Sage: Wise Person, Leader, Soothsayer, Bead Rattler!
This is an introduction to the world of beads, beading and beyond. Find resources for learning about the art of beadwork and how you can get started using beads to make jewelry, clothing and much more. It's everything you need to know about seed bead stitching and many other bead related hobbies and projects, with information about some of the best beading tutorials and books on the web.
Beading and Beyond is all about getting familiar with this great hobby. Find: tips for selecting beads, colors and materials; shopping ideas for finding great beads at the best value; and the best places to learn stitches and other beading techniques.
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About Beading
Beading Basics
In North America, the most common types of beadwork are: stringing; loom weaving; off-loom weaving or stitching; bead knitting and crochet; and embroidery. These methods can be used to make anything from jewelry and clothing to home decor. Beads made from all types of materials are used by artists from all manner of backgrounds. The results are often stunning and always beautiful.
Other types of beadwork include wire wrapping, sculpture, and decopage. One can even create their own custom wall art, or highlight a favorite piece of art with beads.
Who Can Bead?
The answer is quite simple: Anyone! The only prerequisite to creating fine beadwork is patience. Some techniques require a lot of practice, but all of the hard work is worth it in the end.
Some assets to have when you take on beading are a love of color and a bold imagination. Creativity can be key; however, a strictly mathematic approach can also be the start of some amazing beaded art. Many forms of bead weaving incorporate geometry to achieve the desired effect.
Why Try Beading?
The art of bead work appeals to people in many ways. One of the most common motives is to create jewelry and accessories that are a unique statement of one's personal style. Beading can be a relaxing past time, a fun family activity, even a small business.
Whatever the motivation, most serious beaders agree that their artwork is a source of joy. Creating something beautiful can be very therapeutic.
Where Do I Start?
For the novice beader, a jumping off point can be a matter of preference. Making jewelry with the stringing method is a good introduction to working with beads, color, and patterns. Try a multi-strand necklace project to get started.
The next step in beading is often off-loom weaving or embroidery. Some techniques can be vexing: a basic knowledge of sewing or needlework is an asset, as well as a steady hand and lots of patience. Although peyote stitch is the most common technique used, it is also one of the most difficult to learn. For absolute beginners, spiral rope is recommended to gain an understanding of tension and thread use, followed by flat herringbone weave for its simple start up.
Beading can be frustrating at first, but with plenty of practice, it can almost become second nature. If you're struggling with a new technique, don't be discouraged. Take a break, and perhaps seek out some encouragement from fellow beaders. Keep getting back on the horse, and you'll be rewarded with a fabulous new skill.
Top Stitches for Beginners
Master these stitches to begin your beading journey
Finding a comfortable thread length, maintaining tension and selecting appropriate beads are just a few skills that every beader needs.
Mastering these stitches will help to perfect your beading skills. The Sage's Encyclopedia offers detailed tutorials on these and other beading skills.
- Classic Daisy Chain
The stitch that started it all for many beaders, and a perfect introduction to using seed beads. - Spiral Rope or Spiral Rope Chain
Great for needle and thread basics, as well as bead selection. - Flat Herringbone Weave
A good introduction to flat weaving with easy tension. - Two-drop Peyote Stitch
An easy introduction to the classic peyote stitch technique.
Stitching Guides
Seed Bead Weaving Titles for Your Library
Shopping for Beads
Where to shop for beads and supplies
If an LBS isn't available in your area, craft and hobby stores may also have a good selection of beading materials and friendly advice. You can also find items in the craft aisle of most department stores, and even dollar stores and dime stores carry beads and findings. Be aware when you shop of where products are manufactured, and what quality you are getting. Not all beads are created the same.
Flea-markets are a great source for beads. You can find vintage and costume jewelry ready to be re-made, loose beads and buttons, as well as everyday items to be beaded such as handbags and bottles. Also check out thrift stores and yard sales. Not only are the sellers grateful for your business, but you're sure to find great bargains as well.
