Katie Hacker
Katie Hacker is the well-known author of over 15 books about beading, including Hip to Bead and Katie’s Basics of Beading. She also appears on each episode of the PBS’s Beads, Baubles & Jewels, teaches workshops at national conventions, and somehow finds time to keep her blog and web site up to date with great beading stories and information. Beading Help Web caught up with Katie to get the scoop on upcoming events as well as Katie’s take on trends in beading.
Katie, you strike me as a fun and easy person to talk to, and your beading style really reflects your personality. Tell me how you come up with the ideas for your beading projects, like those in Hip To Bead?
My vision for Hip to Bead (www.hiptobead.com) was to put together a collection of stylish, accessible projects that would introduce the beginning beader to a variety of different techniques. I wanted to include standards with a twist, such as showing the illusion technique but applying it to a belt instead of a necklace. Sometimes the ideas for the projects were inspired by the materials, as was the case with the found object charm bracelet. I had all of these cool trinkets that were just begging to be used together.
I see that you are teaching two classes at the 2007 Bead and Button Show. Tell me about the class projects, and what students can expect from a Katie Hacker-taught class.
This year’s projects are a double needle weave crystal bracelet and a multiple strand knotted pearl necklace. It’s a big honor to have my classes selected for Bead & Button because the jury process is very competitive. Both classes use Swarovski crystal beads and Beadalon stringing materials, which are included with the cost of the class. Many of the other workshops require an additional kit fee. You can see photos and class descriptions at www.beadandbuttonshow.com.
My primary goal is to make beading fun and accessible for all levels of beaders. I try to anticipate potential frustrations and we stop part of the way through the project to congratulate ourselves on what we’ve accomplished so far. I also realize that people learn in different ways so I use a variety of visual aids, including written instructions, diagrams and step-by-step samples. I even have some big wooden beads that I string in front of the class so people can follow along. Plus, I put together great goodie bags that include the class materials and little extras like bead mats, rulers, snacks and a copy of one of my beading books.
Beads, Baubles and Jewels (PBS) is now in its sixth season. What have been the challenges and highlights of taping the show?
This show is my first experience with television, so everything about it was new to me except for the beading tips that I share with viewers. For example, I brought all the wrong clothes with me to the first taping, so I did some emergency shopping the evening before my first shoot. Now I have a section of plain-colored shirts in my closet that are specifically for the show. Little things like that have happened along the way. The best part is hearing from viewers who say that my Beading Lessons are their favorite part of the show.
How about out-takes? Any beading blunders that you’d care to share?
I keep joking that I should have my very own blooper reel. The most dramatic blunder occurred when I was demonstrating Beadalon’s Spin-N-Bead. It has a wooden bowl that you fill with seed beads to make stringing large quantities of seed beads quick and easy. It is actually very simple to use but I was nervous and I spun the bowl far too quickly. As soon as I dipped the needle into the bowl, seed beads went flying everywhere! It was so spectacular that I probably could not do it again if I tried.
Katie, you’re known for your fashionable edge — what do you see as the beading trends for 2007?
Here are a few of the things that are currently on my radar: really long necklaces; geometric shapes; chain; black & white; natural materials mixed with manmade, such as shells and crystals mixed together; multiple strand necklaces; chunky beads; heart, locket & key motifs; neutral colors with bold accents.
How do you continue to grow as a jewelry artist? Do you take classes, read other books, look for new ways or materials to make jewelry?
I believe that everything we see becomes a part of our creative imaginations, so I’m constantly looking at magazines, books, catalogs and anything else I can get my hands on. I try to take at least one workshop per year in something that I’ve never done before, just in case I stumble across my new favorite thing.
Tell me about the last piece of jewelry you made. Was it for yourself or someone else? What inspired you to make it? How did you feel about it after it was completed?
The last piece of jewelry I made was an ID badge lanyard. I wanted something eye-catching to wear at the Craft & Hobby Association Winter Show. I based the design on a long, blinged-out necklace that I made for the sixth season of Beads, Baubles & Jewels. The instructions will be online soon at www.beadsbaublesandjewels.com. I combined sections of metal and crystal beads with bundles of chain. I felt very glamorous wearing it and I received a lot of compliments on it at the show.
I always like to hear about other interests, hobbies that artists enjoy outside of beading, so feel free to tell me about them. And, you’re a new mommy…any indications that your daughter will be a beader too?
I enjoy traveling and I’m a voracious reader, although right now most of the books I’m reading are of the children’s board book variety. My husband and I also raise organic vegetables, eggs and meat on his 100-year-old family farm, so good food is a big passion for us. In the summertime, I take photos of local carnivals to add to my collection.
My daughter is only a year old, but she’s already intrigued by “mommy’s sparklies.” I would love it if she becomes a beader but I’ve resolved that I won’t pressure her to take up the hobby. She has already been to three big bead shows, though!
