Saturday, August 25, 2007

Beading Designs For Everyone

So you’ve got your beads, you’ve got your thread (or whatever pliable substance you are going to use to hold the beads together), and now you’re wondering what to create. You could make a bracelet, but there are thousands of beaded bracelets in the world. No, you want a beading design that’s unique. Something that not many people would normally thing of. How about taking the bracelet idea one step further? I’m going to tell you how to make a great gift, a beaded watch.

Beaded Watches

This is one of the easiest beading designs you can make. Basically the theory is the same as if you were creating a beaded bracelet, just this time you need to slip a clock face on. Take a few strands of wire (thread, rope, etc.) and thread the clock face about halfway through. Slip on whatever different fancy beads you would like to compliment your time-telling device, and then secure the end. Do the same thing to the other side, and use a hook or clasp to attach the two ends. That’s how simple it is to turn a dull beading design into something better (and more useful).

Cell Phone Charms

A beading design that has recently cropped up as being popular with teenagers is the cell phone charm. I recommend that you use glass beads, they look better, on a short two or three inch wire. Most cell phones have an antenna or a hole that you can attach the wire to. If you cannot find any good places to tie it off, DO NOT use the battery charger hole, especially if you are using thin wire for your beaded charm. You could hurt yourself and cause the battery terminal to malfunction.

Perhaps, if you couldn’t find a space on your cell phone that would fit with your charm, you could put it somewhere else, say, on a Christmas tree. Beading designs make great ornaments, and when you make yourself a really nice one you can save it and use it for years, then when you feel the time is right you can pass it down to your children as a token of your love.

Say you are looking for a beading design for a 2D picture. What are you looking for? You can make hundreds of different pictures, thousands even, out of beads. Think of them as little building blocks. Beading designs such as American flags, sharks, and much more can be downloaded online so that you can know exactly what you need and how you need to go about it. Remember, beading designs are only as good as your imagination and creativity, so think big!

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Where to Find a Beading Sea Shell

Beading is one of the most popular and widely loved hobbies in the world. Anyone of any age can participate in beading, and it is a hobby that brings people from all over the world together. Not only that, but as well you can either bead purely for fun, or you can take it more seriously and make it profitable. It is very easy to start up a beading business, and you can make it as small or large as you like.

There are tons of different jewels and beads that you can use to make jewelry with, and one of the most popular is the beading sea shell. A beading sea shell can really work by adding that final touch to any piece of jewelry, and it can work for both casual and dressy designs. You will often see a beading sea shell on pieces from the most prominent designers in the world, and if you are a beader yourself and are wondering where you can go to purchase these sea shells, then you should know you have a couple different options available to you.

Your Best Options

One of your best options for a beading sea shell is Artbeads, a company that is known as being one of the web's leading suppliers of everything to do with beading. They are a company that caters to individual jewelry makers, as well as to various bead shops and organizations.

They offer genuine Swarovski beads and rhinestones, as well as sterling silver charms and pendants, gold-filled and pewter jewelry pieces, Czech glass beads and more, with one of their most popular items of all being the beading sea shell. Their sea shell is a Swarovski 6723 40mm seashell pendant crystal, and is positively breathtaking.

A different company that offers these beading sea shells is Fusion Beads, a company that, besides these sea shells, offers a variety of beading materials and equipment, including: Swarovski crystal beads, Swarovski pendants, Swarovski components, Swarovski crystal pearls, fire polish glass beads, pressed glass beads, artist beads, round seed beads, seed bead shapes, alphabet beads, sterling silver beads, brass beads, plated beads, semi-precious beads, wood beads, freshwater pearls, and much more.

They definitely offer one of the largest and most varied selections of beading supplies in the world, and so they are definitely a company that you are going to want to check out if you are looking for a beading sea shell or any other type of beading supply.

Monday, August 20, 2007

What Is A Beading Table?


