The need to bead
In an occasional series on the hobbies of the University's staff, Rebecca Stones uncovers the world of beading
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Ms Jackson was born to bead
Photo: Benjamin Brillante
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19 July, 2005: Friends and relatives of disability liaison officer Dee Jackson will be disappointed to learn they will not be receiving handmade gifts from the avid jewellery beader.
Ms Jackson said even though her jewellery would make a great gift, she cannot bear to part with her beaded artworks, so unfortunately has never been able to sell or give them away.
That will have to change though, as she has agreed to make jewellery for her daughter's wedding in December.
"I'm terrified of doing it for someone else...about getting it right," she said.
Ms Jackson predicted the art of beading would be 'the next big thing' in hobbies following the worldwide 'scrap-booking' craze, with a number of University staff joining the craft.
She said beading was very relaxing after a day at work, as well as rewarding because she could wear her works.
Having started beading a year ago, Ms Jackson said while some techniques were difficult, general beading was very easy and most necklaces only took a few hours to complete.
"You've got to remember that people have been beading and hanging things off their necks and ears since the beginning of time...it's natural."
Beading is not without dangers though and requires some planning, as large stone pendants could cause neck aches and big earrings could clang, catch on things or cause earlobes to droop, Ms Jackson said.
When making her jewellery, Ms Jackson said she usually started with an interesting centrepiece then built around it and anything she did not like could easily be undone.
She estimated her collection now comprised 30 to 40 pieces.
While some of Ms Jackson's pieces could contain stone beads worth as much as $60, she said anyone could afford to bead as you could use cheaper plastic or glass beads.
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