San Marcos Faux Bead Society

Meetups and One Special Group

The act of gathering with others who share common interests is not new. You can find an organization or society for just about any vocation or avocation you can name. The advent of the internet and online groups has certainly added to the breadth and depth of these groups making it possible to reach across states, countries and oceans to discuss common interests and share information. If you’re looking at this article, you probably know that there are a plethora of opportunities for jewelry makers to unite with others.

I had been designing jewelry for quite some time before anyone approached me about jewelry groups. A friend called and asked if I was going to the “meet-up”. This was not a term in my vocabulary and I had no idea what the person was talking about. A mere three years later, I’m an avid meet-up gal. Who knew what I had been missing?

Having never been a joiner of organizations and societies, I found that meet-ups were just what I needed. I like the idea of joining with folks and working on projects together or in parallel. I think it’s great that in a meetup, we don’t have a gavel or minutes to read, although those things are necessary in formal organizations. Since I was curious about the term, I did a bit of research and learned at http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/meet+up that it means “to see and talk to someone familiar or someone you do not know. . . “ This source further explains that meetup “ refers to seeing someone either intentionally or unexpectedly.” There are some specific jewelry meet-up groups described at http://jewelry.meetup.com/ .

I read about several jewelry meet-up groups, but it appeared that none had quite the same personality as the group with which I meet. Therefore, I’d like to tell you about our group, Faux.

Our very active group differs from many organizations since we have no officers, no dues and no bylaws. The number of attendees to our monthly meetups ranges from 10 to 25 and we never lack for eager participants. We keep in touch via our Yahoo and Facebook groups using these online vehicles to remind designers of our gatherings and, at times, to gather a consensus regarding activities. A local craft store allows us to use its classroom without charge. (For specific information about where and when this group meets, the specific online groups we use and a contact, please see the end of this article.)

Each month someone guides our exploration of a technique. That leader lets us know what materials and tools to bring and everyone who has previously tried the technique puts in their two cents as we support one another in the learning process. The room is generally filled with helpful guidance and positive encouragement. It is apparent that the unstated goal is for everyone to experience and create while contributing from their individual level of expertise. We value all participants.

We usually plan explorations for about six months at a time. We simply brainstorm possibilities of things we’d like to explore and then someone volunteers to guide each one. For example, we have etched, embossed, made findings, created resin pendants/bracelets, cold connected, fold formed, made chain maille bracelets, done torch enameling, etc. If it has to do with making jewelry, we’ve probably done it or want to try it. If we are eager to try something new, someone often volunteers to learn about it and share with the group.

Obviously after a couple of years of monthly meetings participants have moved in and out of our midst. As new people attend our gathering, we repeat some of the techniques that we visited in the past. We are unique in that no one ever says “we’ve already done that.” If several people are interested in a technique, we don’t mind revisiting it and know that we can usually refine our own work during a second or third learning experience. When we complete the monthly explorations determined by the group, we simply all determine what we want to do in the following months. We don’t have a committee; everyone at the meetup shares input and makes decisions.

Many societies and organizations provide coffee or some form of refreshments at their meetings. We do not since that would require someone to be in charge. Occasionally someone posts that he/she is bringing brownies or something else, but this is not a planned part of our meetup. The exception is the December gathering when almost all of us bring something to eat. For the past two years we have enjoyed a charm exchange at this meeting. We determine how many people are coming and then each person makes a small charm for everyone who is coming. I usually go home with about 15 or more new charms for a bracelet or necklace. It’s fun to look at the jewelry piece and know who made which part.

At this point in your reading, you may be wondering how we manage without a designated leader. Well, here’s the truth. A small core group of designers gathered initially to start this meetup group and four of us continue to shepherd the group when needed. Let me be clear, however, we are not the decision makers. At times we simply pose the questions or initiate the discussion so the group can come to consensus. I don’t recall that we’ve ever actually voted on anything; we simply come to a meeting of the minds.

We do not sponsor events such as bead sales, retreats, etc. This is not a goal of our group and it can, at times, become a bone of contention in some organizations. Without these events, there is no need for chairmen and committees and thus no big decisions to make.

One of the most important aspects of Faux is a clear understanding of ethics. We stand together to acknowledge common techniques that can be passed on to others and how these differ from someone’s personal design or intellectual property which may not be replicated. The resultant dynamics create a very unique atmosphere filled with sharing, nurturing and caring without infringement on personal rights. I think that atmosphere is best explained in the words of a few of our participants.

•[I come to Faux for] camaraderie, inspiration and [for] sharing techniques.

•I love participating in Faux because I'm a beginner in wire and metal work and Faux gives me an introduction to many aspects of wire/metal working at minimal cost with an extremely talented and creative group of women. Good company, good instruction, good ideas and good fun.

•When I get to attend I get the feeling that I am not alone on this voyage and I get inspired by everyone's specialties.

•Faux has allowed me to make tremendous growth with my technique and learning in a minimum of time.

•I am a visual learner and feel uncomfortable with new projects without having someone with experience guide me through what I have (or maybe not) read.{I get that at Faux.]

•I am so grateful to have found faux and all of the great people who come here! I come to faux because I get to be in the presence of so many amazing jewelry artists, who freely share their skills and talents with me. I have learned sooo much here. I get inspiration and support, no matter what stage of jewelry making I'm in. Coming to faux encourages me to explore and experiment and not to be afraid to try something new. And the faux gang is just so darned funny! What more could you ask?

•I have learned new metal skills and love the nonjudgmental cooperative spirit of the group. It is a really special group of people. The fact that I make the 4 hour round trip to attend speaks for itself - it is a fun supportive group plus I get to learn cool stuff!

•I love coming to Faux and being around such caring, sharing, inspiring, incredibly talented artists who not only share the knowledge they have gained through experience, but share their mistakes too, to help us not repeat them! Everyone is always so welcoming and encouraging. I love the camaraderie and friendships (forged in copper?!) that I have found there!

•The camaraderie that I enjoy at Faux is unlike any I’ve experienced in any other group.

Have you been wondering why our meetup group is called Faux? Our full name is the San Marcos (Texas) Faux Bead Society and as you can tell from the information provided, we are definitely NOT a real society! I hope this brief description of a jewelry meetup will help you get going with your own and hope that you, too, will find this type of gathering rewarding. Go on . . . MEETUP!

Information Specific to the San Marcos Faux Bead Society in Texas

Dates: Group meets every third Thursday of the month (The December and January meeting dates are often changed.)

Time: 2:00-5:00 PM

Location: Hobby Lobby Classroom , 1019 Hwy 80 Ste 102, San Marcos, Texas

Meetup Focus: Techniques useful for making jewelry the specifics of which are published through online notification

Online Groups: Wire Wrap Texas (Yahoo Group), SMFBS (Facebook Group), SMFBS (Yahoo Group)

Contacts: Karen Meador (karen@dreamcatcherranch.net)

Jewelry Making Classes are also offered by some of the meetup individuals. Contact Karen for further information.