Beading Patterns Can Make a Product Much More Interesting

Have you noticed how a women's dress with colorful or exotic beads can turn the heads of those around her? The beads sparkle or dazzle with crystals, gemstones or colorful glass and plastics. A purse enhanced with beads is usually the intricate work of a skilled person.

I see most of the products that are enhanced with beading as more interesting because of the beads. The beads on the most beautiful items are applied by talented people who devise a beading pattern for their work before they ever start applying the first bead. The beading patterns could be the original creation of the person decorating the product, but it could also be a beading pattern made and shared by others for their use.

Beading patterns could be used to add a border around the bottom of a dress, or perhaps an accent around the collar of a garment or a border around the edge of a purse. This method of beading used a limited number of beads and can be a very simple method.

You could cover your wedding dress for a more elegant look. Beading patterns could be from famous designers or from people working to become famous. When using beading pattern to be made considering the type of materials used need to be consider before hand.

Beading Patterns Are Made With The Budget In Mind

Note: When your budget is playing a role such as when beading pattern for an elegant dress using diamonds or expensive crystals your pre-planning will be most important.

The fact that precious gemstone used in a beading pattern can be quite costly means the pattern used to place the beads on one of these garments must account for each bead placed on it.

I like looking through the internet to find the gorgeous patterns available for us who would like to place beads on a special garment or purse. These patterns provide a guide for the person in charge of the beading so they don't need to keep large inventories of beads and supplies.

Beading patterns are like paint by numbers or road maps and are designed to make beading fun and easy. The pattern you choose will help you place each bead in the appropriate color if necessary.

There are some beautiful patterns for beading available at craft and specialty shops or websites devoted to the beading enthusiasts.

You will find that there are beading patterns available at no charge. Besides a guide to the color and shape, the pattern will guide the individual with information on starting points and perhaps steps to make beading a little easier, you know tricks of the trade.

Starting with a kit that includes beading patterns will make the learning curve much easier. There are some wonderful kits that provide all of the instruction necessary for getting you started. Other guides include the information to make a glamorous necklace or some trendy earrings.

James Mann is a beginner at beading but is pretty much hooked already. Learn more about beading and beading patterns at 'The Art of Beading' located at:
http://www.takealookatthisvideo.com/theartofbeading/ and
http://www.takealookatthisvideo.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Mann

7 Simple Steps to Making Jewelry at Home

I began beading several years ago at Fred Segal in Santa Monica. They had a really cool bead shop where you could sit down, design and make your piece. It was a bit pricey but worth the finished product and the lack of hassle.

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

Jewellery Making For Beginners - More Complicated Designs

Once you have practiced with a few simple designs you will no doubt want to tackle some more complicated designs.

One of the most effective designs is adding a pendant to a necklace, either a single pendant in a Y shape, or one longer and two shorter pendants at either side. Pendants may be added by using a head pin in the same way I described making earrings in the previous article. Or pendants can be purchased specially if you would like to use a certain charm like a butterfly or angel. Again be careful of the weight of the finished piece. I find 16 inches with a 1.5 or 2 inch pendant looks very nice.

You could make an extra long necklace or a necklace with many strands. Maybe use invisible wire to make your necklace. Use rougher thread and tie a knot either side of the bead to make it stay and leave gaps between the beads.

You can add two or three head pins with beads on to the fish hooks, making them various lengths. Maybe you could use an eye pin (which has a loop instead of a head on it) to add a larger bead at the top and hang other beads from that. Or use eye pins to make a string of beads to attach to the fish hook.

You can buy the findings for chandelier earrings and add your own beads. Or buy cages for beads to make earrings or necklaces (though it is possible to make these yourself with wire work.)

Have I confused you will too many suggestions, or are you getting excited by the possibilities? Because there's more...

Discover more jewellery making tips here:
http://www.squidoo.com/jewellery-making-for-beginners/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kirsty_Semple