Bead Fest Instructor Kim Leahy Says: Play with Your Beads

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Bead Fest Instructor Kim Leahy loves introducing new students to the world of beadwork with her designs and classes. She started beading over a decade ago and finds joy in experimenting with combining beads with leather, Tyvek, and other materials. For Kim, it’s all about having fun!

Above: Designs by Kim Leahy have appeared in many issues of Beadwork, including this Rain Goddess necklace that appeared on the cover of Beadwork December 2020/January 2021.

1. What’s your favorite technique? What do you love about it?

I love using different products and stitches in a single piece. Like for instance, a Shrinket with a rope, or some vintage piece in bead embroidery. So, I guess it’s Mixed media of some sort. I love it because it’s just different and it is fun to use lots of different items.   

2. Tell us about your favorite type of material. 

Glass beads of all kinds. There is so much you can do and because I create kits it’s easy to duplicate. I love to toss metal in the mix also.

3. What’s your best advice for beginners? 

STICK WITH IT. My first project took all summer and half of that was figuring the stitch out. Also, take classes if you have the opportunity and means. You learn so much that way. Don’t expect to be an expert on day one.

4. What’s your go-to source of inspiration? 

The beads. I find so many of my designs are centered around using a particular bead or bead shape. 

5. Who are your beading heroes? 

I have learned something from so many designers, but in the very beginning for me it was Diane Fitzgerald.

6. Do you have a jewelry making or creativity motto? 

Be true to you. It sounds like a cliché, but I have had to step back and really tell myself this time and time again. I like to try new products and ideas—and so much of my jewelry is not the norm—but I keep plugging along.

Connect with Kim Leahy

You will find Kim’s workshops online at Beadfest.com. Kim sells her original beading kits on her website, Esther Beadwork. When she isn’t beading, Kim enjoys mountain biking around central Oregon.

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Thanks to our Bead Fest PA 2022 sponsor, Cool Tools.

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