Gen Wright asked:


Beads hold ancient roots, and their cultural significance can be traced to their early use in bartering. Beads served as a primitive currency, and they still retain their value today. In modern times they are found in the form of decoration as jewelry, rather than money.

In earlier times, beads were made from a variety of materials from fishbone right through to teeth and as cultures become more sophisticated, so did the materials that beads were made from.

In ancient days, people fashioned beads from a variety of materials. Early materials ranged from fish bones to teeth. As cultures grew increasingly sophisticated, so did the beads, techniques and materials with which they were created.

Today, beads are mostly used in jewelry making, textile embellishment and in the fashion industry. To yield a more “designer look,” crafters often choose glass lamp-work beads over plastic buttons in garments. Costume jewelers and makers of “fine jewelry” utilize a diversity of beads, which vary in intricacy of design. This adds a look of quality and uniqueness to their work.

Fine jewelry houses predominantly use precious and semi-precious gemstone beads; the costume jewelry industry more often uses beads made of plastic, acrylic, wood and glass. Skilled artists can use the inherent versatility and wide range of designs, manipulating beads in many ways to create their pieces. Endless stringing combinations, and a plethora of cuts and finishes ensures that beaded jewelry needs never look dull, boring or dated.

Recently, the home crafts market has seen an explosion in the use and sale of beads. For example, they used to serve exclusively as small, detailed embellishments for needle work projects. The last decade, however, has seen a surge of interest in beads. Accordingly, craft project hobbies (a.k.a. making classic jewelry, beaded candle holders, curtains, and wind charms) have also enjoyed increased popularity.

In fashion, there has been a resurgence of the “hippie Bohemian” look; people have consequently returned to using beads in the art of jewelry making. Beads have come to signify uniqueness in style and individual expression. They provide a new, modern look in fashion. In the 1970s, the public saw home made jewelry as a symbol of the “hippie” culture. Long strands of love beads were as interesting as things got. As the internet blazed into the forefront of popular culture in society, the jewelry making market saw direct impact. Now crafters may easily communicate with each other, sharing techniques and setting trends.

Ultimately, the bead charm bracelet is an example of how a classic, Bohemian theme can be applied to create a contemporary look. The charm bracelet made its first appearance in jewelry during the 1950s. It has remained popular ever since, but has been largely limited to classic jewelry lines in the form of precious metals.

The 1970s, for instance, witnessed a resurgence in popularity of Bohemian culture in fashion. It empowered home jewelry makers to use their love of beads to update the classic” look. Suddenly, charm bracelets with colorful glass beads were everywhere. One could see them on catwalks in high fashion, as well as on the streets. The home crafter could select from a large variety of beads to create his or her own style and unique fashion statement.

Styles come and go, but beads will always be in vogue. Whether you prefer an elegant, long string of pearls or a plastic stretchy bead bracelet, the bead is here to stay.



Viola

Paula F asked:


I am new to beading (jewelery making) and I am looking for additional beading tutorials besides auntiesbeads.com and firemountaingems.com. Can anyone out there help me?

Amanda

John Thompson asked:


Most of us are familiar with what lanyards are but may not be knowledgeable with the term. A lanyard is the cord or strap that is worn around the neck to hold an ID badge, whistle, keys or other small object. It can be worn around the neck, arm, waist or wrist.

When worn across the wrist, a lanyard is often referred to as a “wristlet.” Lanyards have become increasingly trendy for their ability to keep critical objects close at hand while at the same time keeping hands free.

Lanyards are used to display ID cards as also for lugging cell phones pens and eyeglasses. Neck lanyards come in unique materials nylon, rope, polyester, lace, beaded lanyards, individualized printed lanyards and decorative lanyards.

Lanyards are used today almost all over by businesses, schools, hospitals, at special events, shows, and in many hobby activities. Lanyards come in various colors and types with numerous hardware attached at the bottom for holding an ID badge, whistle or the like.

Lanyards are typically made of cord, cotton, nylon or polyester twill. The cord type is the least expensive. The strap-type lanyards can be made of cotton, polytwill or nylon and are often printed with a firm or team name, product or logo.

There are a wide selection of lanyards to choose from based on your preference. Let us ponder the cosmopolitan beaded lanyard styles. Beaded lanyards are much like jewelry. Colorful and top quality beaded lanyards made for excellent badge holders and eyeglass holders.