Remember when you were a child and your mother or father would take you to the pediatrician’s office? Remember all those little toys that the doctor had, little race cars and teddy bears? Do you remember the beading table? Well, if you do, then you had a pretty strange doctor. Not many pediatricians have beading tables in their offices, but what they did have was normal bead tables. It might not seem important but there is a very large difference between a bead table and a beading table. Bead tables are small, plastic desks that usually have three or four multi-colored wires sticking up through the tabletop in different directions. Each plastic wire has multiple large colored beads that children push through, following the twisting wire to their end. I remember those when I was a kid, and although I never really understood the point of them, I always had to push all of the beads to the opposite end of the wire.

Old Times around the Table

On the other hand, a beading table is a place for a few people to sit around with a ton of different beads and everyone creates masterful forms of artwork. Sitting around the beading table, people share ideas and techniques for beading, be it a new move to tie off the bracelets or a telling the others about the new type of beads that you found online. Contests, even races can be held around beading tables, where all of the people sitting have the same time to complete a certain design, and the first person to complete it correctly wins. Beading, some people say, is one of the lost social arts of the past. Nowadays people are too busy in their life to just sit down and make something, everyone is out and about with no time to slow down.

These Days…

Of course in these rapid and convoluted days not many people have time to sit around the beading table every Sunday and share, but fortunately a woman by the name of Deborah Roberti has created an online version, a site called Around the Beading Table, in which she offers different bead patters for sale. In addition to that, she brings back the atmosphere of old beading tables by offering tips and tutorials for techniques that may be a little complicated. If that’s not enough, she even offers her own reviews of beading books, telling you which one will be the most helpful for what you need. You can find her site at www.aroundthebeadingtable.com, and from her site you can browse her favorite links to other types of beading sites.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

A Review of the Best Complete Beading Books

There are some really great complete beading books out there that you can choose from, and regardless of whether you are a novice or experienced beader, these complete beading books can be very helpful. A good beading book will not only teach you about things that you already know, but will enhance on these factors, making you as knowledgeable as possible. As well, it should offer at least a few different beading patterns that you can try out, with easy step by step instructions that you can follow.

Although of course the complete beading books that you choose should suit you and work for the type of beading that you are interested in, however if you are just looking for a couple of complete beading books to get you started, then there are a few in particular you should be interested in.

The Best Little Beading Book

This is a book written by Wendy Simpson Conner, this is not only an excellent book for the beginner beader but for the seasoned professional as well. It covers nearly every single aspect of beadwork, and this includes Peyote stitch, leather stitching, and working with wire issues. There are great graphics for each of the patterns in the book, and there are 24 full color pages of finished work. Techniques for making necklaces and earrings are great basics and are included in the book, as is lots of other valuable information, such as stone lore, symbolism, and color and design basics.






The Encyclopedia of Beading Techniques


This is definitely one of the most popular and complete beading books on the market today and one whose title truly explains everything. It offers a wealth of beading information, everything from basic threading and knotting to elaborate bead weaving and wire work. For each technique being taught in the book there are about four or five pictures to a page to illustrate how it is done, thus allowing for a better understanding for you.




Simply Beautiful Beaded Jewelry

This is another one of the great complete beading books, one which is perfect for anyone who enjoys crafting jewelry. It provides patterns for a whopping 50 different projects, everything from hair accessories and bracelets to necklaces and earrings. The projects cover a wide and varied range of styles and beads, and so you are sure to be able to find lots that you love.

One of the best things about this particular book is that it makes sure that all the beads, wire and other beading materials that you need for the patterns is easily accessible anywhere in the world, meaning that this is one book that you will actually be able to recreate the patterns from.


There are plenty of other complete beading books that you can choose from as well, however these three are definitely the cream of the crop in this situation. A good idea is to start off with two or three beading books, such as those mentioned previously here, and then begin to add more to your collection as you become a more experienced beader.

