In general, how many seed beads are used in a typical Native American bead and loom project?
Lex wrote:
I’m just beginning my learning in this area, and I’ve found places to buy beads and patterns, etc, but I’m not sure of quite how many beads to purchase to begin making projects. Thank you.
I’m just beginning my learning in this area, and I’ve found places to buy beads and patterns, etc, but I’m not sure of quite how many beads to purchase to begin making projects. Thank you.
What products can I use to coat paper beads for reinforcement?
meaganjl wrote:
I have been folding paper, and i want to make paper beads. Is there a product I can use to coat the beads so that they don’t get crushed when they are worn?
I have been folding paper, and i want to make paper beads. Is there a product I can use to coat the beads so that they don’t get crushed when they are worn?
Choosing the Right Bead Organizer System
Jean P Jones wrote:
Before you decide on a bead organizer system you should give it some thought and come up with a plan. Jewelry makers who started with a system, then realized that it wasn’t right for them have wasted a lot of money. You need to consider the size and quantity of beads you’ll be using. If you are going to be mass-producing designs and buying multiple strands of each type of bead, you’ll need a storage unit big enough to keep them all together. If you are going to make single copies of the designs you see in jewelry magazines, you’ll only need to store a few leftover beads.
How much space do you have?
The amount of space you can dedicate to storage also has to be considered. If you work on your dining room table and need to pack everything up so you can eat every night, you should take a look at the rolling tackle box or suitcase type organizers. You can position them where you are working, then roll them in the corner when you need to use your worktable for other activities.
On the other hand, if you have a dedicated studio/workshop, you can think on a larger scale. Bookcases or adjustable shelves fastened directly to the wall are a couple of good ideas, as are kitchen countertops and/or worktables with your bead storage containers stacked along the back, against the wall.
Match the container to the bead size and quantity
Container options range from towers of cute little round plastic tubs to plastic fishing tackle boxes. The beauty of the tackle boxes are their flexibility and safety. Most come with removable dividers so you can make the spaces the size you need. They also close securely so that if they are dropped or knocked off the table, you won’t have bead soup to re-sort.
Small parts organizer cabinets are another option that can be re-purposed. Some of them have all large or all small drawers, and some have a combination. The drawers are removable so you can take only what you need to your worktable without having to move the entire cabinet. They can be stacked on top of one another and fastened to the wall to keep them from turning over.
If you use smaller beads, you need smaller storage containers. Seed beads would be lost in either of the above options, but don’t worry, there are numerous organizers aimed straight at the seed bead users. Whether you choose round tubes or the small flip top boxes that look like Tic-Tac containers is a personal preference. There are larger containers available that are specifically designed to hold the smaller containers, which keeps your bead collection neat and organized.
Before you buy anything, spend some time thinking about your needs, imagine how you want to use your workspace and don’t forget to plan for the future. Looking at all of the options available to you before you make a decision will save you both money and frustration in the long run.
Before you decide on a bead organizer system you should give it some thought and come up with a plan. Jewelry makers who started with a system, then realized that it wasn’t right for them have wasted a lot of money. You need to consider the size and quantity of beads you’ll be using. If you are going to be mass-producing designs and buying multiple strands of each type of bead, you’ll need a storage unit big enough to keep them all together. If you are going to make single copies of the designs you see in jewelry magazines, you’ll only need to store a few leftover beads.
How much space do you have?
The amount of space you can dedicate to storage also has to be considered. If you work on your dining room table and need to pack everything up so you can eat every night, you should take a look at the rolling tackle box or suitcase type organizers. You can position them where you are working, then roll them in the corner when you need to use your worktable for other activities.
On the other hand, if you have a dedicated studio/workshop, you can think on a larger scale. Bookcases or adjustable shelves fastened directly to the wall are a couple of good ideas, as are kitchen countertops and/or worktables with your bead storage containers stacked along the back, against the wall.
