Craft beads have been used to create jewelry and other decorative pieces for hundreds of years. In ancient times, stone, turtle shells, animal horns and hooves, and fresh water clams were used to make decorations. Now, beads can be made from semi-precious stones, wood, glass, and plastic – just to name a few. The possibilities with craft beads are endless.
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
Showing posts with label bead guide. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bead guide. Show all posts
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
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
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
The peyote stitch is an easy and enjoyable bead stitch to learn. Beginner beaders to advanced fall in love with the peyote stitch because of its versatility, flexiblity and beauty. The peyote stitch almost feels like fabric and can be use to make chokers, beaded purses... and endless bead designs.
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
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
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Bracelet Bead Pattern - Pearls, Crystal and Silver
Have fun with this 3 strand bracelet made with crystal pearl, crystal bicones and silver beads. It sparkles, it shines... fancy enough to wear out on the town... yet you can wear it with any color sweater or t-shirt and look great! And best of all, this bracelet is easy to make!
Skills required:
Crimping
Stringing Beads
Beading Supplies
* Crimping pliers
* Needlenose pliers
* Flat nose pliers
* (24") .014mm Stringing Wire
* (6) 2mm Crimp Tubes Sterling Silver
* (6) Crimp Covers Silver
* (1) 16mm Toggle Clasp Sterling Silver
* (48) 3mm Silver Bead Sterling Silver
* (31) 6mm Glass Pearl White
* (20) 4mm Spacer Bead Antique Silver Plated
* (18) 4mm Cystal Bicone Clear
* (77) Size 11 Seed Beads
Stringing the first strand of beads
Step 1. Cut off 8" of stringing wire.
Step 2. String one end through a crimp tube, through the hole of of one side of the clasp, back through the same crimp tube.
Step 3. Crimp the crimp tube with crimping pliers.
Step 4. Cover the crimp tube with a crimp cover using your flat-nose pliers.
Step 5. String beads on in the following order:
Vist http://www.beadpatternsonline.com to see this bead pattern and to read the rest of this article with detailed photos and diagrams.
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
Skills required:
Crimping
Stringing Beads
Beading Supplies
* Crimping pliers
* Needlenose pliers
* Flat nose pliers
* (24") .014mm Stringing Wire
* (6) 2mm Crimp Tubes Sterling Silver
* (6) Crimp Covers Silver
* (1) 16mm Toggle Clasp Sterling Silver
* (48) 3mm Silver Bead Sterling Silver
* (31) 6mm Glass Pearl White
* (20) 4mm Spacer Bead Antique Silver Plated
* (18) 4mm Cystal Bicone Clear
* (77) Size 11 Seed Beads
Stringing the first strand of beads
Step 1. Cut off 8" of stringing wire.
Step 2. String one end through a crimp tube, through the hole of of one side of the clasp, back through the same crimp tube.
Step 3. Crimp the crimp tube with crimping pliers.
Step 4. Cover the crimp tube with a crimp cover using your flat-nose pliers.
Step 5. String beads on in the following order:
Vist http://www.beadpatternsonline.com to see this bead pattern and to read the rest of this article with detailed photos and diagrams.
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
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Bracelet Bead Pattern - Pearls and Sea Foam Seed Beads
This 3 strand beaded bracelet is elegant with it's cool, translucent sea foam strands... and dangles of glass pearls... sparkling with silver beads and spacers. Wear this bracelet with an elegant white blouse or dress up your casual t-shirts... or wear it with a green sweater to pull out the green. Beautiful!
Skills required:
Crimping
Stringing Beads
Wire Working
Beading Supplies
* Crimping pliers
* Needlenose pliers
* Flat nose pliers
* (24") .014mm Stringing Wire
* (14) Silver Plated 2" Head Pins
* (6) 2mm Crimp Tubes Sterling Silver
* (6) Crimp Covers Silver
* (1) 24mm 3 Strand Hook and Eye Clasp Sterling Silver
* (257) Size 11 Seed Beads Transparent -Sea Foam
* (20) 6mm Glass Pearl White
* (26) 4mm Spacer Bead Antique Silver Plated
* (12) 3mm Silver Bead Sterling Silver
* (7) 4mm Jump Rings Silver
Creating the dangles
Step 1. String onto a head pin, 1 pearl, 1 spacer bead.
Step 2. Form a wrapped loop close to the spacer bead. Trim off excess wire.