TYPECAST: Beaded lanyards can be as simple as inexpensive metallic, beaded chain. They feature a range of hardware attachments to secure small objects. These lanyards are often in several numerous lengths and an array of colors.

However, other beaded lanyards are quite unique. The cost of a beaded lanyard depends on the type of beads and wire used in its design. One drawback of the beaded lanyard is that they are often fragile. They may look elegant but also may not have the durability of a nylon or cotton lanyard when worn frequently.

JEWELS AHOY: Some forms of beaded lanyards are quite unique and take the form of jewelry. They are often designed by skilled artisans and can be extremely expensive depending upon the type of materials used. Beaded lanyard styles may consist of colorful designs of seed beads, glass beads, crystals, or even gemstones.

Beaded lanyards made of blue, black or multiple-colored beads accented with silver and gold are a memorable kind, which are quite beloved. Exquisite beaded lanyards made of Swarovski crystals or semi-precious beads are available for the discerning wearer. Whatever is your choice you can be sure to get beaded lanyards with a distinctive style to coordinate and complement your attire, and as per your preference.

ART TIME: Beaded lanyards can be artistic like creations with sparkling crystals or colored plastic, or even metallic beaded chains. The two types on beads on a wire make a beautiful impression. Some of the most spectacular types of this combination form a memorable form of jewel lanyard.

Many bead artisans also offer jewelry pieces to coordinate with beaded lanyards. The beaded lanyard models are often duplicated in a bracelet, anklet, or pair of earrings. This is an ultimate in co-ordinated fashion peripherals.

PEOPLES CHOICE: The most popular array of beaded lanyards are used to hang glasses across the neck. These lanyards allow the glasses to hang around the neck when not in use. Such neck lanyards are called eyeglass necklaces or eyeglass holders.

Recollect that beaded lanyards are often fragile. They may look elegant, but are not durable. So, when putting your glasses on a beaded lanyard, do check its durability.

Whatever type of beaded lanyard pattern you pick, they are attractive and eye catching and make a fashion statement of a various kind. So decide on that beaded lanyard you have always wanted.



Clifford

Steve Manik asked:


Many of you have heard the wood lanyard but you may not be aware of its exact and correct meaning. A lanyard is a cord or strap that is worn on left shoulder to hold ID badge, whistle etc. It may be worn around neck, arm or waist.

When worn around wrist a lanyard is called “wristlet”. Lanyards have become more and more widely known due to their capability to keep things close at hand while keeping your handsfree.

Lanyards are utilized for showing I cards as also for tugging cell phones and eyeglasses. Neck lanyards are of nylon, polyester and beaded lanyards.

Lanyards are utilized nowadays almost everywhere by businesses, schools, hospitals and events etc. Lanyards come in various colors and types with different hardware at the bottom for holding on ID badge whistle etc.

Lanyards are made of cord, cotton, nylon or beads.

There is a large span of lanyards to choose from. Let us consider the popular lanyards. Beaded lanyards are much like jewelry, colorful and of top quality for holding badges, eyeglasses etc.

Beaded lanyards may be simple an inexpensive metallic chain. They feature various hardware attachments to secure small objects. These lanyards are available in different lengths and colors.

But there are other beaded lanyards which are almost unique. The price of beaded lanyards is dependant on the quality of beads and wire used in its making.

Some types of beaded lanyards are so exquisite as to look like jewelry. They are mostly designed by skilled craftsmen and can be costly depending on the material used in their making. Beaded lanyards models have colorful designs of seed beads, glass beads, crystals and oven gem stones.

Beaded lanyards made of blue, black or multi colored beads accented with silver and gold are a sight to watch and are quite famous. Exquisite beaded lanyards made of sarovski crystals or semi-precious beads are available for customer with an eye for quality. Whatever you might select, you can be certain to find a beaded lanyard to match and enhance your dress.

You can have artistic beaded lanyards with sparkling crystals or colored plastic or even metallic beaded chains. Two different types of beads on one wire make a colorful combination. Some of the best combinations of this type form a rare type of jewel lanyard.

Many bead craftsmen also give jewelry pieces attached to match the beaded lanyards. The beaded lanyard designs are so beautiful that they are often copied in form of bracelet, anklet or earrings. This is an ultimate in coordinated fashion add-ons.

