Those darling little cylinder beads that we string together during our free time? They are Pennsylvania artist Margot Potter's life's work.

To Potter, 43, every bead is an opportunity for self-empowerment, or what she calls "Super Girlie Good Power." The self-proclaimed "Mistress of the Bead" authors craft books, designs for Swarovski Crystal, writes for magazines and appears as a regular on QVC.

Her latest bead book, "The Impatient Beader Gets Inspired: A Crafty Chick's Guide to Instant Inspiration" (North Light Books, 2006, $19.99 paperback), is her second title in a series about teaching people to embrace all that sparkles. She recently shared a shiny project from her book, as well as insight to life as a full-time crafter. See her Web site at www.margotpotter.com.

Q. What is your mission statement?

A. I think it should be fun crafting and jewelry-making. It's creativity, and it doesn't have to play by the rules. If you aren't having a good time, then it's just not worth it. I don't want people to just be "monkey see, monkey do" crafters, I want to inspire them to break the rules, color outside of the lines and free their inner artists.

Q. How do you define your style?

A. I have three aesthetic avenues I traverse. The first is a very architectural, organic sort of approach to design, which is very clean and simple. The second is totally over-the-top campy, kitschy and irreverent design. My final design approach comes directly from my love of vintage clothing and accessories.

Q. We're close to Valentine's Day — how can beading help in the romance department?

A. Wear jewelry that makes you look fabulous and you'll find men swarming around you like flies on honey. I think girls need to sparkle more, we've gotten so frumpy and casual. Great jewelry makes you feel fierce, and that's extremely attractive. Make something fabulous for a single friend who needs a pick-me-up. Valentine's isn't just for lovers. Don't forget your gal pals.

Q. What are most important tips for new beaders to remember?

A. Learn the basics. Practice them until they become second nature. Use good tools and good materials. Don't be cheap or your jewelry will suffer for it. Get some strong basics books that teach you how to do things properly. There are right and wrong ways to make jewelry, and the wrong ways will end in crappy results.

Q. How did you come up with the "The Impatient Beader" concept?

A. My impatience forced me to come up with faster and more efficient ways to do things. I joked that this was either my inner Zen master or my inner lazy woman demanding to be heard. I thought this might resonate with people who weren't really interested in spending two months making a seed bead masterpiece, but wanted to make lovely jewelry in, say, one evening. Thus, "The Impatient Beader" was born.

CREATE YOUR OWN BEDAZZLING EARRINGS

DIRECTIONS

Select two scrapbook stickers with similar themes and colors, line them up and stick them together, back-to-back. Drill a hole in the top right or left corner with the bead reamer or Dremel. Attach the scrapbook charm to the chandelier earring component using a jump ring. Attach the other desired beads or charms. Add a jump ring, and then the lobster clasp to the top of the charm. Clip it on and enjoy!

SUPPLIES