Daniel Millions asked:


Handcrafted beaded jewelry is jewelry that is handmade using beads and a material to hold the beads together. The handcrafted beaded jewelry includes rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, belts, anklets, pendants, children’s jewelry, bridal jewelry sets and other jewelry sets. The beads found in beaded jewelry can be manufactured from a variety of materials.

The beads that are used to make the jewelry may be glass, crystal, wooden, ceramic, metal, pearl or stone. There are bead artists who create customized beads from different materials. It is possible to create birthstone jewelry with beads since precious and semi-precious stones are used to make beads. One piece of jewelry may have different varieties and sizes of beads used in its creation. For instance, a southwestern style necklace may have different sized silver, turquoise and coral beads on its strands.

Depending on the pattern or instructions that are used to make beaded jewelry, the jewelry item may have been woven. When handcrafted beaded jewelry is woven, the bead artist is able to create pictures on the item. A woven bracelet may have a depiction of roses against a leafy background on it or any other picture that is desired by the artist or customer. A bead artist can be very creative with woven jewelry in a similar way as the quilter or painter. It is possible to weave beads into different shapes that will suit the purpose of the ornament.

In that case, needles and a strong beading thread are used to weave the beads by hand or with a loom. The result will be a flat piece of beadwork. The flat beadwork is versatile and can be as tiny or large as the bead artist desires. If a small rectangular piece has two edges sewn together, it can be used to form a small bag as a pendant. A long woven piece of beadwork may be left flat to serve as a belt. If the two long edges are sewn together, the result is a beaded pipe form that can be used to create handsome necklaces or bracelets.

Thin wire can be used to create jewelry instead of the needle and thread. When wire is used for stringing beads, the jewelry is sturdier than the threaded beads. There is less room for creativity with the wired beads since they can only be strung on the wire but the simplicity of manufacture does not lessen the beauty of finely made beaded jewelry.

Handcrafted beaded jewelry is valued for its elegance and the hard work that goes into their manufacture. Bead artists need good eyesight, a steady hand and patience to create their jewelry. The many hours that a bead artist needs to create their jewelry are appreciated by anyone who has ever tried to use beads to make jewelry.

Many handcrafted items of beaded jewelry are one of a kind pieces that will not be duplicated again. Many collectors of handcrafted beaded jewelry can enjoy their jewelry decades after their purchase since the handcrafted beauty of the jewelry never goes out of style.



Lisa

Krista QQ(www.123giftfactory.com) asked:


Foreword: In 2009 you’ll see more bright and natural colors in fashionable beads jewelry…



Spring of 2009 is right around the corner and there’s no better time to plan for the upcoming bead jewelry trends than right now, before the 2009 spring and summer seasons really begin! Predicting future fashion and jewelry trends is always a little bit of a game, but I’ve been reading a lot of fashion magazines, listening to my customers that visit my bead jewelry display table and generally talking to people about what they are looking for. There are some definite trends for 2009 and here are some of the things I’m hearing:

Colorful and Natural

I have seen some emphasis on “nature” influences which sometimes shows itself in the materials such as wood or stone beads use in jewelry, but I’ve also seen a lot more “flower” and “leaf” shaped beads and pendants on the scene. Any sort of botanical or organic looking jewelry pieces or beads are still popular from what I’ve seen. I don’t make much, but I’ve actually had people asked me if I have anything that has “natural warmth”.

Big and Beautiful

It sounds like the days of dainty shiny pieces of metal jewelry are gone for the moment and the big and colorful gemstone jewelry and beads are still pretty hot right now. People are still asking for more “chunky” jewelry, sometimes with larger stones and crystals that catch the eye, sometimes with asymmetrical patterns or at least oddly cut beads and gemstones.

Cocktail Rings

If you’re shopping, wearing or making rings, consider “rings with bling!” Cocktail rings are generally over-the-top diamond or gemstone rings that are overly colorful, shiny and, yes, sometimes a bit gaudy. But that’s part of the fun! These go along with the bright and bold bead jewelry you might be wearing and could even match or compliment it with similar gemstones or beads. You can make cocktail rings with gemstone beads, crystal beads or just about any other shiny materials.

Charms and Pendants

Again, going with the bold and bright bead jewelry, what stands out more than a beautiful chain that meets with a large bold diamond or gemstone charm or pendant on the end?

Modern Metals

Yes, natural and chunky are in, but there is still room for metals in beaded jewelry, especially when it is sleek and modern looking or even mixed with natural materials like wood and stone beads. There are always people who like the more “modern” beads and jewelry as opposed to the more traditional bead jewelry designs. You can buy modern beads for jewelry making or you can go for a more unique look and actually make

beads jewelry out of hardware washers!



