Like Nicole, I am pretty new to beading, but I have been lurking on this group for months and am constantly in awe of the amazing things that you do. I live in Toronto, btw.
I have never done beading before, but have done other crafts. I decided to take a few classes at Michael's because retirement was getting a tad boring. By the second class, I was hooked and have been running as fast as I can to learn even 25% of what you all know. There is so MUCH to learn. I still find it hard to visualize metric sized beads....tell me
1/2" and I can, but not 10 mm.I am doing strictly beading, both stringing and wirework. I am in the process of buying gemstones and sterling findings, now that I know how much I love doing this. The hardest part for me is getting the inspiration when working on something, but I just lay it out and adjust here and there and eventually I have a "eureka" moment.
I have enjoyed the friendly banter amongst the group and have also learned quite a lot by seeing the things you make, etc. Like Nicole, I am building up my inventory and did buy several interesting strands over in Portugal in June in a tiny little chinese store. We are still not sure (my helpful bead store owner and myself) if I have jade or aventurine, for instance.
So I am looking forward to being able to ask some fairly basic questions I suppose, and I imagine Nicole is in the same boat as I am. I am constantly pouring over magazines and all of your websites for inspiration and knowledge.
Cheers.....Heather