Get Familiar With Contemporary Glass Beads

Introduction

A glass bead by a very basic definition means a small piece of glass with a hole through it, that can be put on a string with other similar or dissimilar beads and worn as an adornment, etc. Since glass beads are the most ancient and universal art form, they are considered anthropologically very significant. According to some archaeological piece of evidence, the history of glass beads dates back to the Roman reign. At the same time, some other studies reveal the use of sophisticated methods of making these beads in the Mesopotamia and Caucasus region (Russia), as early as 2340-2180 B.C. Besides the Roman and Mesopotamian culture, the history of these beads is also associated with the Mediterranean, Egyptian, and Venice cultures.

The contemporary glass beads are much advanced and intricately designed than the ancient ones. They are available in a multitude of designs, shapes, sizes and colors. The small beads having elaborate designs are also sometimes called seed beads. Nowadays the beads made of glass are used in numerous jewelry items.

Elementary Uses of Glass Beads

Glass beads are used in primarily two kinds of applications. They are used for making curtains and are used in ornaments. But, their most prominent usage can be seen in the jewelry items. So let's discuss both of their uses one by one:

1) Use for Curtains: Curtains made of glass beads are not mere curtains, but an interior decor item. The stones used for the fabrication of these curtains are multicolored, have intricate carvings, enticing finish, and bewitching coating. All these characteristics of these fabulous beads make the curtain a real decoration item. The common types of finishes that are found in these beads are Ceylon (pearl) finish, Greasy or Oily finish, Color Lined finish, Iridescent Finish, Metallic Finish, and many more finishes.

2) Use for Jewelry: The most ancient application area for glass beads was jewelry making only. These beads are made in both factories and cottage industries, for the purpose of jewelry making. They are more intricately and precisely designed than any other bead. These stones are also used for the "collage" technique of jewelry making. The grace of these stones increases many a time, when they are used in contrast with gemstones and metal beads. We can say that the glass beads used for making adornments are most appealing, gleaming and conspicuous in nature.

Common Types of Glass Beads

However, there are numerous varieties of glass beads available at present, but it is not feasible to describe each and every one of them here. So we are explaining here the most common types, they are as mentioned below:

1) Venetian: These beads have their origin in Venice, hence the name venetian. They are made by highly skilled Venetian artisans, who have acquired the expertise in this field through tradition. They are not mere beads, but the reflection of the rich Venetian culture.

2) Handmade: Handmade glass beads are the epitome of the artisans' creativity and ingenuity. There are absolutely no constraints to the designs, shapes, colors, sizes, and varieties in which these fabulous adoration items are crafted. These stones are generally available in a vibrant kaleidoscope of colors & finishes.

3) Chevron: They are one of the oldest kinds of beads. They were manufactured in the 14th century for the very first time. Since then, their popularity have increased many a time. These beads are composed of convoluted layers of multiple colors of glasses in diverse patterns. However, this bead comes in six, four, and five layers, its most popular variety is comprised of seven layers.

4) Silver Foil: They possess a unique sheen, along with numerous brilliant colors. These beads are made by using a .925 sterling silver foil, which is submerged beneath the translucent colors of glass. They are made with great precision by skilled craftsmen. Their few common types include stamped silver foil, dotted silver foil, and two tone silver foil beads.

5) Alphabet: As the name suggests, these beads are engraved with various alphabets. They are endowed with a smooth finish and dyed in various vibrant colors like blue, red, yellow, silver, golden, cream, and pink. Their common shapes are that of heart, button, square, round, and triangle. The materials commonly used for making them include glass, sterling silver, wood, acrylic, plastic, etc.

Conclusion

Above, we have discussed the meaning, prominent uses, and common types of the glass beads. The significance of these stones is quite apparent from this discussion. We can say that the use of beads is almost indispensable for the fabrication of any dazzling jewelry item. We have already discussed various aspects related to the glass beads. But, as there is no end to knowledge, you might be seeking some detailed information on the above-mentioned and numerous other types of stones.

