The Bead Police

I am on record, more than once, claiming there are no bead police. Like, here, and more recently, here.

I teach a lot of classes, and I own a bead shop, and I am always telling my students and my customers the same thing - no bead police! Want to mix rounds, rondelles, and cubes all in the same necklace - go for it! Wood, glass, gemstones, and pearls in the same piece - certainly! Asymmetry - be my guest! You like those colors together - terrific! It's your design - make yourself happy. Knock yourself out!

The pattern tells you to use 15/0 seed beads, but you'd rather use 11/0s - no problem. Some beading book says you must crimp your crimp tubes with crimping pliers, but you'd rather use chainnose pliers - it's OK! Somebody says you have to heat-set alcohol inks, but you've found a different technique that works for you - yay! All the best metal workers say you should saw your metal, but you prefer to use metal shears - go for it! Technique, schmechnique: if it works for you and has a durable outcome, it's all good.

There really aren't many rules in jewelry design. If it makes you happy, or it works for you, do it. I'm not going to say there are NO rules - because one thing I DO know is, Never say Never. And, right off the top of my head, I can think of one rule: don't smoke when you're doing torch work! So, there. There are a few rules here and there. But outside of obvious safety stuff, jewelry design is pretty forgiving and free-wheeling.

But I got to thinking last night: What if there were bead police?

Let's say, for the sake of argument, there ARE bead police. And this is them. Nice, huh? Scared?

Note: they are armed! Bead Police don't fool around!

In my head, the bead police are sort of like Santa - they saw what you did, and now you're on the naughty list. For all I know, they may even see you when you're sleeping (!)

They saw me substitute 11/0s for 15/0s in that bracelet I made Saturday from the July, 2012, Bead & Button. They know I used firepolish instead of Swarovskis. And wire guardians instead of French wire. My bead felonies are piling up!

Any moment, they'll burst in, and I'll be in Big Trouble. Of course, I will have to be frisked. Preferably, by all four, because my bead crimes are massive!

So you can bet, with these guys on the lookout, I will be breaking rules left and right! Bring on the Bead Police!

I wonder if I should put this poster up in my classroom?