Sunday, July 27, 2008
Beading Around the World - Africa's Bead Culture
Ghana and Italy have long been linked in history. As early as the 15th century, makers of glass beads began shipping their products to Ghana in Western Africa. The beads were important for increasing the status of Chiefs and Queens and were used in ceremonies that marked rites of passage. Italy and Ghana were united by the common language of artistic beauty and their love of the tiny masterpieces.
Now, in a reversal, West Africa is beginning to export locally made beads to back to Italy.
In another part of Africa, Uganda has a thriving bead export business. Paper beads in all sizes and shapes are helping Ugandan women to rise out of poverty. Women in many parts of Africa have few economic opportunities and in Uganda, women are fleeing the civil war and settling near the Ugandan capital, Kampala. Instead of finding a brighter future, they found HIV, starvation and expensive housing. There is hope for these women-Bead For Life.
The organization called BeadForLife began when two American women watched a Ugandan woman making beads from rolled up magazines. The Ugandan woman explained that there was no market for her beads, so she had to work at a local quarry for less than a dollar a day. When the two American women brought some necklaces back to the US and gave them to some friends, a new market was born.
Paper beads are colorful and beautiful and come in many sizes and shapes. Because the market is strong in American, people purchasing these beads are helping women in another culture to survive and rise above the depravations of deficiency. As a result, a new cultural exchange market has been created.
The paper beads are created from recycled magazines, posters or other donated material that is cut, rolled and finished with a water-proof coating. The products made from the beads range from single strands of beads to delicate three strand necklaces.
More information about beads and beading can be found at The Bead Cottage, www.thebeadcottage.com
Karen Vertigan Pope writes for Ciniva Systems, an award winning Virginia web design company.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Vertigan_Pope
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Craft Beads, Old And New
Craft bead projects range from beginner to advanced, complicated designs. You can purchase craft bead kits at your local craft store or online. If you already have a supply of craft beads, you can find free patterns and designs online. There are even kits and patterns available for children.
By far, the most popular use for craft beads is creating jewelry. They aren't limited to use in jewelry, however. You can make holiday decorations, like beaded Christmas trees, or you can put beads on household items to give them a new flare. Another interesting project to try is to weave small beads together in intricate patterns to create stunning flowers.
Craft beads are made out of a variety of materials including glass, metal, terracotta, wood, plastic, stone, bone, horn, ivory, wood, ceramic, fiber, shell, pearl, coral, gemstones, seeds, resin, and clay. Beads can also be fashioned into many shapes including melon, oval, barrel, cylindrical, round, square, star, butterfly, heart, and flower.
When you consider the vast number of beads available, the possibilities are endless. The cost of individual beads will be determined by what they are made of, their use, and their age. You can even take beads from an old necklace or other piece of jewelry and craft them into a new piece that you will love.
You can create unique jewelry for yourself or create decorative gifts for loved ones. If you are going to create your own design, be sure that you have all the craft beads and other supplies you will need. You can do this by drawing out a detailed plan or diagram of the piece you want to create.
To complete a project, you will need craft beads, wire, wire cutters, and crimp beads. Crimp beads are soft metal and are used to complete a strand of beads. If you are creating jewelry, you will need the appropriate clasp also. If you would rather follow a pattern, there are books available at your local craft store, or you can find hundreds of free patterns online. Those instructions should give you a list of needed supplies.
You can purchase craft bead projects that are already completed at craft shows, stores, and online. The price of these items will depend on the type of beads used and the intricacy of the piece. You may also be able to find older beaded pieces or ethnic pieces. Native American, Mexican, and African bead craft are beautiful and unique.
Whether you are a beginner or an advance crafter, try doing some bead work. You will come to love using craft beads for their versatility and beauty. You will also love the jewelry and other decorative pieces you are able to create!
For more information on crafts, try visiting http://www.craftguidance.com - a website that specializes in providing craft related tips, advice and resources to include information on craft beads
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Candice_Sabrina
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Making Money through Creative Beading
People love creative beading, and most people can spot good work when they see it. Whether you are making costume jewelry or adding beading to clothing, you are going to be able to make a good living from it if you find that people keep coming back to purchase your particular designs. Once you establish yourself as a bead crafter who does good quality work, you may want to make up some business cards for yourself and pass them around. Try to set up a booth at craft fairs as often as possible, and hand out your business cards to people who buy your products. Be sure to include your phone number and email address, and let people know that you are willing to do custom work. Your creative beading talent could very well provide you with a good full time income.