Silver and Gold

Silver has been popular for the last few years and that will probably continue, but you’ll also see more gold and even two-tone chains and metals being used in both beads and jewelry pieces. Some of those silver and gold Trollbeads are excellent examples of mixed metals being used as a charm or pendant in bead jewelry pieces.

Faux Foreign Influence

I’m still seeing a lot of Asian and Moroccan influences in fashion, home furnishings and even jewelry. The influences don’t have to be completely genuine or “realistic” but that sense of something coming from a foreign country and past time are still popular. Even the big chain stores are catching this vibe and a lot of their house wares and jewelry give off that “Pier One” vaguely Indian or Eastern Orient vibe. When you’re creating bead jewelry necklaces or bracelets you could think about using dark wooden beads (natural) and mixing it with large metal Oriental looking coins and rings with a hole through the center to bring in the foreign feel!

Colorful

You’ll want to think about bright and bold, but remember that natural element! Neons and wild synthetic colors are not popular, but bright natural colors definitely are in, both in clothing and jewelry fashion. Once again, I have to turn to the color experts at Pantone who have picked out the trendy colors for 2009. Don’t forget to look at the 28 page Adobe Acrobat guide there! It’s fun and inspirational! I’m thinking about printing a few of the pages out and hanging them around my beading area for inspiration when I’m creating my jewelry.

Last, if you have seen any other bead jewelry trends for 2009 that I missed, pls don’t hesitate to let me know…



Mildred

Claire Humpherson asked:


Making jewellery with beads is a rewarding and enjoyable hobby. Semi-precious beads are an ideal medium to work with in order to produce a special, meaningful and long lasting jewellery design. There are many different types of gemstone bead but those most popular for jewellery making are listed below. Read on for details of the properties, appearance and how best to use these special beads when making a necklace, earrings or bracelet.

Agate Beads

Agate beads tend to be available in red and black, and often display stunning banded markings in white. Yellow and green agate are found less frequently but are hugely popular due to their vibrant colouring. Agate is ideal for making striking pieces and is often available in larger bead sizes which make fabulous feature beads for necklaces. Try using black and red agate together for a stunning contrast. Make sure banded beads stand out by stringing them with plain beads.

Amethyst Beads

Amethyst makes beautiful beads which vary in shades of purple. A-grade amethyst beads are top quality, displaying a beautiful clarity and an even colouring. Lower grade amethyst beads may display some cloudiness and natural inclusions.

A great stone for jewellery making, amethyst is often available in various sizes of round beads, gem chips, tumbled nuggets and faceted beads. These beads look fabulous simply spaced with small silver spacer beads. Swarovski crystal beads are available in an amethyst shade which adds real glamour to your amethyst jewellery designs. Contrast these purple beads with greens to make more vibrant jewellery.

 Fluorite Beads

Fluorite is a popular gemstone that is usually green and purple in colour. Colouring can be dark or pale, and each bead can vary individually.

Fluorite pendants are such a  popular item for jewellery making. These can be matched with fluorite beads, hung on a simple chain for an effective yet simple design or matched with a stone that brings out the purple or green colouring in the pendant. It is best to try not to overpower the natural beauty of fluorite as it can be subtle.

Jasper Beads

Jasper beads and pendants vary widely in colour and appearance. However, in general jasper is recognised by its beautiful and intricate patterning. Types of jasper such as picasso jasper have such unusual markings they look as though they have been painted.

When making jewellery with jasper beads or pendants it is best to match with a plain coloured stone, silver or gold bead as anything too busy will fight with the gorgeous patterns in the jasper.

Quartz Beads

Quartz is also known as crystal as it is clear in appearance. Clear quartz beads are useful to space between brighter or more patterned beads as they won’t fight against them in a jewellery design. Faceted quartz beads catch the light beautifully.

Another popular type of quartz is rose quartz. Soft, pale pink in colour, rose quartz is a very romantic stone. Using rose quartz with silver beads creates jewellery that is beautifully simple and sophisticated.

Using semi-precious beads to make jewellery is a fantastic way to make a personal gift for a loved one. They can even be used to make keyrings, handbag charms, mobile pohone charms and more. If you haven’t already started making jewellery and accessories with semi-precious beads then I recommend you have a go!



Doris

Sally Hughes asked:


When it comes to trying to find presents for friends and family it is nice to be able to find something a little bit different and unusual. When it comes to buying gifts for women beaded handmade jewellery is always a good choice.

You will find a huge range of beaded jewellery available in many designs and styles and you will find beaded earrings, beaded necklaces and beaded bracelets. Any of these pieces of beaded handmade jewellery will make a beautiful present.