Step 3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for a total of 14 pearl dangles.
Step 4. Hook 2 pearl dangles together with a jump ring... create 7 sets.
Vist http://www.beadpatternsonline.com to read the rest of this article with detailed photos and diagrams.
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
Skills required:
Crimping
Stringing Beads
Wire Working
Beading Supplies
* Crimping pliers
* Needlenose pliers
* Flat nose pliers
* (24") .014mm Stringing Wire
* (14) Silver Plated 2" Head Pins
* (6) 2mm Crimp Tubes Sterling Silver
* (6) Crimp Covers Silver
* (1) 24mm 3 Strand Hook and Eye Clasp Sterling Silver
* (257) Size 11 Seed Beads Transparent -Sea Foam
* (20) 6mm Glass Pearl White
* (26) 4mm Spacer Bead Antique Silver Plated
* (12) 3mm Silver Bead Sterling Silver
* (7) 4mm Jump Rings Silver
Creating the dangles
Step 1. String onto a head pin, 1 pearl, 1 spacer bead.
Step 2. Form a wrapped loop close to the spacer bead. Trim off excess wire.
Step 3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for a total of 14 pearl dangles.
Step 4. Hook 2 pearl dangles together with a jump ring... create 7 sets.
Vist http://www.beadpatternsonline.com to read the rest of this article with detailed photos and diagrams.
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
Monday, July 14, 2008
Beading Crimping Instructions
Crimping is the process of securing your wire to a clasp or creating a stop for a bead on wire. When beading jewelry you will use the crimping skill all the time. The best part about this beading skill is that it is very easy to learn.
You will need:
Crimp tube
Stringing wire
Crimping Pliers
Step 1. Thread the wire through the crimp tube, through the ring on the clasp
Step 2. Thread the wire back through the crimp tube
Step 3. Lay the crimp tube on the back portion of the crimping pliers
Step 4. Close the crimping pliers to squeeze the crimp tube flat
Step 5. Lay the flattened crimp tube on its side in the front space of the pliers
Step 6. Close the crimping pliers again to squeeze the crimp tube in half again
-----------------------------
Visit http://www.beadpatternsonline.com to read this article with easy to follow diagrams.
-----------------------------
You can cover a crimped bead with a crimp cover. This gives the illusion of another bead instead of seeing flattened metal. You can also find crimp beads that have a loop already on them. So instead of looping the wire through the clasp, you would crimp you wire, and cover the crimp bead with the crimp cover. Use a jump ring to hook the crimp cover and clasp together.
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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Thoden
You will need:
Crimp tube
Stringing wire
Crimping Pliers
Step 1. Thread the wire through the crimp tube, through the ring on the clasp
Step 2. Thread the wire back through the crimp tube
Step 3. Lay the crimp tube on the back portion of the crimping pliers
Step 4. Close the crimping pliers to squeeze the crimp tube flat
Step 5. Lay the flattened crimp tube on its side in the front space of the pliers
Step 6. Close the crimping pliers again to squeeze the crimp tube in half again
-----------------------------
Visit http://www.beadpatternsonline.com to read this article with easy to follow diagrams.
-----------------------------
You can cover a crimped bead with a crimp cover. This gives the illusion of another bead instead of seeing flattened metal. You can also find crimp beads that have a loop already on them. So instead of looping the wire through the clasp, you would crimp you wire, and cover the crimp bead with the crimp cover. Use a jump ring to hook the crimp cover and clasp together.
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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Thoden
Sunday, July 13, 2008
How To Make A Wrapped Wire Loop
For many of your bead patterns, you will need to know how to make a wrapped wire loop.
A wrapped wire loop is medium thick wire wrapped to form an enclosed loop that you use to string beads and dangles.
To create a wrapped loop you should use 20 guage wire or a head pin. You would use a head pin if you only need one side of your bead(s) to have a loop. You would use the wire if you need to create loops on both ends of the bead. As you can see, a head pin is perfect for creating dangles for earrings and for dangles to hang off your necklace. A loop on each end of a bead allows that bead to be hooked on both ends for creative design purposes.
The instructions here for a wrapped loop will show a 2" head pin... but you can use this method on your wire of choice.
Step 1. With your flat-nose pliers, grasp the wire at least 1" from the end.
