Sandy French (background) hooking away on her bracelet, and my finished product (foreground).

Guest blogger Lydia Regalado is an arts educator, crafter and blogger who writes about people who gather to make things.

My experiement continues…

Second Stop: Beading Dreams

Beading Dreams, another beading boutique in Dallas, offers some of the most interesting classes beyond basic wire wrapping and silk knotting around: Rosary 101, Dream Catcher Earrings, Lovely Lariats, just to name a few. Most classes are $35. This cozy spot is where I found an Introduction to Wire Crochet class. Crocheting with wire is a simple technique that requires few tools with a funky, eye-catching outcome. There is no need to be perfect or pattern-specific, as the jumbled design hides any flaws, making it a very forgiving piece — great for the crochet beginner. Beading Dreams offers a great selection of beads and findings, supplies and classes. Its schedule of classes is packed with several options, but they do offer private lessons in case you can’t attend or want to learn a technique that’s not offered. The staff is patient and helpful, which is a good thing as beading can sometimes string you out. Project photos are available on the store’s Web site, or stop by to see the samples for yourself. Classes and supplies are affordable, and the best part is the 15 percent discount offered to students for the yearly quarter that the class was attended. That means if you take a class now, you can save money on needed supplies for holiday gifts!

DIY Dialogue:
Knitting and crocheting is “knot“ necessarily tied to the past idea of feminine tradition. Contemporary art often incorporates traditional handicraft with non-traditional materials. Local artist Lanie Delay’s interactive installation made of crocheted telephone wire and working phones intrigued me last January at 500x’s EXPO 2008. Artist Oliver Herring is shown knitting mylar sculptures with protective gloves in the “Play” episode from Season 3 of the PBS series Art21, “Art in the Twenty-First Century.” There is a connection between art and craft, but what is the difference? Please share your thoughts by posting a comment.

Next Up: Urban Street Bazaar

If you missed this event in May, Urban Street Bazaar is happening again this Saturday, Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Meet and shop with 40 DIY vendors, showcasing and selling their handiwork, fashions and art in Bishop Arts District. More information.

See you there!