Joining a Bead Club

I know I'm not going to be alone in saying that I love the post, or mail, depending on where you are in the world. And when you are a beader - or any other type of crafter, I'd imagine - there's often a good chance of a wee package or two, Lovingly wrapped from any number of locations across the globe, landing on the door mat. Much better than junk mail and bills! There's always that slight element of surprise, if you know you have more than one thing coming your way. That's one of my favourite things about Internet shopping for beads - they usually not quite as you imagined in your mind, which can sometimes be a little challenging, but is mostly very exciting and a joy to open. Anyone else got the sizing of beads totally wrong when ordering?! 

Late 2010, I spotted Heather Powers starting a new scheme - the Bead of the Month club. One art bead or bead set sent to each member once a month, sight unseen. Membership limited so you knew you'd be getting a sneak peek each month at something very exclusive. I knew I had to be a part of this! It's easy to get stuck in a rut designing, and brand new designs that have been designed especially for you and a few others - you can't go wrong there, can you? 

Fellow ABS editors Erin and Brandi also have similar schemes in place. Erin's Simple Truths sampler club gets sent out exclusive polymer and metal art pendants:

And Brandi recently started The Palette Club. She sends out exclusive archive-quality prints with her signature palettes pulled out along the side. 

I can thoroughly recommend both of these schemes, having been a member of both last year. Sometimes the muse needs a bit of a kick start, and when you sign up with one of these talented ladies, you know Lady Muse will be kicked into gear when your inspiring monthly surprises arrive. Heather is this year running not only a BoM club, but also a Disc Bead Edition, with the beads linking in with the monthly challenges here at Art Bead Scene. Heather's schemes run beginning in January, but with Brandi and Erin's are available to join up throughout the year. I'd love to know of any other bead artists offering similar schemes too!

Wouldn't you love a monthly dose of surprise inspiration? 

Rebecca is a Scottish jewellery designer, currently living in Manchester, England. You can read more about her and her work at her blog, songbeads.blogspot.com and see more of her jewellery at songbead.etsy.com. She also has a supplies shop at thecuriousbeadshop.etsy.com.