences!

3.       What is the AVERAGE cost of your classes (don’t need exact, just average): The average cost of the classes I take are in the $150.00 range.

4.       Do you usually take a class that supplies a KIT? I have taken both with kit and without. The project and the teacher is what motivates me and learning something new. If it is a teacher whose work I admire, I will take it . A. If not, what motivates you to take the class? (cost, teacher, friends)

5.       When you signed up for your class – did you read the prerequisites for the class or just assume you could learn once you were in the class – in front of the instructor – with the instructions/diagrams in front of you? I have always read the prerequisites for the class and adhered to them unless it is a beginners class. I have been in classes where people have done this - not had sufficient knowledge. This makes it very difficult for the instructor and the rest of the students taking the class. The instructor has to waste her valuable time, that the rest of us are paying for the teacher to teach that one person the basics of the stitch or technique involved, before that person can move forward.

6.       Did you learn the techniques you paid to learn in each class (be specific).

          A. If NOT, please tell us WHY?  I have learned the techniques in the class 100% but the problem for me lies in when I get home. If I do not go back and do the technique again the next day to reinforce what I have learned . I will have trouble going back to it several days or weeks later, especially if the INSTRUCTIONS are not very good. Good instructions are invaluable - they are worth the price of the class because you can use them again and again and expand on them.

7.       What was the best thing about taking the/a class: Outside of making the project, the best thing for me about taking a class is I always, without fail, come home with a bit of great information about beading, that I never had before. i.e. there is a right side and a wrong side to thread a needle and warming and stretching your thread over an Ott Lite bulb helps cut down on tangles (although thread has improved greatly over the years). Where to purchase components you didn't know about. Someone in the class - not necessarily the Teacher - will have some little tidbit to share, that "I didn't know that" moment.

8.       What was the MOST difficult obstacle to overcome while taking a class? Comfort is really important and a lot of classrooms buy inexpensive chairs, this to me is foolhardy, the better the chair, the longer you can bead. The table can be inexpensive - spend money on chairs.

9.       Was the fee you paid for your class – worth it and why or why not?  Some classes, the fee is well worth it and some are not. Usually it is not worth the money when the instructor turns out to not be an adequate teacher and their instructions are poorly written. The best TEACHERS are the ones who tell you that there are no rules, teach you what they know and let you create as well as learn.

10.     Adding all your classes together – to make ONE class – what could you have done better – as a student – to get more out of your class experience? Never take a class you do not have the required knowledge for, read the written instructions before you start - FROM START TO FINISH. I have made this mistake of not reading things through and suffered for it. "ha!" I have learned my lesson!!!!

11.   OPTIONAL: If you want – write some tips for others who might want to take a class in the future.

          a. Always go to the store you are taking the class from and look at the samples.

          b. Ask if you can supply your own beads if the cost of the class and kit are "too prohibitive" for you - some instructors will allow this and some won't.

          c. Make sure you have all the tools you need, appropriate eye wear and magnification with you, nothing is worse than not being able to see those pesky size 15 and 20 beads.

          d. Make sure you have a notebook and working pen.

          e. Bring a snack, a drink and get up and move during a class - this helps to keep your energy levels up. 

          f. Try to do some of what you were taught the very next day to make sure  you have absorbed the technique/information.

Like what you've read about Maureen? Find her here: Beaches Art and Crafts Show

Next we have AJ Reardon! 

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How to become a BETTER Student . . .STUDENT: Diane Whiting

I admit to not knowing Diane Whiting very well - at all. I know of her - her work - her reputation, her accomplishments as a beader. Diane Whiting is a Swarovski Ambassador and moderator at Create-your-style.com! She's internationally recognized teacher and most important to me - she's a doll! Here's Diane's student answers:

3. What is the average cost of your classes? (don't need exact, just average costs)  $60
4. Do you usually take a class that supplies a KIT? A. if not, what motivates you to take the class? (cost, teacher, friends) Yes.
5. When you signed up for your class - did you read the prerequisites for the class or just assumed you could learn once you were in the class - in front of the instructor - with the instructions/diagrams in front of you?  Read prerequisites.
6. Did you learn the techniques you paid to learn in each class (be specific) and if not, please tell us why?  Yes, I learned them all.
7. What was the best thing about taking the/a class?  The people I met (teachers and other students)

8. What was the MOST difficult obstacle to overcome while taking the class?  Sharing some of the tools and supplies.
9. Was the fee you paid for your class - worth it and why or why not?  Yes, I've made some great friends and I learned techniques that I had struggled to learn on my own (i.e. knotting).
10. Adding all your classes together - to make ONE class - what could you have done better - as a student - to get more out of your class experience?  I really feel as if I got as much as I could out of all classes I have taken. Only need more $$$ and more time to take additional ones!
11. OPTIONAL: If you want - write some tips for others who might want to take a class in the future.

a. Pay attention to the instructor
b. talk to people around you: get to know them as well as the class technique
c. remember if you are brand new to the technique you won't be perfect, so relax and take the time to learn






Like what you've read about Diane Whiting - find her here: Community at Create- your - style 
Next we have Maureen Warland on 10/16/2011.
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How to become a BETTER Student . . .STUDENT: Pamela Troutman

Pamela and I are "Facebook" friends...she graciously accepted my questionnaire challenge and was finished lickety-split. If you're not enjoying the fruits of Facebook networking - you're missing out. Here she is:

Pamela Troutman

3. What is the AVERAGE cost of your classes (don’t need exact, just average): $75.00

4. Do you usually take a class that supplies a KIT? Yes – I’m lazy and prefer to get everything in one neat package.

Bead Embroidered Elephant

     A. If not, what motivates you to take the class? (cost, teacher, friends) But I’m motivated to take classes to do something I enjoy with new friends for that day.

5. When you signed up for your class – did you read the prerequisites for the class or just assume you could learn once you were in the class – in front of the instructor – with the instructions/diagrams in front of you?  I do read the prerequisites, but rarely do they hold me back. As an advanced beader – I find myself helping the people around me (with the instructors’ blessing first). I sometimes like to challenge myself with new mediums I’m not familiar with and want to play with, but not take up as a full time hobby.

Paulette Baron class 2011

6. Did you learn the techniques you paid to learn in each class (be specific) and if NOT, please tell us WHY? This is    precisely why I take classes, to learn    new techniques.   Only once did I not  learn what I paid for (Peruvian Crochet class), though I did manage to make a  nice pendant that I’ll never be able to duplicate. The reason   was the instructor did not speak English  and his instructions consisted of photos  with no words and they were all left handed. We were promised a video, but that was over a year ago and I doubt I’ll even receive it.

7. What was the best thing about taking the/a class: I enjoy seeing how things are done first hand-live. I am a visual person and when I can examine finished examples and create one with guidance, then I’m on my way to taking what I have learned and making my own version.

8. What was the MOST difficult obstacle to overcome while taking a class? Besides not speaking Spanish (see response to question 6)…The most difficult obstacle for me is not always having the right tools. For example, I had never done metal work, so I borrowed some classmates and the instructor’s tools during the class. Patience for waiting for the tool to be available, and then not feeling rushed when someone else needed to use it.

9. Was the fee you paid for your class – worth it and why or why not? In most cases, the fee is well worth the class. If you think of the time that instructor took to create the project, test it, write the instructions, make the kits, travel to your town, deal with students who are in too deep, etc. you would realize that they often do this for the love of art, not to get rich. Only one class did I feel I should receive a partial refund on due to not receiving written or video instructions to continue future projects with all the materials I have from that kit.

10. Adding all your classes together – to make ONE class – what could you have done better – as a student – to get more out of your class experience? Bring a good light and extension cord. Take more stretch breaks. Exercise your hands and fingers for a few days before class.    

