How to Make Things With Beads

Beaded goose egg jewelry box by Dani Fausek

Combining sizes, colors and shapes of beads allows the crafter, no matter her experience, to create a wide variety of projects. From simple necklaces to beaded embroidery or loom work, beading has become one of the more popular arts/crafts available. There is a beading project available to appeal to anyone, no matter the craft they currently work on.

Things You'll Need

• Beads Beading wire or thread Beading needles Crimp tools Findings (clasps, charms, and so on)

Instructions

1. 

   Make a simple necklace. If you are just beginning in beading, this is an excellent project to start with. Purchase a package of beads that are premixed to match in color. Using necklace-size memory wire cut to the size you wish to wear, place the beads on the wire and close the ends with memory wire end caps that can be glued on. You've completed your first beading project.

2. 

   Add to your jewelry by creating bracelets and earrings or even a ring. Explore the world of jewelry making by creating new and interesting designs that are uniquely yours. Work with beading wire or thread to make your projects. Practice using the crimping tool, which allows you to secure the beads you have strung on wire to a clasp. 'Bead and Button" or "Beading Daily" online magazines are just a couple of places to find ideas or instructions on making jewelry and other items (see links below).

3. 

   Try adding beads to your embroidery. Bead embroidery is done much as regular embroidery, only you add beads to your stitches rather than stitching with just thread. Using regular beading thread, you work the stitches in the standard fashion. This technique will allow you to embellish a dress, sweater or scarf or cover a journal or handbag in a design of your choosing.

4. 

   Weave a bracelet using a bead loom. One additional way to make things with beads is to work with a loom. Much like regular weaving, you string the loom itself, then add beads in each row and thread them in place. Using seed beads and Delica beads, a bead weaver can work on or off the loom. With this technique, you can make tapestry-like projects or smaller bracelets that are denser than simply stringing.

Tips & Warnings

• Working with beads can be addicting. Start small and find the technique you really like to work with.

References

• Beading Daily online magazine
• Bead and Button Magazine
• Bead Age