You can find this article and more like it at http://www.beadingcentral.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Whit
Monday, July 21, 2008
Working With a Beading Loom
When using this type of loom for the first time, make your first project easy on yourself. Select larger beads to start with, and use your loom on a large flat surface that won’t move around on you. Some beads called “Czech beads” are good to use when you are a beginner. Also, you’ll want to use some nice and strong beading thread for your first projects, like a thread called Nymo. Don’t forget, as well, to use a beading needle that is one size smaller than your bead size. Once you’ve got all the appropriate material, tools, patterns, and a surface, simply follow the instructions for your beading loom and your pattern to create your masterpiece!
You can find this article and more like it at http://www.beadingcentral.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Renee_Flowers
Saturday, July 19, 2008
7 Simple Steps to Making Jewelry at Home
I took this theory and began designing jewelry from my home and selling it to boutiques. Here is a quick and easy way to make a beautiful necklace.
1. FIND A PENDANT
This is usually the most important part of the design as it is going to be the main attraction. It is the largest part of the necklace and is centered to gain the attention of the eye. I look for unusual and unique pendants that are already wire wrapped and/or have a loop to slide onto a chain or bead onto flexwire.
The pendants I use range from stones like amethyst, citrine, turquoise etc to beautiful crosses and cameos. It doesn't matter what the pendant is, just make sure it stays within your budget. You also want to make sure it is made well and will not fall apart after 2 wears.
2. MATCH THE PENDANT TO THE BEADS
Once I chose a pendant, I then advance to the bead section. I always choose something that compliments that pendant in color, texture and size. For example, if I was going to choose a Indian coral and turquoise pendant, most likely I would use a similar stone for the beading that matched in color and size. Maybe a small nugget torquise or round coral bead. Another example would be a black and white cameo pendant. Most likely I would pair it with a round onyx stone that was smaller than the pendant and accented the cameo. You can also be creative and a bit funky and try mixing a black and white cameo with some cool stone as well. It just depends on how traditional you want to be and who you are making the necklace for.
3. ADD SOMETHING THAT SPARKLES
Once I have my pendant and beads chosen, I always like to add a bit of sparkle to the piece. I personally like Swarovski crystals scattered throughout. They add a bit of glimmer and make the piece pop. It also adds value to the piece if your end goal is to sell it.
4. SPACERS TO ADD BLING
In some pieces, I like to add some silver or gold spacers. Even if it is just a plain tiny round one that separates the beads from the crystals. It also adds bling and makes the crystals pop. However if you are going to use silver, be prepared to clean it regularly as it can tarnish.
5. NOW THE TOOLS AND FINDINGS
Now you are ready to actually put the necklace together. If you are beginner, this should take no more than and hour. I can usually make about one piece every 15 minutes. Make sure you have the necessary tools and findings. For a basic necklace you will need the following :
-Wire, Thread or Stretch Cord (I prefer Accuflex wire)
-Crimp beads (2 beads - One for each end)
-Small Jewelry Scissors (or manicure scissors will work)
-Clasp (I prefer a large lobster clasp with matching jump ring)
-Flat Nosed Pliers (I use two pairs when making pieces but you can use just one or substitute tweezers)
6. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Wire:
You start with the piece of wire and measure it to the length you want. You can also use a beading board but I do the easy way of just measuring. Cut the wire to desired length.
Fasten the end:
Place the jumpring and crimp bead on the end of the wire, so the beads won't slip.
String the beads:
Begin stringing the beads along the wire. Use whatever pattern you chose above. For example: 3 beads, 1 silver spacer, 1 crystal, 1 silver spacer, 3 beads....and keep repeating.
Add the pendant:
Once you get to the middle, slide the pendant onto the wire.
Even it out:
Repeat the beading until you get to the end.
Fasten the end:
Add the crimp bead and the lobster clasp.
7. WEAR IT AND TEST IT
I always like to try the piece on and make sure it hangs well and doesn't do anything funny. Sometimes when you use a thicker Accuflex with heavy beads it can become too tight or too loose or hang weird. I like to try it on several times throughout the process to make sure I'm happy with the length etc.
Good luck!