Finally, if you're unable to find what you need in your area, online shops are a good source for anything and everything a beader needs. Shop around for the best prices, quality and shipping terms to get the most for your money. As with any online activity, one should be aware of possible risks, and it's a good idea to get a second opinion before buying from any online store.
EBay is a great place to shop for beads and beading supplies because many sellers offer PayPal as a payment option. While there are hundreds of online bead shops out there, most require a credit card or prepaid cheque or money order. PayPal and eBay are quick, easy, and safe. Check out our eBay recommendations for great bead shopping online.
Quality Seed Beads by the Hank
Excellent Beads from Beadaholique
Many types of quality seed beads are sold on strands called hanks. It's easy to transfer beads from the hank to thread or wire for stringing and crochet projects. Just tie one end of the bead strand to your thread or wire, and slide the beads on. It's that easy!
By shopping around you can learn where to buy quality beads online with great prices and selection. Every store has it's own selection of colors and styles to choose from. Sellers featured here have great ratings and offer PayPal payment options.
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Online Bead Stores
Shopping Ideas
Which popular online shopping destination is the best? Who has the best selection and service? Check out these sites for all your beading needs. Find beads, findings, thread and wire, tools, books, displays and more!
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads
"America's Favorite Beading and Jewelry Suppl more...3 points
Shipwreck Beads
"The World's Largest Selection of Beads"1 point
Rings & Things
Welcome to the home page of Rings & Things. Ge more...1 point
Artbeads.com
Beads, Artbeads.com, Swarovski Beads, Glass Beads, more...1 point
FusionBeads.com
FusionBeads.com is the premiere online supplier of more...1 point
Beading Kits
Ready made beading kits for easy projects
Are you interested in learning to bead? Or maybe you've mastered the basics of beading, but don't know where to go next?
A ready made beading kit may be just what you need. Most kits come complete with instructions, plus all the beads and materials you need to create a finished piece.
There are lots of great kits out there for all skill levels. Try some of these vendors for a structured beading experience.
She Beads - Beadwork and Beading Kits
Beading and bead work and interweave kits from mas more...1 point
You've Got to be Beading
Hundreds of Beading Kits Available1 point
Cynthia Rutledge Beadwork & Workshops
Beadwork Kits Workshops1 point
Beady Eyed Women
Workshops, Kits and Books for Beading1 point
Patterns by Dragon: Unique Beaded Jewelry
Wonderful collection of unique beaded jewelry, bea more...1 point
Jubeadilation
Beading kits and workshops by Frances.0 points
Using Color
How to take advantage of 100's of bead colors and finishes
If you're familiar with the color wheel, you know that it's usually best to choose combinations of colors that are side by side, or directly opposite each other on the wheel. Using this selection method can help you create some amazing color combinations.But the possibilities don't end there. Some colors are still meant for each other, regardless of their place on the color wheel. And one of the wonderful things about beads is that they are not limited to just standard chromatic colors.
For example:
Brown and Pink:
Chocolate browns in particular are great when paired with assorted shades of pink.
Black and Gold:
Classic and classy, these two colors are always gorgeous together.
Blue and White:
These colors bring to mind cloudy skies and are sure to please they eye every time.
To help with color selection, create swatches of your beads when you buy them. Use your favorite stitch to make a small piece of plain beadwork with a loop for each color in your stash. Keep your swatches on a string or other handy storage place, and match them up to create stunning bead combinations.
More On Color
Using the color wheel in your art
Visit these great sites for information about color and color theory. Experiment with hues, find inspiration and more.
Interactive Color Wheel
A java color wheel applet, demonstratng saturation more...1 point
Color Matters - Design and Art - Color Theory
Explore how color affects emotions, appetite, visi more...1 point
World of Color Headquarters
World of ColorEverything about color: meaning, app more...1 point
Margie Deeb - Beaded Art - Design - Color
The Bead Artist's Complete Source for Color Master more...1 point
Wikipedia - Color Wheel
Learn about color with Wikipedia's interactive art more...0 points
Seed Bead Mixtures Offer Instant Palettes
Bead ensembles from Alwaysbeadn
For easy, instant color schemes, a pre-selected package of seed beads is a dream come true. Expertly matched colors create a great palette for all types of beadwork.
