Leonard Steward asked:


Warmer weather will be here before you know it. Turn your knack for crafting into a fashion statement. Beaded sandals are all the rage but can be pretty pricey. Why not design and make your own?

The cost of your beaded shoes will depend on the shoes that you select . The rest of the materials and tools are very inexpensive. You might even go shopping in your own closet for dull-looking sandals that could use a pretty update! If you make jewelry for profit, beaded sandals can be a very profitable expansion of your product line.

What You Will Need- Materials for Beaded Sandals





1 pair sandals, synthetic uppers are easiest to work with.





SuppleMax 0.30mm illusion cord





Your choice of beads and charms





Masking tape





Beading Tools





Flexible measuring tape





Sharp sewing needle





Scissors





Needle nose pliers





Bead Board





How to Bead Your Sandals

With flexible measuring tape, measure the length of the area you want to bead. Lay out your design on the bead board. Cut a length of illusion cord equal to two times the length you want plus 2 feet. For example, if the length you beaded is 9 inches then you will need 42 inches of illusion cord (9 x 2 + 24 inches = 42 inches).

Thread the illusion cord onto the needle; from the top, sew through the sandal strap as close to the sole as you can. Sew back through to the top about 3/16″ to one side, exiting as close as possible to the sole.

Pull the cord through so that both lengths are equal. This provides the two strands for the double row design. Double-knot the two lengths together; tape one length to the bottom on the sandal to keep it out of your way while you bead the first row.

Each section of beads in this design is secured in place by sewing through the sandal strap to the back and then back through to the top. For example, string a section of 3-4mm beads; sew the cord through the strap; then sew back up to the top very close to the first hole. The needle nose pliers are used to help pull the needle through the strap.

The larger beads can be individually secured: string a large bead; sew through the strap; sew back through the strap to the top, ready for the next bead(s). Don’t be concerned if the bead or beads don’t lie exactly straight. You can adjust and secure them better when you bead the second row.

When you’ve finished the first row of beads, sew through to the back of the strap; un-tape the other strand of illusion cord; and tape the end of the cord you just completed to the sole of the sandal to keep it out of the way while you string the second strand.

For the second row, you only need to add the small beads. When you come to a large bead, run the needle through the bead and position the holes that you sew to secure and straighten the bead. When you reach the end, sew through to the back. Un-tape the first piece of illusion cord. Double-knot the two strands together.

To hide the ends and prevent them from irritating the wearer’s foot, use the needle to run each strand horizontally into the strap between the layers of strap material and exit at the back. Snip the end flush with the strap. If you can feel the end when you run your finger over the area, the wearer will be able to feel it on her foot and you will need to trim closer. Now you have your lovely footwear masterpiece!



Stephanie

PEARL BEADS asked:


Swarovski beads make beautiful pearl crystal bead jewelry. The pearl beads used in the Swarovski Fashion Jewelry collection are simulated, not natural pearls. These pearl beads have an unparalleled harmonious and lustrous shimmer. It is achieved by using a unique coating technology developed by Swarovski. It is the first production method in the world that combines the quality of a perfect crystal core with the exquisite beauty of a pearl bead coating. The innovative technology by Swarovski gives the pearl a mysterious glow, which appears to be radiating from within the pearl itself. Strictest quality controls ensure each Crystal Pearl bead is absolute.

Hematite loose beads are among the most popular beads you can find. Hematite beads by swarovski have a unique style to them, they are a opaque jet black with a coating on it that gives them a grey tone that makes it one of the more sort after colors they offer.

CRYSTALLIZED™ Flat Backs are loose crystal components, with different shapes and cuts, such as XILION Rose No Hotfix – the new generation of brilliance. CRYSTALLIZED™ Flat Backs have a platinum filing on the back and can be applied to different carrier materials by means of a two component glue or set into Flat Back settings. Our Swarovski crystal rhinestone bead prices are the best. Learn more about flatback crystal beads within. Pearl-beads.com

Some exciting news regarding Swarovski bicone # 5301/5328 crystal beads -

After the successful launch of the XILION cut in various other product groups, CRYSTALLIZEDTM – Swarovski Elements will again extend the XILION family.  From June 2 through September 30, 2009 they will transition to the brilliant XILION upgrade of the 5301 Bicone Bead with article 5328 XILION Bead.

The revolutionary XILION cut, with its alternating large and small facets, results in higher brilliance and intense light reflection.  In addition, this cut is differentiated from all other products on the market and copyright protected.  The increased number of facets enhances the overall appearance of the bead and the rounder belt line results in improved wearing comfort of the finished design. 

 The fascinating XILION cut will be applied to all standard sizes of the bicone bead except for 2.5mm, which is too small to be upgraded. 

 The new article 5328 will be available – without any additional price increase – in the same assortment as the existing article 5301.  For design application, the 5301 and 5328 XILION Bead can be combined as their dimensions and geometry are complimentary.

 From June 2 through September 30 there will be a transition period.  During that time article 5328 can only be ordered and will only be shipped if counterpart article 5301 is out of stock.  After the transition period, all 5328 size/color variants can be ordered and will be shipped.



Andre