My name is Kameron Kay, marketing expert and jewelry designer. Please visit my newly released "Jewelry Selling Secrets" ebook and audio program at: http://www.kameronkay.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kameron_Kay
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Beading Patterns Free Peyote Stitch
Supplies
40" (60cm) Nylon beading thread
Beading needle
Size 11 seed beads
How To Bead A Peyote Stitch...
Step 1. Thread on a top bead
Step 2. Thread on 7 more beads
Step 3. Thread another bead and then thread your needle through the 3rd bead from the end.
Pull the thread so that the new bead sits on top of the 8th bead of the first row.
Step 4. Thread another bead and then thread your needle through the 4th bead from the end of the first row.
Step 5. Repeat Step 4, 2 more times, weaving the thread through every other bead on the first row.
You will end the second row with the thread going through the stop bead. (your first bead).
You should have added 4 new beads.
Step 6. Now, lets continue with a third row...
Thread another bead and then thread your needle through the first bead on the second row.
Pull the thread so that the new bead sits on top of the stop bead
Step 7. Thread another bead and then thread your needle through the next bead on the second row.
Step 8. Continue like this until you have 4 new beads threaded for the third row.
Keep going! The peyote stitch takes a bit of practice at first. The trick is to keep the thread tension tight, and still allow the weave to lay flat. Practice with larger seed beads at first to get the hang of the stitch. Once you learn the peyote stitch, you will be hooked! Bead long strips of seed beads to make a choker!
Happy Beading!
Jennifer Thoden
Discover free bead patterns, beading instructions and an online bead store directory. Visit http://www.beadpatternsonline.com to enjoy free designer bead patterns, detailed step by step bead instructions, dozens of beading related articles and a growing online bead store directory to help you find the beading supplies you need.
http://www.beadpatternsonline.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Thoden
Friday, July 11, 2008
Taking Up Beading? An Amazing Variety Of Books And Beading Kits Will Help You Get Started
For the beginner, the book Simply Beautiful Beading: 53 Quick and Easy Projects, by Heidi Boyd, offers a variety of attractive designs for jewelry and accessories, as well as projects for home décor. She teaches thirteen basic beading techniques, all easy to do and all of which result in beautifully made items for personal use. Another book, Bead Fantasies, by Takako Samejima, teaches easy techniques which result in wonderfully delicate and feminine jewelry and other crafted items.
If you're interested in the intricate designs possible with the use of a bead weaving loom, explore the Dover Needlework series volume, Big Book of Indian Beadwork Designs, by Kay Doherty Bennett. One of many excellent beading books with a Native American theme, this particular book has a wealth of authentic Native American designs to copy or adapt to your own projects, for jewelry and to add to clothing, bags, and other crafted items.
You can also find information, both in these books and on the Internet, about the materials and supplies you need to start beading: bead boards, bead crimping tools, stringing wire, tweezers, a variety of beading looms - and, of course, beads and findings, thousands of them, from all around the world. From the tiniest seed beads to large, colorful ceramic or glass beads, to intricately designed silver beads, bells, and pendants, they are available from virtually anywhere in the world. If you want to make it easy on yourself, order a beading kit: many are available for all skill levels, and will get you set up with the basic tools needed for the craft, in addition to supplying you with the beads necessary for the specific project.
Beaders are a passionate lot, and many websites available on the Internet offer galleries of personal work for your inspiration; many also offer free beading patterns, as well as free instruction, even free online courses in beading. Pick a project that attracts you, and try to copy it using the techniques you know. Play with it; choose different color combinations, incorporate the design into a different application from the one shown, explore using beads of different sizes and shapes to see what results. Pick up a book on color or basic design and incorporate those principles into your work. You may find that you move very quickly from simply copying the designs of other artists to creating your own designs, and from there you'll very quickly develop your own personal style.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Beaded Purses
Beaded purses have an artistry look and they impart a shiny finish to a purse. Glass beads are extremely popular as they are readily available and are of different colors. Some of the beaded purses use sequins simultaneously with beads for decoration. Leather purses that are embroidered with gold or silver beads are favorites of many people.
Various designs of beaded purses are available at designer stores. It is also possible to get one, custom made from these designers. The buyer can decide upon the kind of beads to be used, and specify the style of the purse. Beaded designer purses that use semi precious stones are popular with celebrities and the elite.
Beads of various types are used for decorating purses. Ethnic bead purses are popular at tourist spots in different countries. There are fire-polished beads that are also carefully selected to make unique purse designs.
