On A String

Right now, supporting small business in Australia is easy. The impact of COVID-19, and ‘staying at home’ has put the spotlight firmly on online shopping – the market place for many small businesses across the country. The difference between supporting a smallbusiness , often run from a spare room, kitchen table, or garage is often the more personal experience and unique products that you can find. It is a business built from that one person who has a passion for creating, and keen interest in providing a unique experience and product for the buyer. Buying jewellery in Australia  It can be an experience unlike what you get in store. The pieces are crafted by hand, be that beading , metal work, glass or polymer clay, are constructed using techniques the crafter has developed over time. Their intimate knowledge of their product and craft shines through in their finished product, and you know that you are getting a product that is a little bit of their soul every time. Cowgirl Penda...

Whilst we wait patiently in Melbourne for the lifting of the latest round of restrictions as a result of COVID-19 and the worldwide pandemic, it has had some very positive outcomes for On A String. Beading in isolation has required me to think creatively about connecting to fellow beaders. Whilst we’ve been used to meeting in person, both at home and through beading events, this pandemic has caused beaders to look for new ways to connect and learn. It has borne a whole range of online workshops and new beading tutorials , which have helped to craft whilst at staying home. Zoom Workshops It’s been fabulous to schedule a whole of new workshops, using the space to share creativity and connect with beaders from all over the world. Using the power of technology, a simple phone camera and laptop, I’ve been teaching new designs and have loved having students from far and near join in. Working in partnership with Banjo’s Bead House to provide kits to potential students has meant tha...