Match the container to the bead size and quantity
Container options range from towers of cute little round plastic tubs to plastic fishing tackle boxes. The beauty of the tackle boxes are their flexibility and safety. Most come with removable dividers so you can make the spaces the size you need. They also close securely so that if they are dropped or knocked off the table, you won’t have bead soup to re-sort.
Small parts organizer cabinets are another option that can be re-purposed. Some of them have all large or all small drawers, and some have a combination. The drawers are removable so you can take only what you need to your worktable without having to move the entire cabinet. They can be stacked on top of one another and fastened to the wall to keep them from turning over.
If you use smaller beads, you need smaller storage containers. Seed beads would be lost in either of the above options, but don’t worry, there are numerous organizers aimed straight at the seed bead users. Whether you choose round tubes or the small flip top boxes that look like Tic-Tac containers is a personal preference. There are larger containers available that are specifically designed to hold the smaller containers, which keeps your bead collection neat and organized.
Before you buy anything, spend some time thinking about your needs, imagine how you want to use your workspace and don’t forget to plan for the future. Looking at all of the options available to you before you make a decision will save you both money and frustration in the long run.
Where can I find Bubble beads to make necklace?
shopperswing wrote:
Hobby Lobby, Joann’s, Micheals or Clayton, I have only these outlets at my city for Beads. Please tell which store I can find Bubble bead as I have recieved orders to make necklace,bracelet and earrings from it. Also suggest free shipping stores for beads.
Please visit the link, I want the beads shown in this necklace
Hobby Lobby, Joann’s, Micheals or Clayton, I have only these outlets at my city for Beads. Please tell which store I can find Bubble bead as I have recieved orders to make necklace,bracelet and earrings from it. Also suggest free shipping stores for beads.
Please visit the link, I want the beads shown in this necklace
http://www5.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=11848&CatID=47215&CatTyp=DEP&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=1176736&ProdSeq=2&ProdCount=69&Dep=jewelry&RefPage=SearchDepartment&ShowMenu=T&ShopBy=0&SearchString=bubble+bead&S4DeptID=11848&CmCatId=SearchResults|SearchDepartment
Popular Collections – Beads and Netsuke
Anita Satin Choudhary wrote:
Netsuke
Just as anything else out there that has uniqueness, class and a fascinating history, Netsuke also has the ‘real antique’ collectibles effect on many collectors. Real Netsuke is out there to purchase and then there are the massless productions or cheap versions trying to be passed as the real thing. Japanese Netsuke is a culturally historical part of Japanese history that originated out of necessity at first, but to later on become very popular and even move on through the mainstream. Netsuke is still very highly desired today by various types of collectors from all over the world.
The history of Netsuke starts over 300 years ago in Japan. Since the traditional Japanese clothes did not have any pockets for carrying personal items of pipes, tobacco, seals, medicines, and money, the Japanese invented the small woven carrying cases or pouches. These cases or pouches were tied around their wastes of clothing. To keep the pouches or carrying cases closed, the toggle to hold the fastening cord together was invented. The Netsuke piece its self is a tiny sculpture of some sorts, but has two holes of two different sizes that the cord runs through and holds the pouch or case securely closed. Although the cord runs through the wholes for a specific function, the hole sizes are different because the larger whole is for tucking in and hiding the extra unused portion of the string that is left over when the string and pouch is cinched closed.
The Netsuke its self can be made from many various natural materials like ivory, wood, various animal teeth, boar tusk, rhinoceros horn, animal bones, black coral, shell and several other hard materials of the earth. The Netsuke would be thumb size miniature sculptures that referred to the many things of humans, nature and culturally related to the Japanese.
These Netsuke sculptures included different designs of animals, human forms, deities, mythical creatures, everyday life events, various masks, nature related and even individual creativity was allowed for the artist to even express their thoughts of imaginativeness images. There may also be exotic content from subtle to more sexually graphic positions. Some very popular netsuke sculpting is of beautiful women and animals. Usually the designs depended on the artist’s imagination and craft.