Step 2. Using your finger, press the wire over the pliers creating a 90 degree angle
Step 3. With your round-nose pliers, grasp the wire close to the bend, with the wire close to tips of the pliers. (Where the wire is located on the round-nose pliers will determine the diameter of the loop. You should have the wire where the arrow is pointing in the photo.)
Step 4. Roll the pliers toward the bend... use your finger to press the wire around the pliers to form a loop... with the tail of the wire laying at a 90 degree angle across the bend.
Step 5. Grasp the loop with your flat-nose pliers, so that the intersection of the wire on the bend is inside the pliers... and the nose of the pliers is pointing in the same direction as the tail.
Step 6. Using your finger, bend the tail tightly around the wire.
Vist http://www.beadpatternsonline.com to read this article with detailed photos and diagrams.
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
A wrapped wire loop is medium thick wire wrapped to form an enclosed loop that you use to string beads and dangles.
To create a wrapped loop you should use 20 guage wire or a head pin. You would use a head pin if you only need one side of your bead(s) to have a loop. You would use the wire if you need to create loops on both ends of the bead. As you can see, a head pin is perfect for creating dangles for earrings and for dangles to hang off your necklace. A loop on each end of a bead allows that bead to be hooked on both ends for creative design purposes.
The instructions here for a wrapped loop will show a 2" head pin... but you can use this method on your wire of choice.
Step 1. With your flat-nose pliers, grasp the wire at least 1" from the end.
Step 2. Using your finger, press the wire over the pliers creating a 90 degree angle
Step 3. With your round-nose pliers, grasp the wire close to the bend, with the wire close to tips of the pliers. (Where the wire is located on the round-nose pliers will determine the diameter of the loop. You should have the wire where the arrow is pointing in the photo.)
Step 4. Roll the pliers toward the bend... use your finger to press the wire around the pliers to form a loop... with the tail of the wire laying at a 90 degree angle across the bend.
Step 5. Grasp the loop with your flat-nose pliers, so that the intersection of the wire on the bend is inside the pliers... and the nose of the pliers is pointing in the same direction as the tail.
Step 6. Using your finger, bend the tail tightly around the wire.
Vist http://www.beadpatternsonline.com to read this article with detailed photos and diagrams.
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
Monday, July 7, 2008
Learn How To Make Jewelry By Getting Started With Bead Stringing
As a jewelry making teacher, I often talk to ladies who want to learn how to make jewelry, but they aren't sure how to get started. I can understand this because it isn't always obvious from looking at jewelry pieces to know what would be easy to make, and what would be difficult to make.
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
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
Monday, June 30, 2008
Writing Beading Instructions for Others
If you are an accomplished bead crafter, you may want to consider writing beading instructions for others who are just learning. Especially if you have created your own designs, you probably have a lot to offer for others who are beginning bead crafters and are not sure where to start. Writing instructions for beginning bead crafters can make you some extra money, and can even lead to holding beading classes in your home or at craft or bead stores.
First, sit down and make an outline of how you would like your beading instructions to look, and what you would like them to say. After you’ve made your outline, start with a rough draft. Write the draft once before you start making corrections. After you’ve written it, you can then read it through again and start making any changes that you deem necessary. More than likely you will make a first, second, third, and even fourth draft before you are satisfied with the finished product, but this is perfectly normal.
Once you think that you have a good finished product, have a friend or family member look it over and critique it for you. Have the person tell you if it would help him or her learn to be a good bead crafter. Finally, if you are satisfied with the beading instructions that you have written, start making the rounds of craft or bead stores to see if they would like to purchase copies of the instructions, or you could even sell them on the Internet.
You can find this article and more like it at http://www.beadingcentral.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Renee_Flowers
First, sit down and make an outline of how you would like your beading instructions to look, and what you would like them to say. After you’ve made your outline, start with a rough draft. Write the draft once before you start making corrections. After you’ve written it, you can then read it through again and start making any changes that you deem necessary. More than likely you will make a first, second, third, and even fourth draft before you are satisfied with the finished product, but this is perfectly normal.
Once you think that you have a good finished product, have a friend or family member look it over and critique it for you. Have the person tell you if it would help him or her learn to be a good bead crafter. Finally, if you are satisfied with the beading instructions that you have written, start making the rounds of craft or bead stores to see if they would like to purchase copies of the instructions, or you could even sell them on the Internet.
You can find this article and more like it at http://www.beadingcentral.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Renee_Flowers
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