Beads can be either stringed to purses or they can be stuck to the purse. Sometimes the clutch of the purse or the handle is beaded and this gives a completely different look to the purse. There are purses that are decorated with pearls. The material used for making these purses can be leather or fabric. Pearls that are naturally obtained impart a natural elegant appearance.
There are stores that design purses beaded in traditional designs. The color of the beads can be selected before hand. Tribal or Native Americans are known to use a variety of beads for decoration. Modern day purse manufacturers take inspiration from these native designs.
Bead purses are available at different cost ranges. The quality of the material used and the cost of beads are important factors in ascertaining the cost of a purse.
Purses provides detailed information on Purses, Designer Purse, Wholesale Purses, Sequin Purses and more. Purses is affiliated with Discount Perfume.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Cole
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Jewellery and Ex-Beading Accessories
But did you ever wonder how each of these pieces of jewellery, that which reflects and enhances a woman's beauty and elegance, is made? How each bead is carefully chosen and set inside a lavaliere with the help of various kinds of ex beading accessories? Well, each piece of jewellery has a story to itself. It covers a long journey while it is manufactured, before it enters the shops, and then after careful consideration by the sales person and the customers, they start off another story.
Each bead and each gem in a jewellery is chosen meticulously. There are a wide variety of ex beading accessories. There is a different accessory for various kinds of activities. There is a very fine reamer that designs pearls. Another tool, often used by jewelers is tweezer and shovel combo. There is a round nose plier which is used for making loops. Apart from these, there are various other ex beading accessories that are used by goldsmith and other jewellery makers.
Using the right kind of ex beading accessories is a must for designing and manufacturing jewellery With the help of the right accessories, you can make the designs precise and flawless. Using the wrong accessories can damage any good design, and thereby spoil the fun of buying or wearing jewellery.
Paul Shane cherishes a hobby of studying and collecting jewellery, to dig out the making and story behind them, especially the rare or exquisite ones, also the ex-beading accessories being used for manufacturing the jewellery. He also loves studying consumer behaviour related to jewellery selecting and buying. At present he is associated with a leading group called E-Beads Limited.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Shane
Monday, July 7, 2008
Learn How To Make Jewelry By Getting Started With Bead Stringing
Like most things, if you jump in to soon and work on something you're not ready for, you will probably end up being frustrated, start to think you can't do it, and quit. My suggestion is always to crawl before you walk before you run. That way you can quickly build confidence in your abilities and you will enjoy seeing yourself improve as you start to take on more challenging jewelry making projects.
From my experience with new students the best way to learn to crawl when it comes to jewelry making is to learn simple bead stringing techniques first. Doing so will get you comfortable with simple jewelry making techniques, materials, and tools before you move on to try something more difficult. And the nice thing is that you can still make a lot of very beautiful jewelry pieces even with simple bead weaving techniques.
For the most part, bead stringing simply involves running a thin wire or a nylon filament string (that's where the word "stringing" comes from) through the holes in an assortment of beads to create beautiful necklaces, bracelets, or anklets. With all the colors and types of beads available these days the number of different jewelry pieces you can make is virtually limitless.
To complete your jewelry stringing pieces you just need to learn a few simple finishing techiques like how to add a jump ring and a clasp so that you can wear the jewelry piece. You can master those finishing techniques in a short period of time. Once you've done that you will be equipped to create some very nice handcrafted jewelry pieces in no time at all.
Eri Attebery operates http://www.JewelryMakingProfessor.com a site dedicated to offering products that teach how to make jewelry, and http://www.JewelryMakingInformation.com a site offering jewelry making tips, video tutorials, product reviews and resources for both jewelry making beginners and pros.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eri_Attebery
Sunday, July 6, 2008
How to Buy Pearls - Does Pearl Size Matter?
In this article, I will use two bead-nucleated pearls to discuss the Size Value Factor, one of seven value factors to consider when purchasing pearls and pearl jewelry. Tahitian cultured pearls and South Sea cultured pearls are both cultured using bead-nucleation. In bead-nucleation, a bead made from a freshwater mussel shell is inserted into the oyster as part of the culturing process. Also common to these pearl culturing processes, only one pearl is grown at a time. If the oyster produces a healthy, marketable pearl, the oyster may be implanted again. The subsequent nucleus must be slightly larger -- the size of the pearl just removed. So, the second generation pearl is larger.
