FROM BEADS TO BANGLES

摘要

Jewelry making began exploding as a hobby about ten years ago, largely because the flush economy gave us more leisure time and disposable income. Jewelry classes, bead stores, and special events have multiplied like craft shows at Christmas time. While the recent economic downturn has slowed the growth of the hobby, it is still as popular as ever. A December 2009 report from the Craft & Hobby Association ("CHA Attitude & Usage Study Update: Jewelry Making Insights") reveals that jewelry making comprises 11 percent of the general crafts group, while beadcraft, which the CHA considers a separate category, accounts for another six percent. In fact, household participation in general crafts dropped from 42 percent in 2005 to 38 percent in 2009, but jewelry making enjoyed a full six percent increase.