Some other Recommended Beading Books:




A Few Different Beading Techniques Related To The Peyote Stitch

When you start to use Peyote stitch you will realize that it embodies a number of different beading techniques that include the flat even count, flat odd count as well as tubular even count Peyote stitch. So, if you wish to learn more about these beading techniques you may need to get hold of some tutorials, or study about the various techniques that teach anyone interested in the art how to perform such beading stitches. However, first you may need to know more about the origins of Peyote Stitch and you can then get stuck into its different beading techniques.

Where The Peyote Stitch Originated

The origin of the Peyote Stitch can be traced to the Native American and more specifically to the places where cacti grew and were eaten as atonement as was the custom of the Native American Church. It was common during such ceremonies to use instruments that contained the Peyote Stitch which is how the name was ascribed to this particular type of stitch. And, the first beading technique that pertains to the Peyote Stitch that anyone interested in Peyote Stitches would like to learn about would be the flat even count Peyote Stitch.

The flat even count Peyote Stitch is one of the simpler beading techniques that you will need to learn, and which obviously should not take long to master. To begin with, you must begin the first row by twice going through the first bead, and then you will need to add odd numbers of beads in the case of the first row and have an additional bead to begin the subsequent row while making sure that each row has even numbers of stitches. You can repeat this process for all rows until the beaded fabric has been completed.

The flat odd count Peyote Stitch is another beading technique that is much like that of the flat even count Peyote Stitch though there is a little more complication involved, especially when you reach the end of the first row which involves making a figure eight type stitch that is essential to complete the second row before beginning with the next row.

If you want to have a shape that is cylindrical, you can make use of the tubular Peyote Stitch that is performed in rounds and you can begin this beading technique by adding stitches to the thread for the first round and also the second round and then going through the first stitch once more so that you are able to get a shape that is circular and you should then follow this same procedure for subsequent rows until you form a cylinder that is of the desired length.

So, as you can see, there are a number of different beading techniques that owe their origins to the Native American and which result in different types of objects that can be created including the beaded fabrics and even cylinders.

Source for Antique, Czech and Handmade Glass Beads


Vintage Glass
Vintage glass beads from Germany, Japan, Italy, Czechoslavakia. Many are handmade, and all are hard to find. Most bead lovers have a special vault in their hearts reserved just for vintage glass beads. When you look at these beads, I think you'll understand why...
More Vintage Glass Beads...


Czech Glass
The great news is that the Czech Republic is now innovating like crazy, refurbishing old molds, experimenting with new colors and finishes. We stock the best of the new ideas in Czech glass beads, including a great garden collection, as well as the classics.
More Czech glass beads...


Lampwork Beads
Special beads for the focal points of your designs. Made one at time, these beads possess a quality that only handmade things have - the mark of the hand. We direct import these Lampwork glass beads, and the bicolor spirals are an exclusive design of ours.
More Handmade glass beads...


Seed Beads
Join the Great Debate! Which seed beads do you prefer - Japanese or Czech? We stock them both, offering a great color and style selection. The size 9 three cut Czech seed beads are a treat, as are the new purples and finishes in the Japanese seed beads.
More Japanese/Czech seed beads...

Saturday, August 18, 2007

The Best Places to Buy Beading Wire

Beading wire is one of the most essential materials for any beading project, especially when it comes to beaded jewelry and similar items. There are many different sizes, styles and colors of beading wire that you can choose from, as well as a variety of different companies that offer it.

Knowing What Your Best Options Are

One of the best companies to buy beading wire from is Beading USA, a company which offers you all of the supplies that you need to make your own beaded jewelry. They have wire, catches, spacers, beads and much more, and as well offer a great customer service center so if at any time you have any questions or comments to make you can do so and you will receive an immediate response.

Then there is also the Jewelry Supply, which is a company that offers beading wire as well as a variety of other related items, including: Swarovski crystals, beads, jewelry findings, beading supplies, stringing materials, pendants, charms, jewelry tools, jewelry displays, jewelry boxes, craft suppliers, magnifiers, wire and chain and more.

Their prices are extremely competitive, and they are constantly updating their stock, so you should make sure to check back with them frequently to see what else they have brought in. If there is something that you are looking for that you cannot find with their company, you can inform them of this and they will try their hardest to find and order in the particular item that you are looking for.