Every store has it's own selection of colors and styles to choose from. Sellers featured here have great ratings and offer PayPal payment options.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byTools for Beading
A starter package of tools for your beading studio
- Beading Needles
Most beaders use special needles (size 12 is the favorite), but any sewing needle with small eyes will do. Select needles with long shafts, so you will have plenty of space to pick up beads. - Pincushion
You will need this for holding needles, stop-beads, and pins (used in embroidery). - Scissors
Any type of scissors (except safety scissors) will do, as long as they are fairly sharp. If you plan to sell or showcase your bead work, you may want to invest in some good quality scissors to ensure that trimmed threads are cut cleanly. - Bead cups or trays
Small containers for holding the beads you use in each project make it easier to pick up beads. Try coffee coasters, container lids, or pinch bowls. - Pliers
Most wirework can be done with needle-nose pliers and chain-nose pliers. If you use crimp beads, you will also need crimping pliers. - Wire cutters
If you use wire, eye-pins, or head-pins, you will need heavy duty snips to trim excess wire. You may also want safety glasses to go with them. - Ruler
An ordinary wood or plastic ruler is handy for measuring your beadwork, or you can make or print a paper ruler and tape it to your work surface for easy reference.
Bead of the Month
October
October 1st is International Music Day. Make a statement and show your love of music with beads! To learn more about how you can support music programs for kids, visit SupportMusic.com.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byBeading Threads
Materials for beadwork
Nymo and C-Lon
These threads are made specifically for beading, and are available in a variety of colors. It is recommended that the threads be prepared with beeswax or a thread conditioner like Thread Heaven, to stiffen the fibers and protect them from fraying. Used primarily for stitching, these threads are available from most bead and hobby stores.
Kevlar Thread
This super strong thread is more expensive than traditional materials, but is popular among many beaders for it's durability. It is available from fabric stores, and shops that specialize in fly tying materials.
Sewing Thread
Cotton or polyester sewing thread is a great medium for beginners. It is inexpensive, and comes in a variety of colors. To protect and stiffen the fibers, clear craft glue can be used as a thread conditioner. Coat comfortable lengths of thread evenly with glue and allow to dry.
Braided Fishing Line
There are several brands of fishing line appropriate for beading, including Fireline, Spiderwire and Powerpro. Popular for stitching, they come in a variety of diameters, though 6lb test is most commonly used for it's strength and ability to pass through beads several times. No stretching or conditioning is required to prepare it as a thread, but color selection is limited to white, black, and neon green.
Fishing line is available at tackle shops and sporting goods stores, as well as department stores that carry fishing gear. To save on cost and packaging, some retailers can order bulk spools of several hundred yards.
Monofilament
Most often used as a stringing material, this plastic fishing line is available in a variety of diameters, from 2lb to 80lb test. Although it is strong and flexible, monofilament is susceptible to wear over time, and does not hold up well against heat and sunlight.
Stringing Guides
Jewelry Making and Beading Titles for Your Library
Learn to Bead Today
Great beading How-To's for beaders of all skill levels.
Learn everything you want to know about beading with these helpful sites. Visit Beads and Jewels to browse through tutorials and galleries right here on Squidoo.-
Variety Beading: Christmas Projects
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When the holidays are approaching, images of snowmen and decorated trees are everywhere. If you enjoy creating your own custom holiday decorations, jewelry or accessories, then Christmas Beading is for you. Using beads in a few classic Holiday color...
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Variety Beading: Spiral Rope
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Spiral rope, or spiral rope chain is a popular beading technique that is great for beginners and experts alike. The basic stitch is simple to do, and incredibly easy to adapt, allowing for endless design possiblities. Starting with a basic spiral ro...