We can suggest you a site which will surely satiate this want of yours. It is none other than the Glass Beads Manufacturers.

Making Beaded Boxes

My little boxes are self-supporting, peyote-stitched vessels, woven with cylinder beads. I developed this technique by applying to beadwork the same principles that are used to increase in crochet.

These boxes may be as small as 1″ (2.5 cm) wide-or as large as your patience (and tension) will allow.

The process of making a box has many steps. As you complete each step, write down what you have done in case you need to refer back later in the project.

Before you begin a new step, read through that section carefully. There are several instances in which the instructions differ for different types of boxes. There may also be important or helpful notes to help you work.

Study the diagrams carefully, and make sure that your beadwork structure conforms to the diagram before you proceed to the next row.

There are patterns and instructions for twelve boxes, three of each of the four shapes: triangle, hexagon, pentagon, and square. There are also instructions for two oblong variations. The patterns and instruction sections have been arranged from the easiest box to build (triangle) to the more complex (square), but you may begin with any of the four box shapes. Whichever you choose, you will begin making each box at the center of the base.

To build the boxes, you will work with variations on peyote stitch.

Peyote stitch is a popular beadwork technique that has several variations. A more descriptive name for the stitch is "one-bead netting," because technically it is a netted stitch with "up" beads-the beads that protrude from the row-and "down" beads-the beads that recede into the row.

The working row is always built from the up beads. The netting contains one bead per stitch, so the result is a solid fabric of beads.

To make the boxes, yon will work with two basic beadwork variations on peyote stitch: circular peyote stitch and tubular peyote stitch. You don't need to have experience with these beadwork stitches. By following the written instructions and drawings provided, you will be learning these techniques naturally.

Circular peyote stitch begins at a center point and increases symmetrically, allowing each row to have a greater number of beads than the row before it, so that the beadwork radiates outward. The planned increases create segments in the beadwork and give each box shape its specific number of sides.

Tubular peyote stitch begins at a top or a bottom edge and creates a beaded tube. Box sides are formed with tubular peyote stitch. If you begin tubular peyote with an odd number of beads, the rows of beadwork spiral. If you begin with an even number of beads, the first bead in a row is also the last bead, so you need to "step up"-or sew again into the last bead to begin the next row.

To make the base, you will work with the variation on circular pevote. To get comfortable with the technique, you'll want to practicc first. Here are the instructions for making the base for each of the four box shapes. Choose the shape you'd like to try first as your practice piece, and follow the instructions for that box shape.

Begin with a length of thread approximately 5′ (1.5 m) long and about 5 grams of beads in one or more colors that you like. I prefer to double my thread (10′ [3 m] long before doubling) so that if one strand breaks, I can make repairs with the piece still intact-but do whatever is comfortable for you. I suggest that you use a thinner thread if you plan to double it and a thicker thread if you plan to use a single strand.

When you are satisfied with the size of the base of your box, continue to bead around the edges without increasing (every space gets only one bead).

Remember to step up as you complete each row-you arc now working with tubular peyote stitch.

After a few rows, you will find that the edges are beginning to curl upward.Keep your tension firm and, as you round the corners, carefully pinch the corner into shape. This is especially important when making a triangle box because the fewer the number of sides, the sharper the corner angle will be.

Straight and Recessed Tops Depending on the style of the box lid you choose, the sides of your box will be either straight or recessed at the top.

To bead a box that has straight sides from bottom to top, continue until your box is two rows short of the desired height. The last row should have an up bead at the corners. Now you con simply begin to make the them (Will be in next post). To bead a box with sides that arc recessed at the top, continue until your box is the desired height (about 2″ [5.1 cm] lor your practice piece). Make one or more decrease cycles, depending on the shape of the box (see sidebar on facing page). A decrease cycle is the opposite of an increase cycle hut is identical in appearance.

