We have been given permission to share this article that was published in various newspapers owned by Lillie Suburban Newspapers, Inc. in the December 2003 and January 2004 issues.

The Bead Ladies make some noise

Katie Derdoski - staff writer

Sure, the Bead Ladies got off to an innocuous enough start, but they've managed to build quite a reputation for themselves.

They even get a reserved sign and flowers put on their table on Wednesday mornings, when they meet at the Coffee Grounds on Hamline Avenue in Falcon Heights.

And beading teachers have politely suggested that the women in the group take private classes rather than public ones since they like to laugh and talk so much during instruction

Wendy McDonald, a professional beadmaker of Chisago City, squeals and exclaims, more bluntly, "We're too disruptive. We're not welcome in public classes."

"We've become renowned," says one group member, and gales of laughter echo off the coffee shop's walls.

"Notoriety is what that's called" is one member's retort, and their "distracting" laughter grows louder.

Linda Melcher, a Woodbury resident and one of the group's "founding members," says the Bead Ladies - who do more than just bead work - started when her sister-in-law-in-law attended a beading class and her friends all wanted to make the necklace she created.

"Going to the bead store (for the first time) was an experience in itself," said Melcher, who's sister-in-law met them there over her lunch break, but had to return to work because the women were so taken with the selection and possibilities.

"Three hours later we're still at the bead store...And we had to go back another day," Melcher says with a laugh

They got together to learn the technique about 10 years ago at Gingko Coffeehouse on Snelling and Minnehaha avenues in St. Paul - and thus, a tradition began.

"We just sorta stayed together and collected people," Melcher said.

McDonald said that employees of bead stores often spread the word about the group. "It's kinda word of mouth..." she starts to say before St. Paulite Sherry Longballa interrupts.

"It's bead networking," Longballa says, and McDonald and Longballa giggle at professional lingo that stands out in stark contrast to the mood of the group - defined by member Sally Blumenfeld of Mendota Heights as "loose."

The group might be loose in its definition and rules, but serious about craft and friendship.

McDonald said, "I've known them through a marriage, a separation, a good job, a loss of a job... They've been through a lot with me."

As Alice Schoenecker shows off her latest creation, Indian corn made of pony beads, group members "ooh" and "aah" in admiration, a show of group support for her craft.

"I started beadwork as therapy when we found out my son was terminally ill," she says. She bought her first kit at Children's Hospital while her son was a patient.

"Tom loved it. He would watch me and want to help. It was something to be together," she says.

And she says the Bead Ladies meetings were effective therapy.

"It gives you something to think about, keep your hands busy and you end up with something."

The women are passionate about both their process and the product, in tandem with their friendships.

Susan Aguirre, who says she spent "hours and hours and hours" on the bracelet she showed off at a recent meeting, says she might just be a "glutton for punishment."

"It's kind of like 'it hurts so good,' you know?" she asks. "There's something about beads that hooks you. It's an addiction. We have creativity and we're sharing and that's really important. It keeps us wanting to come," she said.

Joan Robbins, a Roseville resident who has been a group member for about three years, says the meeting should be an important break in everyone's schedule.

"You just make the time. You have priorities, and one of those should be time for yourself. You re-charge your batteries and it doesn't cost anything," she says. Later, she adds, "It's a group of women, from all over, that can sit and talk and work on their craft."

Melcher echoes her sentiment. "It's a time when we can all connect again...There's community, camaraderie. We all have different interests and experience, and we all do a sort of informal critique," she says.

Longballa adds that since she works from home, alone, it's often one of the few times she gets to see friends.

But this is also an atmosphere where people can come to learn new things - techniques, supplies, stores and resources, friends - or an entire craft.

Joanna Rocha, a Falcon Heights resident, says members of the group started her out on beading earrings. Now she's beading a window hanging, and to the untrained eye, even threading the needle looks fairly complex.

"I'm slow, but I'm good," she says, her eyes focused on the beads.

"And not a bit modest," says Schoenecker, giggling.

Coffee Grounds owner David Lawrence says that despite the Bead Ladies' constant torment, he enjoys their company and he's glad they come to his shop.

"I'm jealous they're having so much fun," he says. "They do what people need to do more of. They tease me terribly, but I let them. and their noise level may offend some customers, but what they get out of it is worth it."

Lawrence adds that he has a good relationship with the Bead Ladies and is going to be selling some of their goods in his store, as well as hosting a holiday craft show. The women will have their goods for sale at the show, ranging from holiday items like candleholders to intricate jewelry.

"When I took over, it wasn't like anybody mentioned that I had to take care of the Bead Ladies. They just sorta showed up. But I've taken it a step further and I'm going to sell stuff for them. And they've done a bit for my business, too" he says.

"Wow. They're having fun," says a customer ordering from Lawrence.

"That's what its all about," Lawrence replies, smiling.

Morgan Yeats, a St. Paulite who was a first-timer to the group this week, says she is "definitely" coming back next week.

"The people are great, it's a great location, it's a nice shop, there's great talent," she says. "I'm definitely coming back and I'm bringing my sister-in-law. I'm so hooked."

The Bead Ladies meet every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. and always welcome new members. No particular attendance is required and no prior knowledge is necessary.