If it is a young girl that you are looking for a present for then you might want to have a look at a pair of beaded earrings. These will come in many shapes and sizes. If it is a young girl you may want to go for a fun and funky pair that have been handmade from bright beads. Or if the receiver of your present is someone older maybe they would like a classic pair of beaded earrings handmade from pearls or made from crystals.

If you are looking for a present for older women then maybe a beaded bracelet would be a good choice. There are many available in many designs using an eclectic mix of beads in their designs. You may want to go for a classic beaded bracelet made from semi-precious beads like Rose Quartz, Tigers Eye, Turquoise or Carnelian. These can come with either a gold or silver clasp or there are many beaded bracelets that are strung on elastic so that when it comes to buying that present it does not matter if you know the size of the ladies wrist.

There are so many places to look when you are looking for that piece of beaded handmade jewellery for your present. The internet is a good place to start looking for a piece of beaded handmade jewellery; there are many internet sites that specialise in selling their beaded jewellery online. This is an easy way to do your present shopping as it can be done in the comfort of your own home. Many of the internet sites will gift wrap your present so that that is on less job for you to do when giving your gift.

Maybe it is a necklace that will be the ideal gift. Again you will find many different types. Classic beaded necklaces that have been crafted from pearls and crystals will make a beautiful present for that sophisticated lady or what about looking for a beaded necklace made from jet beads, now that will be a very special present. If it is for a teenage girl you are looking for a present for then a bright and funky piece that has been made from a collection of glass beads that have been strung together to create fun and fashionable necklaces that would please any young girl. Each of these being a beautiful piece of handmade jewellery.

So which ever piece of beaded jewellery you are looking for, beaded earrings, beaded bracelet or a beaded necklace I am sure that it will be a beautiful present.



Sheila

Steve Manik asked:


Bead earrings are a fashionable method to add accessories to your outfit. What began as a crafting idea has developed into a large variety of fun and fashionable earrings. You may purchase or make funky earrings to enhance your personality. Even more costly earrings can be purchased with beads, crystals and gold joining together to make pretty designs.

You can have basic bead earrings which have three or more beads combining to make earrings, and more jazzy earrings which have crystals, twists in the wire or even feathers. The various designs give you facility to match your dress or your mood to the earrings. These are quite popular with belly dancers who have beads on their dresses and they match their bead earrings to beads on their dresses or even with their belly button ring.

Bead earrings can be had online on many craft sites, at accessory shops or you may go searching at local craft fairs for bead earrings and other beaded jewelry straight from the crafters hands. Another place to get original bead earrings which are made of beads is the bug market. There are some designs available there which you will not easily find anywhere else.

It will be fun to make your own bead earrings. Bead earring making is an easy project to began and complete with guidance and ideas from internet and also in many craft books. You just need wire, beads, wire cutters and pliers, you may make earrings of your own designs and show off your talent and your achievement. Earring backs and basic earrings to which you wish to add beads can be had at many craft shops along with beading supplies.

Make your own polished bead earrings. Bead earrings may be made with various beads like seed beads, chevron beads, fire polished beads or shaped hematite beads. You can find hearts, stars and even penguins. Utilize twists and curls in the wire to add flare to your design. While you are making a few pairs for yourself, you can also make some for your friends and family. As you are well aware handmade things are a rarity in America and people are going to love and adore you for giving them a gift of handmade earrings. A woman who wears earrings is simply going to love you at the idea of receiving a gift of earrings handmade especially by you just for her.

For those who don’t have time or inclination to make it themselves, bead earrings can be custom designed for them by skilled craftsmen. You have to ensure that the craftsmen uses good quality materials so that your bead earrings will last longer and remain nice looking.

Bead earrings are a nice method to add color and variety to your clothes and your personality. Whether you make them yourself or have them custom made they make your personality look attractive.

Whether you are a fresher or an old professional these bead earrings are quick to make and have variety of designs.



Corey

veggiepark asked:


I am taking some begginner beading classes in january. What type of tools and materials should i buy. If i buy thread and beads how much do i need to start with (2-3 classes and a month or 2 after)? Is online the best place to buy supplies or should i buy from a local store?

Lester

ziba m asked:


And in beading business I mean making jewelry and selling it.

Vernon

darlene b asked:


st. petersburgh chain is a beading stitch. i just don’t know how to make it go to a v shape for earrings and necklaces. i have looked all over the internet. someone please help me with this.

Constance

si1verbe11s asked:


I am making beading bra straps as gifts and have 6mm elastic that I need to put on a needle to thread the seed beads. What type of needle will have an eye large enough to thread a 6mm thread?

Raymond

M D asked:


I want to start beading my own jewelry, but I don’t know how to get started or what I need.

Amanda