The oyster is returned to the waters for its growing period. As with the first generation, this is 18 months to 3 years depending on the farm, growing conditions and desired results.
Upon harvesting the second generation pearl, a third generation implantation may occur. This is rare. As the oyster ages, the quality of pearls it produces goes down. Luster is highest in the first generation.
Can you tell if you are buying a first generation pearl or a third generation pearl? No. You cannot tell the ‘parentage’ of the mollusk just by looking. If you are working closely with the farm, you may have this information. But even the farm is most interested in producing fine quality, lustrous smooth pearls.
This article focused on considerations regarding size of just two varieties pearls. The best rule of thumb? Buy the pearls with the highest luster and the smoothest surface for the best investment value. Buy the pearls that appeal to your heart for the most pleasure.
Beth Schmitz, CEO Avant Pearl, GIA Pearls Graduate
A jewelry designer, businesswoman and self-proclaimed diva, Ms. Schmitz spent more than 20 years in business. Her creative side took control in 2001 when she chose to dedicate her life to the jewelry industry and the smart women like her who appreciate gorgeous baubles and have the means to pay for them.
Beth's online boutique, http://www.AvantPearl.com, features high-end pearl jewelry from leading designers, limited-edition manufacturers and skilled craftsmen throughout the world. She holds a degree from Harvard University and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beth_Schmitz
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Beaded Lanyards for the Office
Executive wear is seen in upper-level management, law, accounting, banking, finance, and corporate sales. These positions call for a look that is serious, confident, and knowledgeable. Clothing that is suitable for executive women includes suits, cashmere woollen sets, pressed shirts, and dress pants. Typically, executive fashion centers around primary and dark color themes such as navy, black, grey, and white. Beaded lanyards best complement such attire with clean lines, simple beads, and rich colors. Most notably are pearls, pearlized beads, clear glass beads, lustre finishes, ovals, rounds, and faceted crystal. Medalye Design’s
Forever Classic beaded lanyard is but one example of a dark classic design that would impeccably complete a black or white suit.
Artistic careers call for an ‘a la mode’ approach to wardrobe selection . They offer the most freedom for creative fashion. Women working in professions such as advertising, publishing, performing arts, fashion consulting, and interior design fall into this category. Such professions require apparel that gives a creative and fun impression. Typically, artistic wardrobes include bright colors such as red, turquoise, purple and the ‘hot’ color of the day. Likewise, beaded lanyards offer a perfect avenue to add creative flair and uniqueness to their already expressive fashion. Lanyard styles in this category come in bright colors and interesting shapes arranged in unexpected combinations. Common attributes are geometric beads, hand painted beads, lampwork, and unique shapes. Medalye Design’s
Anastasia exposes hand-painted sphere beads in intricate designs. Vibrant colors and sparkling pearls add the opulence of an 18th century painting. Another style, Neverland, combines pixie colors with unusual ovals to produce an effect that strikes the imagination.
Lastly, casual occupations call for attire that is simple, comfortable, and down to earth. Women working in education, health, customer service, and administration will often find casual wear appropriate. These positions require apparel which portray friendliness and openness. Such fashion usually comes in neutral soft colors such as beige, cream, soft black, pearl white, soft grey, and light pastels. Such colors come in a variety of non-imposing fabric textures such as wool, kaki, cotton, and jean. Common characteristics in casual beaded lanyards are matte textures, neutral colors, natural shapes, and delicate combinations. Medalye Design’s Desire is made of pastel shell beads with natural shapes and a relaxed finish. Athena’s natural color and simple finish put a faint yet pleasant touch to everyday casual wear.
By: Jacqueline Medalye
For selections of beaded card holders, visit here
For selections of beaded lanyards, visit here
Friday, July 4, 2008
Shopping for Beading Supplies
Most people may not realize this, but beading can end up being one of the most expensive hobbies based on the types of material used. For example, a beaded necklace made from real diamonds can cost up to $100,000. Fortunately, you do not have to be rich in order to enjoy this hobby. By learning where and how to buy reasonably priced beading supplies, this hobby can be ideal for people who are on a limited budget.
How do you find the best deals on beading supplies? Do not worry, because it is not as difficult as you may think. Here are a few tips that have proven to work:
A. Beading does not always require costly gems or stones. Anybody can create a necklace from shells or small stones that are usually found on the beach. With a durable thread and needle, anyone can make bracelets, earrings, and necklace without spending a dime.