Decreasing for a Triangle Box

The decrease cycle for a triangle box is simple. After you have completed the first row, every subsequent row is the same.

Row 1: Be sure you have finished the sides of your box with an up bead on either side of the corner bead. For the next row, bead the sides as usual. When you come to a corner,omit the corner bead, and sew directly from the first up bead into the next.

Pull firmly on the thread as you sew the first few beads following the skipped bead so that as little thread as possible shows. When you complete this row, the corners of the box will be more defined, and the sides will begin to curl inward. Step up to begin the next row.

Row 2: Bead the next row as you did the first. When you come to a corner, you will notice that the 2 corner beads from the previous row are practically touching. Sew through the first bead and then the next without adding a bead in between. Bead the remaining sides in the same way, skipping a bead as you round each corner. Step up to begin the next row. When you have finished the required number of decrease cycles for your style of lid, begin making the inner column.

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Bead Store Basics: Seed Beads

Before 1939 Europe was home to a thriving bead industry, particularly in what is now Czechoslovakia. Italy and France were also renowned for their glass beads, and later their steel cut beads. Unfortunately during World War II most of the factories were destroyed, and along came the Cold War. Finally, after the end of the Cold War in 1991, thousands of old seed beads were found. Today the best quality seed beads come out of Japan and the Czech Republic, and a few vintage looking styles from France as well. China and Taiwan produce seed beads, but they are not as high quality as those from Japan or Europe.

Just like world class chefs guard their signature recipes, bead manufacturers guard their color formulas as well. Each company wants to have a particular color that everyone wants, that's how you sell beads. On a historical note, there is no true black glass bead. The recipe for black glass appropriate for beading was lost during World War II and no one has been able to recreate it. Any so-called 'black glass' bead looks purple when held up to a light. Although, there certainly are authentic antique black glass beads floating around that appear to have survived history.

Bead size can seem quite confusing if one is not familiar with the three units of measurement. Some manufacturers measure beads in aughts, which refers to the number of beads able to fit into a standard unit. Others use millimeters and still other bead manufacturers use a beads per inch measurement. The most common size of seed bead is 11/0 or eleven-aught. In millimeters that is 1.8, and 20 beads per inch. In bulk form, seed beads are sold either by 'hanks' or by grams. A hank is a bundle or 12 strands of 20 inches of strung beads. Japanese beads in particular are sold in grams.

Seed beads are very often used for bead weaving, either on or off a loom. The process works the same way as regular weaving, only with beads incorporated into the weft threads. Although beadweaving on a loom was quite popular at the beginning of the 20th century, it tapered off after World War II. Now off-loom beadweaving has become the most widespread method, with bead shops offering classes in techniques from beginner to advanced.

There are several stitches commonly used to create various textures and patterns. The peyote stitch is one of the most ancient, and is sometimes called the gourd stitch. Peyote stitch is achieved by using uniform shaped and sized beads threaded together side by side in either odd or even numbered rows. Each bead is held together by the thread and surrounding beads. Another common beadweaving stitch is the brick stitch. It can also be known as the Cheyenne or Comanche stitch, as it was perfected by Native Americans. It can look a lot like the peyote stitch, but done properly the brick stitch looks as if the beads are stacked like bricks.

The nice thing about beading is the versatility. Beaders can express their own personal style through color, pattern, size of bead and even the size of the piece. The available materials for beads have grown so much since the 1930's. Now Swarovski crystal beads are available, as well as cubic zirconia, gold filled beads, Murano glass, gemstones, jade, various metals and so on. Creative beaders can make simple little pieces or fantastic three dimensional sculptures. It is all in the imagination! If you are a beginner, start with a newbie beading class and a kit. The classes are usually fairly inexpensive, and sometime the kit is included. As you learn new patterns and methods, your confidence will increase. Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries and weddings will become exciting events as you watch your loved ones marvel at their handmade beaded gift from you!

