During the pandemic, I needed something to keep myself from going off the deep end. I started by shaving my eyebrows and playing with drag and SFX makeup, then I started making queer bracelets for my friends. I decided to give bead weaving a try. Beadwork always interested me, and I remember as a kid, I just couldn’t wrap my brain around how the fuck those beaded tassles stayed together. lt really blew my mind.

I really struggle with learning new things. I like being good at things the first time I try them which is unrealistic and silly. (thanks ADHD) My early beadwork was WILD. I was fucking DETERMINED to figure it out. I longed for a fun, bold earring collection, and I wanted to make pretty things for my mom, grandma, and friends.

I am forever grateful for this art form as it’s helped me calm down and learna bit of patience.

It takes a lot of focus to count hundreds of beads and stick to intricate patterns. beadweaving is the closest I’ll ever get to meditating. It’s brings me to a calm focused place I didn’t knowI was capable of being in.