The journey of a thousand miles begin in a day, beading may look complicating to you but there are tools and techniques for making different designs. I will be showing you few things to know before you start making beads.
A bead is a small object which is in form of different shapes, colours and sizes woven together to create a lovely design. There are different types of beads, there are ; glass, plastic, Pearl, gemstone, crystal, metal, seed bead, coral and lots more.
What is Beading?
Beading is the act of stringing different kind of beads together to make assorted fashion jewelry, such as necklace, earrings, bracelets, flower vase, purse, key holders, hair pins and any design you can think of.
As beginners, its advisable to know the tools that are used for making beads. This are the important tools listed here but they are not limited to these:
Fishing line, beading thread or beading wire
This is the thread you need to fix in your beads and there are different types and sizes, like 0.25mm, 0.30mm, 0.35mm etc depending on the type and size of beads you are working on. The importance of these thread means that they are more thicker than each other so depending on the beads you are working on, you may not need a needle since your beads are quite big.
Bead Stopper
This is used to secure one end of your stringing material before you attach your hook.
Wire Cutters
This make it easy to cut the stringing materials.
Measuring Tape
This is for measuring your neck line and wrist.
Flat Nose Plier
This is used to grip flat objects and work well in straightening bent wire.It can also be used for making sharp bends and right angles in wire.
Round Nose Plier
This tool is used for bending wire and making loops because of its curved nose.
Hooks or clasp
We have the hook earrings, hanger or clip earrings depending on which one you are going for. There is also a hook called ' chain hook' which is used at the end of our bead work, it might be round hook, layer hook etc.
Beading Needle
We have the hook earrings, hanger or clip earrings depending on which one you are going for. There is also a hook called ' chain hook' which is used at the end of our bead work, it might be round hook, layer hook etc.
Beading Needle
This is a special tool that is used to pick your beads and string it on the fishing line or wire.
The bead itself either a crystal bead, a seed bead, a pearl bead, coral bead, gemstone bead, name it...any type of bead you would like to use.
A container is also needed here to put all your beads because its helps you in picking your beads and also makes you organized.
Things you can use beads to do include:
Necklace, wristband or bracelets, Earrings, Pendants, Key holders, Flower vase, Purse and handbags, Slippers and sandals, Phone pouch and wristwatch handles.
There are other bead materials which are useful in your work depending on the design you are making though. They are gold ball accessories, silver accessories, divider, diamond bead, ball bead, jump rings, brooche, elastic rubber that is being used to make a wristband without making use of a clasp or hook, neck stand is used to display your beads when you are done. Gift box, packaging nylons or pouch is used for packaging your beads after the completion of your work.
Types Of Beads
1. Seed Bead
It is made up of glass, they are tiny beads that come in a wide variety of colours, shapes and sizes depending on your choice, which is majorly used for embroidery. There are different sizes : size one, two or three.
2. Crystal Beads
Hmmmm...I really love this bead a lot and I make use of it in my designs. Do you want to know why? This is because it glitters like diamond and precious stones and brings out the beauty of any design you make.
3. Pearl Beads
This kind of bead is worn on either casual wears or formal dressings because it add touch to your design
4. Coral Beads
Its a symbol of royalty, that is being used by Emperors, kings, Queens and those in high status. Brides make use of coral beads on their wedding day to look unique while groom also use it to stand out. Coral Bead Designs are so unique now and everyone likes to put it on.
Beading is not only restricted to females alone, males also use beads which is the bracelets they put on.
Bead is not only meant for jewelry, you can embroider any piece of fabric whether shirt, purse, jacket, dress.
When making beads, creativity is key and patience. These two things are very important just as the scriptures says in Ecc 9:10 "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest". It applies here that whatever you find your hand doing, do it with all your strength and might.
And every other thing you do also be it at work, at home, be the best in whatever you do, there is always room to learn more and increase your horizon. No one knows it all, that is why you are so blessed to see this post.
To learn how to make other beaded designs, check my articles. Let me know if this post is very helpful. You can either comment or send a mail to christybeadmakers@gmail.com.
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