Another great company that offers beading wire and other beading supplies is Contenti. Although they are not as well known as the two previously mentioned beading companies, they offer a large and varied selection nonetheless.

Contenti is a company that stocks all of the essential supplies for bead weaving and wire wrapping projects, and some of their best-selling items are: beaded jewelry books, storage trays, beeswax, and of course their selection of beading wire.

Figuring Out What You Need

Before you go out to any beading store and purchase any item, you should make sure that you know what you need. This means finding the project that you are going to complete, reading the list of materials and equipment that you are going to require, and making a list.

Now you are aware of everything that you need to complete the project and you will be able to be much more productive in terms of finding a store and getting what you need.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Beading Kits Are Guides For Special Items

A beading kit is usually a guide to make a special item, and these beading kits also include most of the materials necessary to complete the project. A kit could be designed to make a beautiful lampshade, an elegant purse or some glamorous earrings. The beading kits are usually available at specialty stores that provide the materials for those interested in beading. Other kits are available from specialty websites on the internet. A beading kit can be for a very simple project or for a very intricate design.

Some beading kits are available to make wonderful bracelets, and these could be an inexpensive way to make gifts for Christmas or birthdays. These kits will produce unique items if the directions are followed carefully. These beading kits could produce very simple bracelets that might be a great place to start for a beginner. The beading kits designed for beginners usually have all of the information necessary to produce a bracelet without any previous experience. Kits are usually sold with the information on the skills necessary to complete the project contained in the kit. On the other hand, there are some beading kits available to make more sophisticated items.

Beading Kits Guide The Production Of Sophisticated Jewelry

Beading kits are available for simple items, but other kits guide the individual to make very sophisticated projects. These kits come with a variety of different beads. These beads vary in cost so each beading kit is priced in accordance with the quality of the materials in each kit. The kits include each bead that will be necessary to complete the project. If the individual follows the directions on the kit, they should end up with a beautifully finished project.

The advanced kits often have very intricate designs so the instructions books for these projects are extensive and detailed. These are usually clearly illustrated to help each individual complete the project without any further help. These kits often require knowledge of specialty stitches and techniques, but the information for completing these specialties are often included in the kit. Adults should be delighted with many of the available kits, but they will also be happy to know that there are many kits developed especially for children. These kits are designed so children without any experience can complete a beading project. Young children are often looking for presents to give to family and friends, and these kits are a great way for children to make beautiful gifts to present to their loved ones.

Planet Charming Beading Accessories



Personalized Products by Planet Charming. Discover a whole new world of fun… In their Retail section, You can personalize products with your names, with phrases, or whatever You'd like.

Offering a wide selection of Custom and Personalized Products. Design your own bracelet, necklace, mobile phone strap, Key chains, Bag clips, flip-flops, belts, pens, bookmarks and more at their online retail shop. Great as gifts, fundraisers, and Bulk orders available for you to stock your store.

With dozens of styles of alphabets, along with crystal charms and beads, the combinations are endless! Alphabet sets come in a variety of typefaces and in everything from rhinestones to silver, while decorative bead add-ons include spacer beads, glass beads, Accent beads and aluminum beads. Add necklace cords and clasps or other accessory parts, and you're ready to go! They Assemble!


Wholesale: Here you can buy in Bulk. They target the bigger buyers such as retailers or people that are looking for a new business opportunity.

Planet Charming Accessories headquarters are located in the Seef District of Manama, in The Kingdom of Bahrain and its warehouses ship to thousands of satisfied customers throughout the world.

For details Visit their webpage www.planetcharming.com


Planet Charming- Your Source For Personalized Products

Thursday, August 16, 2007

How to Start Beading

Do you remember the popularity of “love beads” in the late 1960s and ‘70’s? Everyone wore bead earrings, wrist and ankle bracelets, and of course, several strands of long bead necklaces that swayed and rattled out their message of peace and love with every movement the wearer made. Well, beads are back! If you’re looking for a hobby that brings out your creative flair, reduces stress and results in fun creations that you can wear yourself, give to relatives and friends, or even to sell for extra cash, stringing beads is the hobby for you.