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Beads and Jewels Headquarters
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Beads and Jewels is a group for everyone who loves beads, beading and handmade jewelry. Lenses about beading, bead making and wearable arts are welcome. The main focus of Beads and Jewels is sharing ideas and inspriation for beadwork and jewelry mak...
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A Sage's Cupboard: Beading Calendar
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Welcome to a journey through a year of beads and beading - a helpful resource for beaders and other artists. Find ideas on projects, colors and themes for beading every month; everything you need to know to create beautiful beaded items year-round....
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A Sage's Cupboard: Just Beads
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This is an exploration into the world of beads - big and small. Learn about the favorite styles of beads used by artists and crafters. It's everything beaders, collectors and artists want to know about many types of beads from all over the world. Ju...
Beading Resources and Tutorials
Great Places to Learn, Shop and More
- Bead Style Magazine
- Tutorials and more on making easy jewelry with gemstones, pearls, crystals, shell, glass, silver, and other wonderful materials.
- Art Jewelry Magazine
- Everything you need to know about making jewelry primarily with metal, wire, metal clay, stone, polymer clay, and complementary materials.
- Bead and Button Magazine
- A great resource for beaders of all levels. Find patterns, projects, shops and advice on seed bead stitching and more.
- Beadfly
- A beading community to showcase your work.
- Beadshop Finder
- Find nearby bead shops in the US and Canada. Your very own LBS is just a click away.
- Beading Daily
- A beading forum from the publishers of Beadwork and Stringing Magazines.
- Jewelry Designer Network
- A forum and gallery community for designers of all types of jewelry. This is a great place to showcase your work and discuss techniques, styles and more.
- The Beader's Showcase
- Beaders Showcase is a community for all beading artists to showcase their work. Beaders Showcase is dedicated to you the artist. The type of beading you love doesn't matter. We love them all.
- MyCraftivity
- Mycraftivity.com is the global online community for crafters looking to connect with others who share their love for all things handmade. We are dedicated to providing you with the latest craft ideas, projects and step-by-step instruction.
The Sage's Cupboard Directory
A complete list of our beading resources
- The Sage's Encyclopedia
- Tutorials on beading basics and assorted stitch techniques.
- Inspirational Beading
- Beading challenges using color, shapes, fashion and everyday objects.
- Free Project Directory
- A list of free beading projects, patterns and instructions on the web. Browse by materials, technique, style and theme.
- Beading Challenges Forum
- For beading inspiration anytime, find themes for beadwork and a place to share your ideas on the Beading Challenges Forum. This is a great resource for new bead artists to try out their skills.
Gorgeous Glass Beads
Find inspiration from the wide range of gorgeous, quality glass beads, perfect for beaders and bead lovers. Handmade lampwork beads by talented glass artists add a unique quality to beadwork.
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Beader and Reader Feedback
If you have questions about beads or beading, let me know. Please feel free to leave feedback about A Sage's Cupboard, and don't forget to rate Beading and Beyond. If you're not already a Squidoo member, join today and create your own lens!
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CraftyLiason
Excellent lens! I've been beading for a couple of years now and it's always good to find a nice resource page like this one. The beautiful images you used in this lens are a nice touch too. 5 stars! Posted October 07, 2008 |
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vbright105
What beautiful beads. I like to go to the reservation and dig for antique beads! Great lens Posted October 06, 2008 |
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spirituality
Great lens. I love the colors here :) Posted October 03, 2008 |
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JudyDunn
What a great lens! Posted September 30, 2008 |
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Portable_eBay
Great... just great. 5* Posted September 30, 2008 |
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The Ultimate Beading Destination
Visit California to find great bead shops and beading societies
The Bead and Button Shop Directory lists over 50 bead shops in California, including 6 in San Diego. Plan your trip to great shops like The Bead Boutique or Beadissimo and go wild for beads! Remember to leave lots of room in your suitcase for all of your bead shop finds, and grab a business card or brochure from each shop. Attach your receipts so you can remember where you purchased unique beads or findings.