Tip 7: Development (Tutorials)

This tip ties closely with classes.  In the "civilian" and "military" world, we call it professional development...I suppose for us creative types we can call it artistic or creative enhancement...IJS...

There are so many avenues to options available to us to develop our creative side--the skills and techniques--classes, books, and tutorials.  This tip is about tutorials...

A tutorial is a method of transferring knowledge and may be used as a part of a learning process. More interactive and specific than a book or a lecture; a tutorial seeks to teach by example and supply the information to complete a certain task.  Depending on the context a tutorial can take one of many forms, ranging from a set of instructions to complete a task to an interactive problem solving session (usually in academia).

How do I save money on tutorials?  There are lots of great patterns out there--many very talented artisans! And while I'm not an advocate of taking food from someone's mouth (so to speak), in this economic environment we must all watch our pennies.  Prices for tutorials vary depending on what you are making...bracelet, necklace, earrings--from $5.00 to $35.00 (the $35 tutorial is from one vendor who only sells the tutorials at the same cost of in person instruction--so it's not the norm).  This can get pricey.

There are lots of sites that offer free tutorials... for all skill levels.  The ones I frequent are Beads Magic; and Bead Patterns. You can also visit your favorite online bead shop and they offer free tutorials and videos as well...Auntie's Beads, Fusion Beads, and Fire Mountain Gems just to name a few.  Most of these tutorials are very clear and consise and all levels should be able to follow.

Finally, I can't begin to tell you how many stitches I've learned and fantastic jewelry I've created just by watching youTube.  I subscribe to as many as I can so that when the designers upload new material I'm notified.  Here's one of my favorites...

Some of my other favorite channels are:  Beadaholique, Auntie's Beads just to name a few...I have lots more favorites and they sure do keep me busy...

Happy Beading!!!!