Not only is basic beading easy and fun, but it doesn’t cost much to get started. A wide variety of beading supplies are readily available at crafts and art supplies stores, discount stores and specialty bead boutiques that carry both basic beads and the more expensive beads that are often used by professional beaders. Many beading supply warehoused will mail free color catalogues to you, upon request. A search for “beading supplies” on the Internet will give you many great resources for what you need to get started beading.

To get started on beading, you will need a few basic tools and supplies. Here is a checklist of what you will need:

Beads: The beautiful fancy beads, made from glass, wood, semi-precious gemstones, hand-painted and cloisonné are so very tempting for beaders at any skill level. However, mistakes made while using finer beads can be costly. Avoid unnecessary expenses by starting with simple plastic beads. They come in many different shapes, colors, sizes and styles. Start off with plastic beads in a few of your favorite colors. Jewelry made from inexpensive pony beads are a great hit with children and teens. Experimenting with your beads will teach you color coordination and how to apply the finishing touches. After you become more skilled, you will be able to work with those tempting fancy beads.

Clasps: “Findings” is another name for jewelry clasps, clamps and closures, and can be purchased at most stores that sell beading supplies, both off- and online. There is a wide variety from which to choose, and beginners should start with the less expensive findings. Most findings products have instructions on the package, but, again, advice can be found in beading catalogues or magazines sold online or in crafts stores.

Crimping Beads: Crimping beads are made of flexible metal that are clamped shut to help keep clasps attached to jewelry. An essential to beaded jewelry projects, crimping beads are gold or silver and are available in different sizes.

Tools: Purchasing the right tools for your beading is a must! At the most basic, you will need round-nosed pliers that can be used for crimping. If you can afford it, add smooth edged needle-nosed pliers, a bead crimper, light wire cutter, wire straightener and jewelers tweezers. These tools are not required, but they do make stringing beads easier. Before making a purchase, choose the size and style of tools that best fit your hand, and make sure that your hands are strong enough to easily use the tools.

Beading Boards: Beading boards make pre-selecting and measuring beads and working with multiple strands much easier. Most beading boards are made of plastic and are equipped with a device that measures in inches, millimeters, or both. Although any segmented plastic tray can be used, a beading board is highly recommended.

Stringing Materials: These come in a variety of sizes and types. Beading strings are made of silk, nylon, leather cord and coated wire, just to name a few. Fishing line (monofilaments) is less expensive than many other kinds of string, but beginners may want to use flexible wire. It is easier to use, and doesn’t shrink, stretch or curl. Working with thread requires special large-eye or curved needles made for beading, and can be found in most stores that sell beading supplies.

Beading is a hobby that is enjoyed by people of all ages and sizes. Making beaded jewelry and accessories is a good hobby for the elderly. Using the appropriate tools can aid in improved grip and hand coordination, while magnifiers make small parts easier to see. Children love stringing beads and it will keep them occupied while you work. Allowing your children to work alongside you is not only fun, but is one way to spend quality time together. Beading supplies for children can be found alongside those for adults. Be sure to check package labels for recommended user ages; many beading supplies should be kept away from babies and toddlers.

Beading pattern books and magazines can be purchased at craft stores or online. Free patterns can be found on the Internet, on beading forums, message boards and pattern sharing web sites. You will also find tutorials and help with new techniques on these sites, as well as tips and tricks for using tools more efficiently.

Beading is a hobby that will provide you with hours of fun while creating beautiful jewelry and other items that you and your family will love. You can bead clothing and handbags, make amazing wall hangings, curtains, sun catchers, plant holders, and even key chains and bookmarks! Do extra projects and sell them for supplemental income, as so many beaders have done. Beading is a great way to have fun, relieve stress, make a little money, by just staying home with your family and doing what you love!