The most popular choices of beaded lanyards are utilized for hanging glasses across the neck. You can let the glasses hang around the neck when you are not using them with the help of these lanyards. These neck lanyards are called eyeglass necklaces or eyeglass holders.

Beaded lanyards are elegant too look at but before putting your glasses on a beaded lanyard, you should confirm its durability.

Whatever the type of beaded lanyard you select, they are attractive and eye catching and make a fashion statement of a different kind. So choose that beaded lanyard you always desired.



Willie

Ricky Lim asked:


The beauty of your neck that has a beaded lanyard on it is enhanced, and this happens because there are so many beaded lanyard patterns that everyone can find something they like.

A lanyard is a strap or cord that people wear around their neck, and it holds small objects such as an identification badge or whistle. They can be of any color or type and they’re attached to the bottom of the lanyard.

There are a number of materials that lanyards are made off, including cotton, cord, polyester and nylon. Some people that wear beaded lanyards do so to make a statement of style. Because there are so many types available for purchase, it’s easy for anyone to find something that will match their own individuality.

A few of the designs that can be found include polished stones, gemstones, crystals, colored glass, clear or frosted glass, fake pearls, beads that glow during the night or have alphabet letters on them and finally beads that come in a gold or silver tone.

While in the past, beads were usually of a round form, this isn’t the case anymore, as they come in every form you can imagine. There are octagonal, oblong, square, and many other forms, from the simple ones to those that look like angels, animals, dolphins, stars and more.

This trend hasn’t been reserved just for women though, as men also have a number of options at their disposal, such as the sports lanyards, which can come styled with the colors of their favorite sports teams. And since they’re cheap, you can easily buy and own more than one lanyard.

Beaded Lanyard Patterns





- Metallic Beaded Lanyard Patterns

Because they’re cheap and simple, metallic beaded lanyard patterns of different colors and lengths allow the owner to keep small object attached to them.

- Jeweled Beaded Lanyards

Jeweled beaded lanyards are also worn as jewelry, just as the name sugests. They’re made manually by artisans and can get quite expensive if they use valuable materials. They can be composed of glass beads, gemstones, crystals, seed beads, coming in colorful patterns. The black, blue and multi-colored beads that come accented with silver and gold are quite popular. The more expensive jeweled beaded lanyards are those that are made out of semi-precious beads or Swarovski crystals.

- Creative Lanyards

Creative lanyards are usually made out of sparkling crystals, colored plastics or metallic beaded chains. You can also find out if the same artisan makes jewelry that fits well with his lanyards.

- Popular Lanyards

Some of the more popular lanyards are those used to keep glasses around the neck of the owner, and they’re usually called eyeglass holders or necklaces. Make sure they’re durable if you buy them, to make sure they don’t break and leave your glasses on the floor.

Now that you have the knowledge you need about lanyards, you can easily find something that reflects your personality and is fashionable and affordable at the same time.



Lauren

Nguek-fluek Nguang asked:


A beaded handbag can make a great accent piece to your outfit. They range from small, seed bead covered clutches to handbags made of larger beads that are perhaps a carryall, so you can match your party outfit with a black beaded clutch, or try a larger beaded handbag for your day in shorts and flip-flops at the beach.

Beaded handbags can be bought at many bag and purse stores, as well as occasionally be found at accessories stores. Or you can go hunting for one at craft fairs and crafters’ stores. You could even get a fun beaded handbag custom made for you by a bead crafter.

Beaded handbags, earrings, bracelets and other accessories can be fun and trendy accent pieces for anyone. Why not make yours even trendier by making it yourself? You can try to make your own style of bead handbag with a bead loom and some beads. These make fun accessories for yourself and great gifts for friends.

You can get a bead loom at many bead stores, as well as picking out the beads for the project. You’ll want a lot of beads that are the same size and type – use different color patterns to make your design.

You can find patterns for how to make your bead handbag on the internet, or there are many books available on beading. Your bead loom can also be used to make bead bracelets and necklaces, which you could coordinate with your handbags.

You can also take an ordinary handbag and bead it for a fun beaded look. Use the beads to sew a design onto the fabric, for a fresh new look for an older, boring bag. Or take a look online to see the beaded handbags and wallets available for purchase.

There are many beaded handbag designers on the internet, with styles ranging from the funky and fun handbag for a party girl to more elegant editions for more formal events. You can carry a beaded handbag to a formal or semi formal event to add a bit of your personality to your outfit. There are even beaded crocheted handbags available, which add another level of texture to a beaded handbag.

