The Artist's Way Workshop

Choose a selections of larger beads for the affirmations and use some gorgeous seed beads or other types of separator beads to keep a little space between them. I like having mine in the order of a plain white bead, a “white light” bead (such as a crystal) another plain white bead (these plain beads are like little guards - white lined glass seed beads) then my affirmation bead, another set of plain white, crystal, plain white, then a row of some good number (5,7,9 work for me) of matte black seed beads. These black seed beads (for me, anyway) are placed there to help “mop up” the negativity of the “blurt” that may still come after an affirmation. This is strictly personal, as I have always associated black with absorption and dispersement of energy, and white with protection and guarding. You may choose something completely different. Here's a picture of part of my personal strand:

I like to simplify affirmations and positive thoughts into one or two word comments, such as are represented by the beads shown here. The pearl represents wisdom and my willingness to acknowledge that I've gained some in my creative life. The blue heart represents my willingness to approach creative growth from my "calm heart center" rather than my "business mind". The large, layered lampwork beads represents the many layers of my personal creativity (sewing, weaving, knitting, etc) and their contribution to me as a creative person. The triangle beads represents my personal banner and the OK-ness to wave it. The pink bead is a fun little resin bead to remind me that beading is fun, and is placed in memory of my first teacher, Valerie Stopski (AKA Val Kadilak) who just recently passed away - "punch pink" was her signature color and if anyone was ever a reminder to keep it fun, it was Valerie! 

So that's mine - how will you do yours? Remember, no one has to see it, or if you choose to wear it as ornamentation, no one has to know the significance of the beads. You could use all the same beads, as long as the intent is there when you make the piece, it will be right. Then, you have a little "helper" for those affirmations! If you would like to share your ladder with others, send me a picture and I'll make up a Ladder Gallery! 

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This Week's Tasks

Some Hints for Completing the Workshop While Still Having a Life!  

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