Get more articles and tips at http://www.beading-software.com. Download a free copy of Bead Manager Pro The best beading software for your home jewelry business.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

What You Need To Consider To Get A Most Eye Catching Beading Pattern

It makes good sense for one to cut out and stick into a scrapbook whatever great beading pattern one comes across; especially those that are eye catching and very pleasing to the eyes as it will help broaden your horizon with regard to your beadwork, and there is certainly going to be a lot of things that will catch your eye which you can cut out and use later on by converting these images into a beading pattern that will stand out and impress everyone.

Personal Style

It certainly pays to be alert and catch whatever designs you find from the surroundings and uses them in a beading pattern that will then have the mark of your own personal style stamped on it. Of course, it should not in any way cramp your creative juices; rather, it is a means of making the artist in you flower and bloom because as you get to know your own tastes in color and design better, the better will be your chances of creating outstanding beading patterns that will not only please others, but will also give you a feeling of self satisfaction as well.

Suffice to say that the next time you think up a new stitch, your creative juices should start to flow, and a whole new world of bright ideas will form in your head that can be best expressed in a newer and better beading pattern. Thus, by learning new stitches and making a point of being bold and unafraid to explore different colors, textures and stitches, you should get greater satisfaction from the beading pattern you created.

It is a fact that you will be able to come up with more innovative and newer designs after a bit of experimentation; so, you could try making various swatches using different colored threads because, with different threads, the color as well as luminosity will change. And, for those that are very particular about beading patterns, there is plenty of scope to creating excellent works by taking away an extra tight first row here, or using better clasps there - so that the whole image changes to the way that you have imagined it.

You should also be aware that using bead colors requires that you study the effect of threads and in addition, you should know which background colors work best as also which neighboring colors to use while also being sure about the effect of light on the color of beads that you are using in your beading pattern so that you get the best effect from your creation. With such simple means, you should be able to get the most from your beading pattern and consequently makes better beadwork as well.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Beading Projects Engage Adults And Children

Beading projects can be very entertaining for people of all ages, and these projects often result in very wonderful products. Beading projects are designed for people of all ages and all skill levels. Most of the beading projects are identified by the end product, and the skill level necessary to complete the beading project. These wonderful projects can be very entertaining for children who are looking for a way to steer their creative juices. These beading projects can be used for children during their vacations or as weekend projects. These beading projects usually result in products that children will be proud to show friends and family. They will probably want to use some of their work for special gifts for special people.

Adults can start at the beginning with the easiest beading projects, and they can develop their beading skills as they complete new and different projects. Adults will be able to find instructions with the easiest skill levels and create beautiful jewelry with their very first try. Some people who start beading projects as a hobby really enjoy the hobby and develop their skills until they are creating beautiful pieces worthy of sales to others.

Professional Beading Projects Create Magnificent Products

Professionals have beading projects that produce exquisite products for different clients. Some people do fantastic beading on wedding gowns and dresses for glamorous social events. Some of these people work with plastic beads on simple projects like handbags and necklaces while others work with beads made from precious metals and stones. There are some people who produce gowns that have thousands of dollars of precious stones covering the entire garment. These professionals produce products that have diamonds or pearls carefully placed to produce a magnificent garment.

Professional beading projects produce beautiful necklaces, bracelets and rings that are made from some fantastic beads. Some of these beads come from the local markets while other beads come from foreign lands thousands of miles away. These professionals create intricate necklaces in beautiful beads of different colors and materials. The jewelry is usually sold in some of the best department stores in the world. The beaded products also include sweaters or jackets with intricate beading around the collar or satin purses covered with beads. Some of the people who started with a simple beading job end up selling their products at great prices. This can be a lucrative venture for those who would like to work at home for beading can be done while taking care of small children as they sleep or play quietly.