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French Bead Flower Making - A Vintage Craft Is New Again

How do people use Bead Flowers?

Bead flowers can be used in every way you use silk or fresh flowers. The only difference is that it will be many, many years before bead flowers deteriorate. Therefore, they make ideal inserts in bridal bouquets, bridal headdresses, hair barrettes, pins, napkin rings, corsages, "potted" plants, 3D pictures and wall hangings.

A few notable people who owned and treasured examples of this fine art were Marie Antoinette, Madame Pompadour, Napoleon's Josephine, Princess Grace, Princess Caroline, Patricia Nixon and William Randolph Hearst.

Bead flowers can be made out of many kinds and styles of beads, and beads can have a wide variety of finishes. The most common type of bead used is a seed bead, gauge 10 or 11, and used on wire of 24 or 26 gauge. I have seen very tiny flowers made with gauge 15 seed beads. The edges of the beads can be squared off or rounded, depending on the artist's taste. Japanese beads are of very high quality and are very uniform. If you make bead jewelry, you may have used Toho or Miyuki beads in your jewelry and other projects. One-, two- or three-cut beads add sparkle, and trumpet beads and rhinestone centers can be used as an accent. Beads can be matte or pearly, colorlined or unlined, opaque or transparent, and the list goes on. Beads can be bought on hanks, or loose in bags and tubes.

As strange as it may seem, weather can have an effect on the availability of beads. Because of weather conditions in many parts of the world, certain colors of beads can be made only at certain times of the year. About six years ago, the fashion industry bought up all the available pink beads, and jewelrymakers and flower beaders had to use other colors until the climatic conditions changed again, production of pink beads could resume, and the supply could catch up with the demand.

History of Bead Flowers

The art of making flowers out of beads is many centuries old. Although there is very little documentation on the development of this art, research has shown that the first primitive bead flowers may have been made as early as the 1300's in Germany, when steel needles and wire were developed.

In the ensuing years as the craft spread across Europe, different methods were developed: the Victorian method, also known as the English or Russian method, and the French method. The main difference is that in the Victorian method, which is similar to modern bead jewelry-making techniques, the thread or wire passes through each bead twice or more, and the wire passes from row to row on the sides of the piece; in the French method, the wire passes through each bead only once, and passes from row to row in the center or on the bottom of the individual piece.

One of the reasons that flowers are associated with churches has to do with beads. In the thirteenth century a form of prayer using a string of beads was instituted by St. Dominic. The string, called a rosary, consisted at that time of 15 units of beads. Each unit contained 10 small beads, preceded by one larger one. A prayer was recited at every bead. The word "bede" (sp) is Middle English for "prayer." Because of the length of the original rosary, it became customary to pay someone, usually a resident of an almshouse, to recite the prayers. These people were referred to as bede women or men, and it was they who made the first bead flowers. The craft was handed down through the centuries and came to be associated with the church and its decorations.

The French used bead flowers as funeral wreaths. These wreaths were called "Immortelles," and ranged from 3 feet to 4 feet in height. They would be left at the grave of the deceased. Since they were made on metal wire and were exposed to the weather, most of these items were destroyed within a year, but a few examples remain today. Occasionally you will see one on Ebay. Once an Immortelle disintegrated, leaving only a pile of beads, the beads would often be recycled into other projects. Not only are there bead flowers mounted on the frame of the Immortelle, but the frame wires are wrapped in beaded wire as well. Wires strung with beads might have been coiled or braided as well before wrapping onto the piece. The whole surface of the Immortelle would be wrapped over with wire strung with thousands and thousands of beads.

In Venice in the 16th century, middle class and poor women made bead flowers for churches, banquet tables and parade floats. At that time, someone could walk down the streets of Venice and see women sitting outside every door, making ornaments out of wire and tiny glass beads. At one time Venice was a center for the actual production of beads. According to one source, at one point all the beadmaking activity in Venice was moved onto the island of Murano. Murano glass vases and other items are still treasured today.