B. People who are willing to spend the money must learn how to get the greatest deals in the market. When working on limited numbers of design, it is recommended to buy supplies from local craft stores without the usual $10 shipping and handling fee for online transactions.
C. For business owners marketing beadworks that would like to buy large amount of beads and additional supplies, the best place to order is the Internet . Huge mark down are being offered online for beaders who are buying wholesale.
D. For buyers who are on a strict budget, the places to go are flea markets and garage sales. There, you can buy quality beading supplies for very low prices.
After learning how to save money, it is important for beaders to know exactly what they are looking for. Here are some general tips on buying beading supplies:
A. Beads are the most important element in beading. The appearance of the design will largely depend on them. Attentively choosing the color, size, and shape will definitely play a large part in developing quality and attractive beadwork . The most popular ones today are gemstones. These stones are quite costly, so that is why it is recommended that you buy them in authorized and trusted jewelry stores.
B. In selecting wire and threads, it is paramount to consider the beads that will be used. For pearls or other gems, it is recommended to use silk thread. This works best with beads that possess very small holes. On the other hand, when working with glass, use nylon or another durable synthetic threads that can withstand abrasion.
C. It is important for the beader to get a good set of pliers. The set includes needle nose, wire cutter, flat nose, and round nose. They have color-coded handles and they are lightweight, which is perfect for traveling beaders . These sets will usually run between $30-$35.
D. Beaders should also get stack jar containers with lids that are designed to organize the beads and threads according to colors and sizes.
E. A designing board is also one of the basic beading supplies. It is used for laying the beads before stringing them together using thread. This is a great tool to get exact measurements so that it will be easier to determine the center of the beadwork .
For any person that is interested in this hobby, the secret to in producing remarkable and quality beadwork is learning how to properly choose the beading supplies. Of course, if you are on a budget, the key is to creating the beadwork without spending too much money.
By: John Purdy
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Several Bead Jewelry Designs
Working with beads can be fun and exciting in the same time for those who love to participate in arts and crafts . This can turn into a passion, but also into a business as well. Bead jewelry design is used for clothing and shoes decoration, and for many other things. All the spectacular beads can be used in bead jewelry designs, from small colorful beads to large beach theme beads.
Seashells can also be used o create beads designs, buttons, and many other decorative objects. Everything depends of the imagination and creativity, taste and experience. When someone decide to make bread jewelry design, is wise to begin using beads found at a local craft store.
The color and size must match with the project you are designing. There are many options to choose from, everything depends on your imagination and creativity. Ever the craft store looks like having a wide variety of products; remember that a craft store is not specialized in items to make bead jewelry designs. It is possible that after making some pieces of bead jewelry, you get tired of the selection offered to you there.
This is the moment when you can search some sites specialized in offering materials for bead jewelry design. There are many great sites that you’ll find convenient to become your only materials’ provider. You will have the possibility to buy from those sites all the supplies you need. Make sure that you made the best choice; you must collaborate with the most appropriate firm for you. If you can manage to have a long term relationship with them, it will be to your benefit.
You can read the reviews coming from the site’s clients. Many people are buying from the internet bead products. You can share their experience and opinions. Consumers’ review can be really useful and give you the information you need. You can find companies you didn’t’ even know existed, but it will give you the opportunity to learn from other people experience and don’t make the same mistakes.
After a serious research, you’ll find the serious online companies that can provide you everything you need; you can make bead jewelry and sell them after back on the internet.
It is a great chance to create a profit doing what you love to do. If the profit isn’t interesting you, the bead jewelry designs will be the most appropriate gift for your closest friends and family, on birthdays or special occasions.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Beaded Gem Stone Jewelry - Dare To Be Distinctive
One of the benefits of gem stones is that each gem stone is unique, with distinctive visual features captured inside each stone. Combine numerous gem stones into a piece of beaded jewelry and you have a spectacular item that is truly unique.
The most popular form of gem stone beaded jewelry is probably the necklace. With all the different gem stone colors that one gets, it is very easy to find a beaded necklace that perfectly matches every single outfit that you have.
It is almost a favorite pastime of mine, to watch for and admire tasteful selections of gem stone jewelry at social events. A carefully selected item says a lot about the woman who wears it. Not only does it demonstrate her sense of style, selection, and taste, it also accentuates her natural beauty and pride of being a gorgeous woman.