Monday, August 13, 2007

Different Beading Ideas And Styles

They say the most difficult part of art is coming up with a strong, compelling idea, one that will capture the viewer’s eye and hold it long enough to convey a message. This theory applies to all forms of art, from the most carefully crafted stone monuments to the simple arrangement of colored beads on a sheet of paper. The beauty of coming up with your own beading ideas is that you can create a 2D rough textured artwork that has the quality of an 8-bit computer. Or, if you don’t want to create a flat picture, there are literally hundreds of different things you can do with your beads.

Love Of Beads

I think I was in Boy Scouts when the beading idea of bracelets was first proposed to me. Being an eleven year old boy at the time, I was more interested in the archery and rifle shooting portions of the camp; however I can remember many nights of me and my friends sitting around a campfire, telling stories, while I was absentmindedly rolling beads and wire between my fingers. I can’t say I was doing it on purpose, but when I got back to my tent I had made my first bracelet. I wasn’t the only one. More and more people from camp started to ask for alternative beading ideas, and as such the trend of small beaded animals attached to key chains began in my life.

So Many Choices

It really is remarkable, when you think about it, how many beading ideas there actually are. With a little bit of string and some appropriately colored beads you can create anything from a turtle to a fish to a deer without any knowledge but a trivial understanding of knots. For about three years my own father had an arrowhead made out of beads attached to his truck keys.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that key chains are the only place anyone has ever thought to put different beading ideas and designs. I have seen them used as earrings, belly button rings, ankle bracelets, regular bracelets, necklaces; really the list of beading ideas just goes on and on. Perhaps the most interesting invention involving beads that I have ever seen would be the pouch made from red, while, and blue beads. Patriotism through art, albeit cheap art, but art nonetheless.

Beading ideas come from your heart. Think deep about what you want to design before you start, plan it out. Know how to loop the thread so the material will work like you want it. While it’s not a difficult task by any means, the tide of the work can change from easy to insanely impossible just by missing a loop here or there.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

The Complete Bead Guide

At last ... a complete bead guide that answers all your questions about beads, beading and beadwork!

"The Complete Bead Guide" is not like any other book about beading you've ever read. The reason for this, is that a simple webpage was set up and people who visited it were asked to leave their biggest question about beads.

The author then answered them all!

This means that there's no "fluff" in the book. Just the real answers you want to know about beads and beading.

You'll discover all types of exciting tips and information about beads. From their history and origin ... to what supplies you'll need for your projects. From how to source beads (easily and inexpensively) ... to the types of threads you should avoid!

Here's a link to more information about "The Complete Bead Guide"

Beading Tutorials Should Provide Helpful Tips And Tricks About Beadwork

Anyone interested in learning how to bead would no doubt welcome any sort of beading tutorials is it online or offline, and the fact is that if you look about seriously enough you will come across a number of interesting beading tutorials that provide helpful tips and teach you how to do various things related to beading. One thing you can be sure of and that is that there is certainly a great deal that you will need to learn, especially if you happen to be a newbie. There are different beadwork stitches to learn as too techniques for better beading and a lot more in the same vein.

Choosing Bead Patterns

The beading tutorials that you should consider suitable for you to learn the craft should also teach you how to choose from the better bead patterns and also how to find the required resources to create your beads for you. It is also possible to avail of free beading tutorials vie the Internet, especially through your email account because there are various lessons that can be emailed to you that will teach you beadwork stitching as well as the best techniques to bead as also the bead patterns for each of the beading techniques taught so that you can practice what you have learnt.

You should also look for beading tutorials that teach you how to Brick Stitch which are an off-loom technique of beading that will produce a sturdy as well as closely woven beaded surface by simply using seed beads as well as thread. Another useful method of stitching that you should look for in beading tutorials is the method known as Dutch Spiral that is a circular technique of netting beading in which the spiral is made out of varied sizes of beads such as the bugle bead and also seed beads which results in a texture that is flexibly beaded and which makes for a wonderful look and which drapes very well as well.