Around the Napoleonic era (1768-1821), Italian and French peasants who tended the vineyards in the summer were recruited to work with beads in the winter. They would be assigned to embroider the ball gowns and jackets of the court nobility with beads. Imperfect beads or beads that would not fit over the needle were saved and made into flowers. These imperfect beads may have been strung onto wire for the flowers with horsehair or human hair. These flowers were used to decorate church altars, and were carried by altar boys for Easter and Christmas.

In Victorian times, royal European brides often wore wreaths or circlets of bead flowers and carried bead bouquets on their wedding day. The custom was for the bride to abandon the fancy hair styles of the time, and wear her hair simply, straight down her back, and adorn her head with a floral wreath. If she were getting married at a time of the year when fresh flowers were unavailable, bead flowers were an excellent solution.

Wreaths

In response to the 9/11 tragedy, many flower beaders from around the world collaborated to make a modern-style funeral wreath for each of the three crash sites. These wreaths are now in the Pentagon, the Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, and the New York Wreath was temporarily placed in the Wheaton Museum of American Glass in Morganville, New Jersey. Recently the New York Wreath was moved to a permanent display case in a board room at the World Trade Center Museum Foundation Headquarters. The Pentagon wreath is in a large, glass wall-mounted case in a new hallway in the Pentagon. This hallway leads to a chapel commemorating those who died on 9/11.

Swarovski Project

Several years ago, when the Swarovski Crystal company was first making their line of crystal beads, they commissioned several bead flower artists to design and create the first Swarovski crystal bead flowers. The beaders adapted existing patterns and wrote new patterns to accommodate these new, larger beads. A sparkling garden of flowers was the result. This collection of flowers toured the world, and is now back at the main offices of the Swarovski company in Austria.

History of Bead Flowers in America

In 1865, Godey's Ladies Book published a flower pattern that suggests the flowers could be used as decorations for hair and clothing.

The Dritz Traum Company released the earliest U.S. pattern, in 1928. It was titled "Hiawatha New Imported Crystal Bead Models." You may recognize the Dritz name, since they still produce needles and other items.

By 1957, Samuel Wallach of the Walbead company was packaging and selling kits, "Bead a Bouquet," which included a wide variety of beaded flower instructions.

In 1965, Aleene, of Temple City, California, released what was possibly the first U.S. book of patterns, simply titled "Bead Flowers."

The art of bead flower making was popular in the U.S. in the late 1960's to early 1970's. Years 1966 through 1983 brought us a flurry of publications. These books are now considered the "bibles" of the French beader. The noted authors of these books include the highly respected Virginia Nathanson, Bobbe Anderson, Samuel Wallach, Helen Leibman, Ruth Wasley/Edith Harris and Virginia Osterland. Although these books sometimes appear in garage sales, collectors are willing to pay well in excess of $100.00 each, when they can be found.

Virginia Nathanson was a Vaudeville performer in her youth. Later on, she saw a bead flower arrangement in a department store in New York City. She wanted to discover the secret of these everlasting flowers, so she bought the arrangement, took it home, and took each flower completely apart. By this rather drastic forensic method, she learned the four basic techniques of French bead flower making.

Mrs. Nathanson's first book, "The Art of Making Bead Flowers and Bouquets," is now in reprint in softcover. The instructions in this book are very clear, and this is an excellent book for the beginner.

In the late 60's and early 70's, most of the seed beads sold in America were imported from Czechoslovakia. With the last phase of the Cold War, around the late 1980's, Czech beads were difficult to find, and popularity for the craft diminished.

In 1991 Helen McCall produced a book dedicated entirely to miniatures, and in 1995, Leisure Arts produced a few patterns, in an ornament book. Still, the art seemed to be fading away, in the United States.