Beaded handbags can be works o art. If you like Native American art, why not try out a Native American beaded bag? This gives your outfit some culture and shows off your style.

Use a beaded handbag to add some fun and personality to your purse collection. You’ll look trendy while exuding your own personal sense of style.



Craig

wendygirl1000 asked:


Are the silver plated beads likely to turn your skin green? What are the best products/brands? Any other tips? Where is a good reliable to place to buy Swarovski crystals and other beads on-line?

Matthew

Craig Thornburrow asked:


Mardi gras beads are throws that are tossed from the floats as they pass during a Mardi gras day parade.  It is so much fun to try to catch as many beads as you can, but you end up with bags and bags of beads of various sizes and colors.  What can you possibly do with all the beads?  Here are some ideas for bead control:  use the beads to decorate, crafts, and easy party identification.

One way to use Mardi gras beads is to decorate your home for the holidays.  You would choose the beads with the right colors for the holiday you are decorating for.  You can cut the strand to attach another strand by twisting the end of the beads together.  This will allow you to form a strand of beads in whatever length you need.  For example, you can twist red and green beads or silver and blue beads and form a strand long enough to wrap your Christmas tree.  You could also use a curtain rod to drape beads or put strands together to form a longer curtain of beads in the colors of your choice. 

Another decoration idea is to fill an acrylic or glass box (vase or other container of your choice) with beads that coordinate with your décor and prominently display the box on a shelf or table.  You could even fill a glass lamp with beads to add a touch of color in the room.  You could also use the container of your choice filled with beads and add a lamp kit and shade and you will have made your own lamp.

Mardi gras beads can be used in craft projects as well.  You can use the beads to decorate a frame for Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or whichever holiday is being celebrated.  Another craft idea is to attach the beads to a tote bag or backpack to personalize it for school.  Of course, you can cut the beads apart and glue them anywhere your imagination takes you.

Have you ever attended a barbeque and lost track of your glass?  You set it down beside someone else’s glass and couldn’t remember which glass is yours when you went to pick it back up.  Mardi gras beads can help keep that from happening.  You can cut a small strand from your beads that can be wrapped around the stems of the glasses.  By assigning a different color to each guest, you will always know which glass is which.

Catching Mardi gras beads is great fun.  Now when you bring all your beads home you will have some ideas for ways to use them.  Of course you can always give the beads to your friends as souvenirs or have a party with your friends to make some of the crafts.  Whatever way you decide to use the beads, you will always have a wonderful reminder of your time at Mardi gras and you will be able to use the Mardi gras beads when you get them home.



Bruce

xoxoxox3 asked:


I love to bead but i don’t have enough money for books.If you have any really good free, beading websites that show patterns and ideas please include the link…thanks

Dolores

Paul Shane asked:


One of the most commonly used beads in beaded jewellery – are seed beads. Seed beads are tiny beads, quite the size of seeds, and hence the name. They are frequently used in jewellery and jewellery making. They make good accompaniments with bigger pendants or as embellishments with bigger beads. They give a feeling of completeness when they act as concomitant to other kind of beads in a necklace, bracelet or any kind of jewellery and ornament.

The usage of seed beads is not limited to making of jewellery or ornaments. They are also used in craft and bead work. These days we find the seed beads in cushion covers and bolster covers. They are also used in other kinds of tapestry work. They make marvellous ending to the curtains, making the tussocks look gorgeous. Some of the modern day carpets and throws also have bead work with seed beads. The usage of seed beads is as limited as is human imagination.

Beads, especially seed beads are used in hand crafted objects for beautification purposes. They are used in show pieces and stationery items. Often, we find the usage of seed beads in home decorating objects like wind chimes and wall hangings. Also they are used in handicraft, to make things look pretty and complete. Not just seed beads, we also find the frequent usage of bugle beads, glass beads, crystal beads, silver beads and gemstone beads.

When we talk of jewellery, we simply can not discount the beaded jewellery. Beads can be used both for junk jewellery and also otherwise. Seed Beads make junk jewellery more funky and cool, while they play an integral part in other kinds of jewellery. They are essentially used in our everyday jewellery while they can contrast well with the pendants in different kinds of exclusive jewellery.



Pedro