Hip to Bead Interview and Giveaway!

July 9th, 2008 in fashion, jewelry making, books & more

Susan Beal, contributor

This signed copy of Katie Hackers Hip to Bead is up for grabs to one lucky CraftStylish reader!

Katie says that this World Beat Choker is one of her favorites.

This signed copy of Katie Hacker's Hip to Bead is up for grabs to one lucky CraftStylish reader!

Photo: Susan Beal

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I had the chance to catch up with Katie Hacker, jewelry designer, writer, and "Beads, Baubles and Jewels" co-host, recently and ask her a few questions about her work and one of her most recent books, Hip to Bead: 32 Projects for Today's Contemporary Beader. Katie was kind enough to send along a signed copy of her book, and it's up for grabs to one lucky CraftStylish reader -- details on the contest at the end of the post!

How did you get into beading and jewelry design?
I started making earrings for myself when I was a teenager and couldn't find any cool earrings for my un-pierced ears. Later, after finishing a degree in English, I worked as an editor for craft book publisher Hot Off The Press. When they decided to publish a book on hemp jewelry making, I told them that I made my own jewelry, too. I designed more than half of the projects in the book (It's Knot Hard: Hemp Jewelry) and, 10+ years later, I'm freelancing jewelry and craft projects full-time.

Do you have a favorite tool to work with?
One of my favorite new tools is the Beadalon Knotter Tool. It helps make tight, consistent knots between beads. I just taught a knotting workshop at the Swarovski Tucson Event where students knotted crystal pearls onto silk cord. It is so fun to see the ah-ha moment where they really get the hang of it and start going to town!

Any tip you'd like to share with a beginning beader?
A lot of beginners ask me what tools they need to get started. The basics are: round nose pliers for making loops; chain nose or flat nose pliers for opening loops and jump rings; wire cutters; and a crimping tool.

What inspired you to write Hip to Bead?
I wrote Hip to Bead for people who are just getting interested in beading and for advanced beaders who want to give some trendy flair to their designs. You don't typically see a lot of different techniques in one book, so Hip to Bead gives people a sample of stringing, knotting, stitching, weaving, macrame and wire wrapping. Lots of tips are sprinkled throughout the book, too!

Can you tell us a bit more about a favorite project from the book?
One of my favorites is the World Beat Choker (page 63). It's fun to make and it's a great way to show off a special bead. Plus, I wear this necklace all of the time because it's comfortable and it adds instant style to a casual outfit.

To enter to win a signed copy of Hip to Bead, just leave a comment on this post. The winner will be chosen a week from today, July 16 -- good luck! And thank you so much, Katie!

posted in: fashion, jewelry making, books & more, beads, Jewelry, beading, trendy, gemstone, katie hacker, book giveaway

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Comments (9)

KraftyMomOf2 writes: I have been making jewelry on and off for over 20 years and the renewed interest and surge in new supplies is wonderful. My two daughters, 6 and 9 years old, have become good designers as well. This book mentioned in this article has gotten my jewelry juices going fresh, I would love to add this book to my library of inspirations. Posted: 5:34 pm on July 28th

Ann_in_tx writes: I've tried over the years to "start beading" just couldn't find "someone" to "teach me". I now have decided just to teach myself. It's not as hard as I thought it wourld be, and I'm having fun. Posted: 11:30 pm on July 15th

tada writes: Just started beading after seeing my dil's sister making some pieces. Had to try it and loved it. Great way to spend extra time and bad weather days when you can't get out. The book looks very interesting and informational. Posted: 3:40 pm on July 12th

rockyrhodes writes: Just considering starting this fun craft and this article was a lot of help. Posted: 7:34 am on July 10th

amgardne writes: oooo...looks like fun! Posted: 7:46 pm on July 9th

laleeleela writes: Looks like a great book! Posted: 7:00 pm on July 9th

mandrakewitch writes: I enjoy BEADS ,BAUBLES AND JEWELS and love inspiration for new beading and charm projects, and her book sounds perfect :) Posted: 6:29 pm on July 9th

art4milkbones writes: What a fun book! :) Posted: 4:15 pm on July 9th

scull writes: Hi! I'm a beginning beader and also starting to get interested in kumihimo (sp?) and macrame so this book sounds right up my alley. Thanks for the great interview and opportunity to win a copy. - J Posted: 4:03 pm on July 9th

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