The beaded gem stone necklace that I love most is the one with smaller and larger gem stones carefully arranged, with a few silver beads strung in amongst the gem stones.
Be careful with colors when you select such a necklace. More than two colors could make your expensive gem stone piece of jewelry look like a cheap necklace. One color is preferable, mixed in with a natural color such as silver or gold.
Another lovely item is a set of beaded gem stone earrings. They can both shorten a longer facial structure and lengthen the shorter facial structure.
Just one request, girls, when you wear an expensive set of beaded gem stone jewelry earrings, please do not hide them underneath loose hanging hair. That set of earrings begs to be out in the open, it pleads to be seen and admired, and it yearns to complement your good looks.
If you dare to be distinctive and wear something eye-catching and stunning, then you definitely need to acquire for yourself a few select beaded gem stone jewelry items.
by: Pierre Perissel
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Beading For Beginners
How many of you have gone to a party and seen some other women with stunning beaded jewelleries and accessories that you so much wanted? And when you ask where they got them from, the reply was that they made it themselves?
Wow! I can still remember the first time in university when I checked into a hostel and met my room mate. She came from China and had this collection of tibetan beaded accessories, strings and strings of them! She almost had a necklace, bracelet, earrings and more for every imaginable occasion. I practically had to beg her for some pieces when I'm off for parties! Not only that, she had a beaded coaster, beaded bags, and even beaded shoes! So one day I asked her: how did you do all these?
It turned out she had an aunt who was into the DIY business of sewing, beading and embroidery, and it was this aunt who taught her all the basics of beading which she eventually made a habit out of. I got her to teach me some basics, and from then on I simply couldn't stop beading!
Every start is difficult, I know, and without someone beside you correcting your every mistake, precious time will be wasted exploring all the possibilities and precious money will be wasted buying the wrong materials for your project.
This book I'm going to introduce to you - "Beading For Beginners", has everything you need to know about starting to bead. It contains very detailed explanations of the kinds of string, wire, thread, beads, colours, everything! that you will find yourself asking about.
I showed it to my room mate one day. It was in English, her second language. Yet she could explain to me everything that was in there, because the pictures were so clear! I have been practising my beading for two years, and now when I go for parties I am able to proudly wear matching necklaces and bracelets, all carefully beaded by me. If I can do it, with this book you will be an amateur beader in no time too.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Beading Is Still A Hot Craft And Hobby
Beading is a great craft activity that is fun for people of all ages. Children as young as three or four years old love to make beaded bracelets and necklaces. You can even find beading kits that are specifically designed for children to learn the craft of bead working. For adults who love working with beads, many have found that they can make a decent living selling their creative bead work at fairs, online, and by opening their own bead shops.
Having fun while you work is something that many people try to find when they are looking for a career, so people who enjoy working with beads will really like the idea of making money while they are having fun with beads. Beads come in so many sizes and styles that there really is an infinite number of possibilities when making jewelry or other beaded items. You will never get bored if you like crafting with beads.
The most popular item to make with beads is jewelry. Children usually start out with large plastic type beads and make each other friendship bracelets and necklaces. At your local craft store you can usually find dozens of books available on different designs and patterns that you can use when making your jewelry projects. Plus the Internet is a vast resource of free information for bead working projects.
If you are working with beads and trying to sell your items you might want to consider expanding your bead work to more items than just jewelry. One area that is quickly gaining popularity is bead work on household items. You can add beads to table cloths, seat covers, lamp shades, or comforters. The only limitation with bead work is your own imagination. Beads can really liven up any household piece that you have.
You can also work on projects that are season specific. Like Christmas bead work for jewelry or household items. Many people are interested in updating their house during this and other holiday periods and will be more likely to make a first purchase of a beaded craft.
A very new and quickly growing way to use beads is by making flowers with them. With this technique the beads are intertwined and made to look like a gorgeous flower. The French Beaded Flower technique takes a little practice, but after it is accomplished you will be able to market a very unique form of bead work that very few others are able to do.
It doesn't matter if you are trying to make some extra money or just doing bead work for fun, working with a variety of beautiful beads is a great way to spend your time and will bring joy to people of all ages.
| Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as glass beads at http://www.unusualglassbeads.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gregg_Hall |