Beading with Katie Hacker
By Sara Naumann

It's really all Katie Hacker's fault that I become addicted to beading.

Part of it is her sense of style: simple techniques turned into hip, fashionable designs that are fast and easy to make. What I love about Katie's style is that it's perfect for all skill levels, from the beginner beader to the expert to the woman who just wants to create a fashionable necklace to dress up a favorite outfit.

The other part, of course, is Katie's knowledge of the craft and her desire to share what she knows—from the must-have basics to little-known design tricks. (True confession: Katie was the one to tell me about bead boards. Before that, I had beads rolling all over the kitchen table!) And if style, creativity and talent weren't enough, Katie's passion is enough to hook any would-be beader.

This month, to celebrate the publication of Katie's three newest beading books, I caught up with the talented designer to talk about design, creativity and what you need to feed your own beading addiction.

SARA: Okay, we both know that beading is addicting! When did you start and what got you hooked?

KATIE: Jewelry is such a great form of self-expression because it's art you can wear. I enjoy wearing things I make because it enables me to share something I enjoy with the people around me. It's also an activity that can go anywhere. My mom taught me how to do macramé and I used to pin my projects to the seat back in the car and make jewelry when we traveled. Learning macramé led to an interest in beading and I haven't looked back!

Sara: You've published quite a few beading instruction books—and while the styles and materials change for each book, the techniques are always simple and versatile. Is there a certain person you design for?

Perfect for spring and summer outfits, this tropical set is from Bedazzling Beads

Sara: We all start out with just a few supplies… and these few supplies can quickly take over our work area! What's your design studio like?

Katie: Most of my actual design work happens in a room in my home that I've turned into a studio. It is a careful balance of organization and chaos! Right now I have most of my supplies in clear plastic boxes stored on wire shelves. I also have several different kinds of bead organizers, binders for ideas and catalogs, a thread rack for wire spool storage and a two work tables: one for current projects and one for my computer and office-type stuff.

Sara: How do you get in the creative mood? Is there anything you have to do before sitting down to design?

Not just for jewelry, beads make charming wine glass charms— perfect for housewarming or hostess gifts! Charms from Bedazzling Beads.

Sara: What's your best piece of advice for those of us who want to be more creative?

Katie: Allow yourself the time and space to become the creative person you want to be. Gather supplies that inspire you, set some time aside and just dive in. It is important to have a space of your own, so set up a card table, convert a closet or claim a whole room for your "creative zone." You have to start somewhere and you might as well start right now! Call some friends and invite them over for a creativity night.

Sara: I love that you want to teach people how to be successful. What's your motto or personal philosophy?

Katie: I try to be a kind person, to do good work and to maintain integrity in my professional and personal relationships. I also believe that we each have a responsibility to inspire others to be their very best selves.

Thanks, Katie, for always sharing your creative spirit with us!

For more of Katie's fabulous designs, take a look at Katie's Basics of Beading, Bedazzling Beads and The Need to Bead, all available from Hot Off The Press.