Even in modern times, the designs and carvings are done by the demand of the customers. For a variety of innovative designed netsuke, it is best to search online.
Netsuke
Just as anything else out there that has uniqueness, class and a fascinating history, Netsuke also has the ‘real antique’ collectibles effect on many collectors. Real Netsuke is out there to purchase and then there are the massless productions or cheap versions trying to be passed as the real thing. Japanese Netsuke is a culturally historical part of Japanese history that originated out of necessity at first, but to later on become very popular and even move on through the mainstream. Netsuke is still very highly desired today by various types of collectors from all over the world.
The history of Netsuke starts over 300 years ago in Japan. Since the traditional Japanese clothes did not have any pockets for carrying personal items of pipes, tobacco, seals, medicines, and money, the Japanese invented the small woven carrying cases or pouches. These cases or pouches were tied around their wastes of clothing. To keep the pouches or carrying cases closed, the toggle to hold the fastening cord together was invented. The Netsuke piece its self is a tiny sculpture of some sorts, but has two holes of two different sizes that the cord runs through and holds the pouch or case securely closed. Although the cord runs through the wholes for a specific function, the hole sizes are different because the larger whole is for tucking in and hiding the extra unused portion of the string that is left over when the string and pouch is cinched closed.
The Netsuke its self can be made from many various natural materials like ivory, wood, various animal teeth, boar tusk, rhinoceros horn, animal bones, black coral, shell and several other hard materials of the earth. The Netsuke would be thumb size miniature sculptures that referred to the many things of humans, nature and culturally related to the Japanese.
These Netsuke sculptures included different designs of animals, human forms, deities, mythical creatures, everyday life events, various masks, nature related and even individual creativity was allowed for the artist to even express their thoughts of imaginativeness images. There may also be exotic content from subtle to more sexually graphic positions. Some very popular netsuke sculpting is of beautiful women and animals. Usually the designs depended on the artist’s imagination and craft.
Even in modern times, the designs and carvings are done by the demand of the customers. For a variety of innovative designed netsuke, it is best to search online.
How would you store a lot—a WHOLE lot—of beads?
Alice K wrote:
I just inherited 80 or 90 pounds of beads from my great aunt, who must have collected them all her life. Right now they’re in a trunk, which I can’t move, in my living room. I’ve found everything from the tiniest seed beads to large focal beads and pendants, filigrees and findings. But I only got through about the top 3 inches and completely overwhelmed my storage system. How can I possibly sort and store all these things so that I can find them again when I’m ready to use them–preferably without taking out a mortgage on my house?? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Forgot to mention most of them are still in the original packages.
I just inherited 80 or 90 pounds of beads from my great aunt, who must have collected them all her life. Right now they’re in a trunk, which I can’t move, in my living room. I’ve found everything from the tiniest seed beads to large focal beads and pendants, filigrees and findings. But I only got through about the top 3 inches and completely overwhelmed my storage system. How can I possibly sort and store all these things so that I can find them again when I’m ready to use them–preferably without taking out a mortgage on my house?? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Forgot to mention most of them are still in the original packages.
What is the best website to order wholesale beads from?
Lauren A wrote:
I need quality india glass beads in assortment kits, swarovski crystal beads and semi-precious stone beads. I don’t want to be obligated to make huge quantity purchases but I will be using the beads to make art for resale, therefor I need the best price and would like to take advantage of my wholesale id.
I need quality india glass beads in assortment kits, swarovski crystal beads and semi-precious stone beads. I don’t want to be obligated to make huge quantity purchases but I will be using the beads to make art for resale, therefor I need the best price and would like to take advantage of my wholesale id.
How to use beads and wire on cards – Let’s Make Cards Magazine Issue 14
TheCraftsChannel wrote:
Create gorgeous, sparkly motifs to give your greetings a bit of bling. Corinne Bradd shows how easy it is to combine stunning gems, bright sequins and coloured wire for a unique, eye-catching effect. The finished decorations can be applied to cards, tags or gift-bags.