Beautiful project

11.  OPTIONAL: If you want – write some tips for others who might want to take a class in the future. I suggest the following questions for beginner students to ask instructors before signing up for a class in something they have never done:

A. How much experience in this medium is needed?

B. What are the minimum tools/supplies needed that are not in the kit, to make this a successful learning experience?

C. Will I be able to create the entire project in the class?

D. If I can’t finish the project in class, how many hours does the kit take to complete on average?

If a student asks these questions up front, they will either not take the class or not leave the class frustrated because they were not prepared.

Like what you've read about Pamela? Find her here: Star Art on Etsy
Next we have Diane Whiting.
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How to become a BETTER Student . . .STUDENT: Zura Rickman

Zura is my near-bor. If I had a really long arm - I could touch her house. I can't begin to say how much her being my near-bor means to me. Zura is a ball of life - the joy she brings to those around her is without a doubt beyond any words I have in my vocabulary! She loves to learn and she lives to create - whatever it may be -here she is

The FAB Zura Rickman

3. What is the AVERAGE cost of your classes (don’t need exact, just an average): Probably about $45

4. Do you usually take a class that supplies a KIT? No.

A. If not, what motivates you to take the class? (cost, teacher, friends)

First the subject matter, i.e. something I want to learn. The teacher influences my decision, IF the teacher is someone whose work I admire and want to learn from. But I’ve taken several classes from teachers I didn’t know, just because it was something I wanted to learn.

I am influenced by the class description. If there are a lot of details in the description that seems to indicate the teacher has spent a lot of time preparing the class and that she is excited about teaching, this is a big plus!

Repurposed Chair BEFORE

5. When you signed up for your class – did you read the prerequisites for the class or just assume you could learn once you were in the class – in front of the instructor – with the instructions/diagrams in front of you?
I read the prerequisites, always. I hate to be in a situation where I'm over my head so I pay close attention to that info.

6. Did you learn the techniques you paid to learn in each class (be specific). Not all of them.

A. If NOT, please tell us WHY?
I remember one class where the instructor didn't really teach, but rather just showed us her work. She demonstrated her doing it, but didn't really teach us how to do it.
In another one, the teacher was quite haughty about her skills and seemed to belittle students who asked for feedback so I didn't want to make myself subject to ridicule.

7. What was the best thing about taking the/a class:
Learning new techniques!! In almost every class I've learned about new ways of doing things, new materials to use, and a new perspective on old ideas. The teacher's enthusiasm is always a bonus, too.

8. What was the MOST difficult obstacle to overcome while taking a class?
Usually there are none. If the teacher isn't experienced or is disorganized it can be difficult to keep up with her, or to learn from her.

Repurposed Chair AFTER

9. Was the fee you paid for your class – worth it and why or why not?

There is only one where I felt like the fee wasn't worth it. That was the class I mentioned above with the haughty teacher.

10. Adding all your classes together – to make ONE class – what could you have done better – as a student – to get more out of your class experience?
I tend to be intimidated by people who I perceive as knowing more than me, so I think I could probably be more outspoken about not understanding things, or needing more help.

11. OPTIONAL: If you want – write some tips for others who might want to take a class in the future.
Ask around. Word of mouth is the best way to learn about teachers and their classes. Find others who have taken classes or who know the teacher and find out if she will be presenting what you want to learn.
There have been a couple of times when some of my favorite artists were teaching and I was excited to take their class, but by asking around I learned that the teacher wasn't teaching what I would have expected, so saved a ton of money by not signing up.

Like what you've read about Zura? Find her here: Zura's blog

Next up, Pamela Troutman 

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The new face of LUCITE - Meet Lucy.

My journey with beads began accidentally. Technically, like so many of us, I was a hobbiest, a "scrapper". I worked with stamps, mica's, paints, Marvy markers, stickers and more. I loved scrapping (I still do but have no time?) - to me, it was like coloring with crayons? Every page is a new pallette, a new adventure, a one-page artistic representation of my feelings towards the subject. I also made cards for birthdays, holidays, special occasions and just because?

