We have a new teacher in our line up of wonderful teachers and this Saturday is her first class! Her name is Kristene Knop and she is teaching the Double Loop Bracelet. Get to know Kristene in a write up about her foray into the beading world.

I’m moved to San Diego in 1995 from Cleveland, Ohio. I have done more in the past 15 years than I could ever imagine. I worked at Alvarado hospital as a medical assistant for 5 years. I completed 3 marathons in Hawaii, Alaska and San Diego (yes that is 26.2 miles) I have an associates degree in computer science. Two days after my 30th birthday I was involved in a car accident. I crushed both of my arms but I survived. Ever since that accident I started getting into crafts. I was never interested in crafts before the accident. I’m still getting to know the new me. Of course I love to get crazy so I opened a moving company and eventually a performance shop. Yes I know a little about turbos and superchargers. When I opened the moving company I had never owned a business, didn’t know anything about moving, administration or accounting. What I learned about myself is that no matter how difficult something is, I found a way to push myself to learn it.

Cell phones charms were becoming popular so I found myself wanting one. So I start shopping around and couldn’t believe how expensive and ugly they were. So I tried making my own. Well every single one broke. So I took my skill of web surfing, education of being a business owner and educated myself about crimp beads, beading tools and wire.   Before I knew it I was out of control buying beads and charms but not quite sure what to do with them but had a lot of fun shopping for them. Once I figured out how to make a piece of jewelry and not have it fall apart there was no stopping me. I started making tons of bracelets, necklaces, and anklets. Then I discovered Swarovski crystals. I was in love. I bought every color that I could find. My beading friend all call me the “Swarovski queen”. In my opinion you always need a little bling in your jewelry.   Then I meet some fellow beading who showed me how to sew beads together. I realized that my computer programing skills came in handy. I have never taken a class but can look at a piece, break it down and figure it out.  I love teaching people because I remember how I felt when I first started. Let the beading begin…..and never end.
Sign up today and get to know Kristene personally and learn her fabulous pattern Double Loop Bracelet.