Then, the late 1990's saw a dramatic interest in beaded flowers around the world. Books were published in Japanese, French, Italian, Russian, German, and Dutch. Although some of the styles "cross over," most of these books use the Victorian technique.

In the last several years, Mario Rivoli bought up many vintage bead flowers and spray-painted them to create astonishing effects on the flowers. These beads are often seen in shops in New York City, and in magazines and on the Internet.

With the start of the new millennium, the United States has shown a renewed interest in French beaded flowers. Magazines are describing the art as "what's hot" and French-style pattern books are once again appearing.

Quality beads are now available from many sources. The Internet is making the books and materials available to all beaders, regardless of their location. Many of the books are available from Amazon, and wire, beads and other supplies can be found online at very reasonable prices.

The art of bead flower-making is very old, but is new all over again!

Sources

Jonalee Crabb

Sharon R. May, Scouting Out the Bead

Virginia Nathanson, The Art of Making Bead Flowers and Bouquets

Wasley and Harris, Bead Design

Walbead

Godey's Ladies Book

Dritz Traum Company, Hiawatha New Imported Crystal Bead Models

Samuel Wallach, Bead A Bouquet

Aleene, Bead Flowers

Lark Books, 500 Beaded Objects

Dalene Kelly, Bead Flowers For The New Millennium

Carol Benner Doelp

http://www.rosemarykurtz.com

Beading on a Bead Loom

Beading is a hobby of many. Though it may be a hobby for many, a number of people have taken up beading in a professional capacity. Tapestry beading and seed beading are a few of the many different forms of beading. Bead weaving is interesting and can keep one occupied for hours on end. A bead loom is a piece of equipment that is used so that one can produce beautiful bead work. You often find people who love jewelry spending a lot of time playing around with beads and beading on a bead loom to create wonderful and delightful products.

Prior to investing in a bead loom, you need to the uses of the bead loom. You need a bead loom that is strong so that it gives you enough of space and support while you are creating different designs. Most often you'll find bead looms are generally square in shape, rectangular looms are also common. You'll also find a number of hooks and groves in the bead loom. There is a myriad of different styles of bead looms that you can choose from. Prices differ according to the style. While selecting a bead loom, you need to check all aspects and features of the loom. While you may find that the wooden bead looms are rather pricey, these are strong and powerful. Moreover at the end of the day, it is quality and durability that you need to look for, and the wooden bead loom provides just that.

When you start beading on a bead loom, you need to make sure that you start with small easy tasks. Generally beads of size 6 and/or 7 are recommended for first time users. Using the bead loom for bigger heads, helps make things easy for you, and your end result is a wonderful design as well. Seed beads are extremely common, so if your in a business, you can start with these beads.

While working on the bead loom, care should be taken on the choice of needles that you'll be using in order to weave the beads. It's advisable to use a needle size which is a size lesser than that of the bead. This makes it easy for the bead to pass through the hole. Lets take an example. If you intend creating a necklace with a couple of strands, you need to fix around four threads on the bead loom. Having done this, you insert a bead and make a knot, right next to it. This is done, so that the bead does not move, and is in a fixed position. Thereafter, you need to keep inserting the beads and move the needle under each of these, thus locking them. While working with the bead loom, you need to maintain a back and forth pattern. Having completed the necklace, cut the ends and tie knots strongly, and you your piece is completed.

If you learn the techniques of the bead loom, you'll find it interesting and fun to use.

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Beads-A Sign of the Times?

When you hear the word "beads," do you immediately think of jewelry? Or do you think of Rosary beads or some other non-jewelry use of beads--beaded dresses, headbands, belts? Perhaps you think of a country and western outfit, a studded, head-to-toe piece of jewelry.

The first thought that enters your mind when you hear the word "beads" may date you and give away your age faster than physical attributes. If you're a product of the 50's, your mind may wander to pop beads, those plastic pull apart, pop together baubles that have risen in value from pennies to $20, $30 or more. If you're a product of the 60's, you may think of "love beads," which complemented the long-haired, unkempt look, or your mind may wander to the long strands of beads that once adorned inside doorways in Haight Ashbury with sounds of The Mamas and the Papas blaring in the background. Thanks to television, it's difficult to forget the beaded belts of the 70s.

