Learn From The Best

Have you ever taken a class from a nationally recognized instructor? You know, the ones that teach at the Bead and Button Show every year, or who plan fabulous “bead retreats” in exotic locations…If you ever get the opportunity to learn from one of them, by all means, sign up! I say this because I’ve taken a few of these classes, and I realize now how lucky I am to have learned from these very talented artists.

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to attend the Bead and Button Show in Milwaukee, WI. I signed up for several classes, just because I liked the projects, not because I knew anything about the instructors (I was a newbie at B&B, after all). One of the classes I selected was Millefiori Caning with Lisa Pavelka. I did not know who Lisa Pavelka was at the time – all I knew was that I lugged my pasta machine half-way across the country to take a class with her, and I had absolutely no experience with polymer clay. I walked into the classroom with my gear in tow, only to see rows of pasta machines on the tables for those students who “forgot” to bring one…

The all-day class flew by so quickly. I immediately forgot my irritation with the equipment because Lisa was so engaging, highly energetic, and best of all – fun! She shared her tips for caning and jewelry making throughout the day. She didn’t even get annoyed when I folded my clay incorrectly and created “mud” instead of the fabulous Skinner blend she was demonstrating (that I longed to make!). Did I know Lisa was a nationally recognized instructor with 20 years experience in crafting and polymer clay? No. Did I know she has written several books on crafting with polymer clay? No.

Last week I went into an arts and crafts store and saw a large selection of Lisa Pavelka’s products. She created her own line of craft products, from texture stamps and glazes, to foils and molds. At that moment it struck me: carrying that pasta machine all the way to Milwaukee was definitely worth the effort!