The Journey of a Beaded Lion: Finding Joy in the Process

Creating this lion tapestry has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my beading journey. What started on February 18th as a simple project turned into a beautiful, intricate piece that took until August 18th to complete. Yes, I took many breaks—some out of procrastination, but mostly because I found myself not wanting this journey to end.

As the days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, I began to realize something deeper was holding me back. It wasn’t the difficulty of the pattern or the time commitment—though both were significant. It was the thought of what came next. Once the beading was done, I’d have to switch roles: marketer, blogger, social media manager. Suddenly, my relaxing creative time would turn into a series of tasks, deadlines, and content plans. I didn’t want that. I wanted to bead.

Beading has always been a sanctuary for me—a place where small seed beads transform into something meaningful, one row at a time. This lion tapestry is no exception. It’s more than just a wall hanging or a potential gift; it’s a reminder that the joy of creation is in the process, not the end result.

I wrote about this in a previous post, The Benefits of Beading for Mental Health, and it’s a truth that I keep coming back to. Beading should be relaxing, a way to unwind and find peace in creativity. When I finished the lion, I breathed out, knowing I had honored the process rather than rushing to the finish line.

This tapestry could hang on a wall, adorn a tote bag, or be given as a special gift. But for me, its purpose has already been fulfilled in the time I spent making it. And that’s why I’ll continue to bead. In fact, I’ve already ordered and received beads for my next project! (If you’re curious, I get most of my supplies from my go-to list, which you can check out in Mastering Beading Essentials: Your Guide to Must-Have Tools and Materials.)

So here’s my take on creativity: Do what brings you joy. If content creation or social media doesn’t light you up, then don’t force it. As an artist or crafter, you deserve to tell your story in your own way—long-form, with all the ups and downs, showing progress as it happens. Stay creative, and don’t let the boundaries of social media confine you.

For now, I’ll keep beading, one project at a time, savoring the magic that happens when tiny beads come together to form something extraordinary.