From Ancient Trade to Modern Computer Applications

Beads predate the mid-20th century by eons. Remember the abacus? Of course, you can't actually remember back 2000 years unless you possess powers unknown to this author, but you can remember learning about the abacus in school. In Europe, Venetian glass beads and German metal beads served as currency in trade as early as the 16th century. Beads also played a central role in Native American jewelry.

Bohemia (aptly named) was the center of the European bead trade from as far back as the Middle Ages. Through the twists and turns of history, bead making moved to Bavaria and now, has once again found its home in the Chezk Republic, in the Bohemia area, home of Swarovski Austrian crystals.

In 1990, Native American traditional beadwork intersected with computer sciences. Several college campuses introduced a pilot program in which beadwork shaped the foundation for courses AutoCad and other design program courses for Native American students. The popularity and applicability of these courses continues today.

Modern Beads

Now that we've strolled down memory lane and taken a quick look at vintage beads, beads no longer in production, where do beads fit into today's jewelry scene? They're everywhere you look from casual chokers and necklaces to fine Swarovski Austrian crystal designs.

Think beyond a single strand of beads. Start by thinking of a single strand of beads from which a pendant dangles. From there, think pins--yes, pins adorned with beads, beaded bracelets, barrettes, earrings, etc. In fact, think beyond jewelry to purses and other accessories. If you look closely at your surroundings, you'll find beads everywhere.

The Many Faces of Beads

Another thing that you might rethink is the composition and shape of beads. Today's beads come in a myriad of shapes and materials, with Austrian crystal topping the list. Today's look du jour of transparent, translucent and iridescent beads don the bodies of the rich and famous along with everyday mortals. Venetian glass beads often encapsulate swirls within the beads for a unique, timeless quality.

The latest in fashion trends includes little beaded silk purses. While you wouldn't want to cover yourself in head-to-toe beads unless you're auditioning for a singing gig in Nashville, a silk beaded purse with a complementary beaded necklace turns an ordinary evening outfit into a walking work of art.

Open your eyes and look for one-of-a-kind, handmade beaded jewelry. It's everywhere, and it's calling your name.

M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for beads and jewelry in general. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.

How to Make Your Own Beaded Bead

Beaded beads are made up of a whole lot of smaller beads, usually using square stitch beading technique. In this article we will consider how you can make your own beaded bead and then use these in your beading projects.

Choose Some Seed Beads in Colors of Your Choice for your Beaded Bead

Start by thinking about the colors you want your beaded bead to consist of. It can be one single color or multiple colors depending on how you want it to look in the end. Choose seed beads in that color to make it.

Use Square Stitch Beading

Square stitch beading involves creating an anchor bead by passing thread through one seed bead twice before passing it through the rest of the beads on that row and the first bead of the second row. Once you have done the first bead on the second row pass the thread back through the last bead on the first row and the first bead on the second row before doing the same with all the following beads. Continue following this pattern until you have a square or rectangular shape that is roughly the size of the beaded bead you want to create.

Finishing

Once you have your square or rectangular shape you want to turn it into a beaded bead. In order to do this you work your thread through your first and last rows together in order to sew them into a cylinder shape.

Using Your Beaded Beads

Following the instructions above you can make a number of different beads which can then be used on a wide variety of different projects depending on your specific taste and interests in beading.

Beaded beads are a fun and creative way to add to the variety of your beading patterns and make more interesting pieces. Once you are familiar with square stitch beading this becomes very simple.

This article was written by Mandy Buchanan. Mandy is the owner of Crafty Content [http://www.crafty-content.net] To learn more about beading and other crafts visit Crafty Content [http://www.crafty-content.net]