Early work 

I was doing just that, making cards - when I found beads at a local craft store. And my bead journey started there on that isle in 2003 and I've not looked back since.
After I found beads at my local craft store - I found Lucite on E-bay and the rest is history.  

Rose Gold - one of my earlier works

I tell my story for the simple fact that if you're reading this then you will know that with time, patience, persistence and dreams - you can do anything in this life. You can make a simple thought into a reality, you can make a lifelong dream a lifelong plan. You just need to see it and go there - your path may split and take you down an unexpected road but every road is a journey, right? 

Early LUCITE work

So - on to the unveiling of our new logo - Lucy. In 2006, I had a thought to make a cartoon representation of the Lucite we sell. We call Lucite flowers and leaves - Lucies' and if you didn't know, we've made a series of designs based on the name Lucies'. So what could be better (well, maybe ice cream) than having a Lucy logo? I talked to at least 10 different artists about creating her image - each said they could/would but never did. But as I said before, your path my split and take you down an unexpected road but that's the journey! 

A custom order for a woman who was the Watermelon Queen of her town. 

I was introduced to Ed Howe through his wife Sheryl, who over the years has been a customer and friend of ours. Ed, a retired fire fighter - has always dreamed of being an artist. I looked at Ed's work and thought he could be the man for the job. Turns out - for once in my life, I was right! ha! After working with Ed for a few weeks - he came up with the perfect Lucy. 

Summer's Gate won BeadStyle's glass challenge.

Lucy is the artistic face of Lucite at The Hole Bead Shoppe and she was conceived, created, designed just for us. Her creation will officially start our 10+ week Trivia Scavenger game with our Facebook Fans and our website customers!


In less than three months - The Hole Bead Shoppe will GIVE away more than $1500 in prizes and gift certificates to our FANS and CLIENTS! More than we've ever given away, at one time in our 7 years of business.

Lucy. I love her...I hope everyone else does too! 

If you would like to reach Eddie Howe - E-mail Eddie here

Leave a comment. I'd like to know what you think! Will you play our trivia scavenger hunt starting in TWO days? It's going to be great!

How to become a BETTER Student . . .STUDENT: Lexi Schwartz

Lexi and I have 52 mutual friends on Facebook. When I sent out the call for volunteers - she answered! How sweet is she? She's a toothache baby, a real toothache. Here she is...

Lexi Schwartz

3. What is the AVERAGE cost of your classes (don’t need exact, just average): $60

4. Do you usually take a class that supplies a KIT? Depends on the class. If one is offered, I may choose it so I can concentrate on the techniques. If not, what motivates you to take the class? (cost, teacher, friends) The project and the techniques.

Sherry Serafini Class

5. When you signed up for your class – did you read the prerequisites for the class or just assume you could learn once you were in the class – in front of the instructor – with the instructions/diagrams in front of you?

I was tossed into an intermediate class for my 3rd class by the shop owner. I survived. I read the prerequisites to see what we will be working from.

6. Did you learn the techniques you paid to learn in each class (be specific).

If NOT, please tell us WHY?

Yes. I've come close a couple of times, but working with the teacher, and my fellow students, I've accomplished the technique.

7.What was the best thing about taking the/a class:

Learning new techniques, making new friends, and design ideas

NanC Diagonal Herringbone

8.What was the MOST difficult obstacle to overcome while taking a class?

The teacher who isn't prepared. I had one that was having marital problems.

9. Was the fee you paid for your class – worth it and why or why not?

Normally. The one I mentioned above, was a debatable one, but I did finish the projects, but more from reading her instructions a month later rather than learning during the class.

10. Adding all your classes together – to make ONE class – what could you have done better – as a student – to get more out of your class experience?

Since I'm 99% happy with my classes, I don't know as there is anything.

11. OPTIONAL: If you want – write some tips for others who might want to take a class in the future.

If you want to take a class that involves a stitch you're not real familiar with practice. If you are having difficulties, speak up, and the teacher may be able to figure out why you're having a tough time. 

If you like what you've read you can find Lexi here: 
Lexi's Blog
Next we have Zura Rickman.
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