Beading: Getting Started with a Wonderful Hobby
Pamela Bruce wrote:
Making your own bead jewelry is a creative hobby that allows you to produce unique pieces for yourself, family and friends. Here is how you can get started.
If you ever asked yourself “couldn’t I do that myself?” as you looked through rows of bead bracelets, necklaces or earrings at a trendy boutique, the answer is yes. Beading is a creative and entertaining hobby that not only will have you produce unique, handmade items of jewelry, but will also be a source of amazing gift ideas for family and friends.
The first step would be to find a good local bead shop. While there are wonderful mail order catalogs and websites that will sell you all the supplies, nothing substitutes for the support and advice of experienced sales personnel. Ideally, this store would also offer a number of beginning classes that would help you learn basic techniques (if there is no bead shop in your town, some introductory books such as The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Beading will have to do).
Start with a simple project, such as a bracelet or basic necklace, and do not go overboard with expensive beads and findings (clasps etc.). I know you are probably itching to use Swarovski crystal, sterling silver and semi-precious beads, but you can work up to that later. Some stores will even offer packaged starter kits that may include a beading board (which helps you with project layout and measurements), some basic tools, beads, wire, findings and a how-to-book.
You should then set up your “beading space” – preferably an uncluttered, well-lit area. You might have to invest in a good lamp, maybe one combined with a magnifying lens. Remember, you will be stringing some rather tiny objects. Make sure you have enough containers to keep different types and colors of beads separate – nothing will spoil your joy of beading like having to hunt for a single bead in a jumbled pile. Beading stores will sell you various storage systems (including beading bags for the beader-on-the-go), but you can also experiment with plastic containers meant to hold small hardware or fishing tackle.
Well, there you are ready for your first bead jewelry project. Don’t forget to protect your beading space from curious cats and toddlers. Happy beading!
Making your own bead jewelry is a creative hobby that allows you to produce unique pieces for yourself, family and friends. Here is how you can get started.
If you ever asked yourself “couldn’t I do that myself?” as you looked through rows of bead bracelets, necklaces or earrings at a trendy boutique, the answer is yes. Beading is a creative and entertaining hobby that not only will have you produce unique, handmade items of jewelry, but will also be a source of amazing gift ideas for family and friends.
The first step would be to find a good local bead shop. While there are wonderful mail order catalogs and websites that will sell you all the supplies, nothing substitutes for the support and advice of experienced sales personnel. Ideally, this store would also offer a number of beginning classes that would help you learn basic techniques (if there is no bead shop in your town, some introductory books such as The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Beading will have to do).
Start with a simple project, such as a bracelet or basic necklace, and do not go overboard with expensive beads and findings (clasps etc.). I know you are probably itching to use Swarovski crystal, sterling silver and semi-precious beads, but you can work up to that later. Some stores will even offer packaged starter kits that may include a beading board (which helps you with project layout and measurements), some basic tools, beads, wire, findings and a how-to-book.
You should then set up your “beading space” – preferably an uncluttered, well-lit area. You might have to invest in a good lamp, maybe one combined with a magnifying lens. Remember, you will be stringing some rather tiny objects. Make sure you have enough containers to keep different types and colors of beads separate – nothing will spoil your joy of beading like having to hunt for a single bead in a jumbled pile. Beading stores will sell you various storage systems (including beading bags for the beader-on-the-go), but you can also experiment with plastic containers meant to hold small hardware or fishing tackle.
Well, there you are ready for your first bead jewelry project. Don’t forget to protect your beading space from curious cats and toddlers. Happy beading!
Right Angle Weave Beads
AuntiesBeads wrote:
I love making these RAW beads. The designs you can make with them are endless! Trying the technique with different types of beads, round crystals, top drilled beads or even seed beads just add to the amazing things you can make! www.auntiesbeads.com