Sampling of SaraBeth's Designs:
Click on an image to view the pattern.
             

Here is a bit about Sara Beth in her own words:

I have 2 part time jobs. The first is traveling to bead shows around the country with Beyond Beadery. And to most beaders that sounds like a glamorous job and it is! But it's also a lot of hard hard work. Imagine unloading a 20 foot truck, unpacking, and setting up a full service bead shop in 8 hours and then having to take it all down, pack it up, and reload it in only 4. The show days are long, with barely enough time for lunch or bathroom breaks. But I love it because I'm also surrounded by creative, dynamic, friendly people who all share a love of beads and creating beauty.

I'm also just getting back into Professional Belly Dancing with the Cleopatra Dancers and The Alexandria Dancers, two new troops recently formed by my dance mentor and teacher Helena Vlahos.

I first learned loom work when I was 8 years old from my Grandma, but didn't become serious about it until I was in my 20's and needed a way to distract myself from the pressures of dance competitions. Loosing myself in the rhythm of a stitch and the colors of the beads kept me sane.

Sampling of SaraBeth's Designs:
Click on an image to view the pattern.
             

There isn't enough time or space for me to list all my favorite bead artists and the reasons why I admire them so I'll just list the first 5 that come to mind are Margie Deeb, Elizabeth Anne Scarborough, Cynthia Rutledge, Mary Tafoya, Nikia Angel, and Beki Haley. Whoops! That six!

My favorite pieces change from time to time but right now the current one is the "Sunset Colors" beaded rock that was recently in the "500 Beaded Objects" book. My "What was I thinking"; pieces haven't changed, they're still hanging around although I don't know why.

My biggest bead work joy comes when the idea that was floating around in my head actually working in the practical application.

If I'm lucky my biggest disappointment-no longer being able to pursue bead work or any of my other creative activities-will never materialize.

I've had my share of beady failures but I chalk those up as a learning experience and move on.

My style is still in the evolution stage. I envision my work as becoming like a dancer, fluid, flowing, elegant, powerful, feminine, and confident. I try to move a little closer to that ideal every time I create a new piece.

Sampling of SaraBeth's Designs:
Click on an image to view the pattern.
             

My biggest challenge is to stop listening to that niggling little voice inside my head that sometimes causes me to second guess my work. "Is it good enough?" "Will people like this?" "Oh, this is so lame!" "Why did I ever think I ever had any talent?"

So my inspirational advice to others (and myself); Stop, be quiet and listen! There's another little voice whispering to you. Call it what you like, The Divine Creative Spark....The Diving Creative Spirit, but it's there inside of you burning away, alive and well and doing fine.

My beadwork has been featured in both Beadwork and Bead & Button Magazines, A Beader's Guide to Color by Margie Deeb, 500 Beaded Objects (Lark Publishing), Beadwork Creates Beaded Rings, Beadwork Creates Beaded Earrings (Interweave Press) and in the 2002 Bead Me At The Fair Exhibit at the Arizona State Fair.