Thus, with these and many more different aspects of beading that you will be wishing to learn, you may require finding beading tutorials that incorporate most, if not all of these techniques and which have all the tips, tricks as well as terms to enable you to profit from your learning experience. They should also have a number of lessons on learning how to perform the various beading activities including learning how to organize beads and maybe even something on how to sell your beadwork once you have learnt the craft well enough to want to make money from it.

So, to find the better beading tutorials, you should make an effort to search on the Internet where there are many options for you to choose from, and taking a single small step in that direction should soon see you mastering the art of beading in next to no time.

Friday, August 10, 2007

Beading Tips Help Keep Projects Together

One of the biggest issues faced by beaders is how to store all the supplies they use on a regular basis. Having everything handy when they need makes their hobby considerably more fun and a few beading tips can help devise a space for the different items used. Keeping the beads organized and easily accessible can be the result of combining many different beading tips developed by those who have doing this for many years.

Other beading tips include how to work with several strands of smaller beads being used to make a larger piece. In some cases there could be numerous strands of different sized beads strung together and will have to sit to the side until all strands are completed. Using a cushioned hair curler to wrap the strands can keep them from unraveling or getting tangled. These are the rollers with the foam cover and plastic clip that folds down over the hair, in this case beads, to hold them securely in place.

Lap trays are often used when working with beads and a little work can make them perfect for this hobby. By using tray dividers, often used in the silverware drawer, inside the lap tray for holding tools or the small containers of beads keeps them all in one place. If beads do accidentally tips, the beads will be captured in the tray before they can hit your lap.

Little Glue Can Go A Long Way

One of the other tough jobs faced by beaders is securing the last bead on the project. Whether necklace, bracelet or a bead covering on a purse, when the beads are on a string making sure the final one does not come loose usually is done by use of beading tips, designed for this purpose. Some are like clam-shell beads and once the string is through the hole are clamped shut. Before closing the bead and crimping it with pliers, place a small drop of glue on the inside to be assured the bead will remain closed.

Those who tie each bead on a necklace to provide additional security seldom use clam shell beading tips on the last strand, preferring the cup-tips to hide the final knot. Essentially, the cup-tip is a half bead through which the string is passed and knotted. A second cup-shaped bead is placed over the first one to make it appear as a bead that is part of the strand. While many snap together, it may be wise to use a spot of glue to keep it from popping apart.

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Beading Enhances Different Products

Beading can be applied to several different products, and usually beading will transform an ordinary product into one with elegance and class. The beading is produced with many different beads. The beading could be made from beads of one color or from many different colors. The beading could be produced with beads made of several different materials. Beading on a dress, purse or tapestry could be made with beads from pewter or precious metals including gold and silver. The beads could also come from other materials including glass or brilliant crystal. The beading could be made from plastic beads or even precious gemstones.

Beading could come from beads that are collected around the world. Some cultures around the world treasure beads. These cultures often have some of the most beautiful beads. These often have intricate designs that have special meaning and value to the local culture. A trip around the world to some of the countries that specialize in beads would be a treasure trove for a devoted beading expert. This would even be a great adventure for people who just love beads even if they cannot produce products with these treasures.

Beading Adds Color And Sparkle

Beads added to gowns, purses and other products could increase the price of the product depending on the beads. There are some wedding dresses and ball gowns that cost thousands of dollars because of the beads used to decorate the dress. The beads could be from the precious metals or valuable gemstones. There are some wedding dresses that have been created using valuable gemstones. There are some dresses that might have some beads applied at special places on the gown, but there are other gowns that are covered completely with beads. The wedding gowns made with special beads usually add great sparkle to a special ceremony.

Beads can be very expensive to add sparkle to a dress, but there are other beads that add interest or color. Some of the beads from faraway places such as Africa or Thailand have special interest because of their origins. The African beads could be from one of the many tribes from this mysterious continent. Beads from Thailand or other places in the Orient could be from many different tribes or groups of people. There are countries in Europe that have specialists making beautiful beads. The Czech Republic and Austria are two countries that have special beads. Other beads might add special features including a name made with letters of the alphabet imprinted in the bead.

Beading

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