Week Five: Jan Atherton

Jan Atherton, currently of Chicago, Illinoise, will be receiving the TWO Best Little Bead Boxes within the next day or two.

Occupation (either bead-related or non-bead related): Beadwork Tutor and Bead Shop Assistant.
Website: http://janatherton.com/janatherton/
Blog: http://janatherton.com/janatherton/?page_id=15
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ten-Storey-Love-Song/186072182907?

How long have you been a beader/jewelry maker?
I started beading in October 2000, so just over 10 years ago.

Why do you want to participate in the Best Little Bead Box project?
I have enjoyed reading the posts from the first round. I think it would be an interesting challenge, and it would encourage me to try materials I haven't worked with before.

Have beads changed your life? How?
They have taken over my apartment! I started beading at at time of major upheaval in my life, my husband's job took us 3,000 miles from home, to Memphis tennessee, the later on to Chicago, and I didn't know many people at first. Beadwork forums, and friends from a local rubber stamping group in Memphis kept me sane.

Do you consider yourself a beginner, intermediate or advanced beader/jewelry maker?
I'm an advanced beader, but intermediate when working with metals. I learn new things with every project.

How did you get started working with beads?
I wanted to add a few beads to an embroidery project I was working on at the time. I took a trip into Edinburgh to Beadniks (not part of the chain of bead shops), which was in Raeburn Place at that time. I walked out with a bead loom, and a copy of Horace Goodhue's book Indian Beadweaving Patterns.

If you were a bead, what kind would you be? Why?
Probably something like a pebble or beach glass, shaped by time and experiences.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could have only one kind of bead with you, what would it be and why?
Probably Czech size 11/0, you can do a lot of different things with them.

What is the best advice you've ever received from a bead artist, teacher or beading friend?
Don't air file...

Do you have a particular quote that you think reflects your personal philosophies? If yes, please share it.
"I never could get the hang of Thursdays" written by Douglas Adams. I tend to be a bit of a daydreamer. I don't know how much it reflects my philosophies, but it does describe my state of mind most of the time.

What was the best beady gift that you have ever received? What was the best beady gift that you ever gave to someone else?
My husband Jeremy has bought me tools and beads 2, or 3 years running for birthdays and Christmas. He has always been very supportive of my creative streak. I have been lucky enough to make jewellery for the weddings of a couple of our friends, which I loved making.

Aside from beading, do you do any other crafts? What are they?
I knit - I have been teaching myself to knit lace recently, I also draw, take photographs, and I love fabric painting and embroidery.

What three words would best describe your current bead stash?
Eclectic, ever growing...