Beading wire is one of the most essential materials for any beading project, especially when it comes to beaded jewelry and similar items. There are many different sizes, styles and colors of beading wire that you can choose from, as well as a variety of different companies that offer it.
Knowing What Your Best Options Are
One of the best companies to buy beading wire from is Beading USA, a company which offers you all of the supplies that you need to make your own beaded jewelry. They have wire, catches, spacers, beads and much more, and as well offer a great customer service center so if at any time you have any questions or comments to make you can do so and you will receive an immediate response.
Then there is also the Jewelry Supply, which is a company that offers beading wire as well as a variety of other related items, including: Swarovski crystals, beads, jewelry findings, beading supplies, stringing materials, pendants, charms, jewelry tools, jewelry displays, jewelry boxes, craft suppliers, magnifiers, wire and chain and more.
Their prices are extremely competitive, and they are constantly updating their stock, so you should make sure to check back with them frequently to see what else they have brought in. If there is something that you are looking for that you cannot find with their company, you can inform them of this and they will try their hardest to find and order in the particular item that you are looking for.
Another great company that offers beading wire and other beading supplies is Contenti. Although they are not as well known as the two previously mentioned beading companies, they offer a large and varied selection nonetheless.
Contenti is a company that stocks all of the essential supplies for bead weaving and wire wrapping projects, and some of their best-selling items are: beaded jewelry books, storage trays, beeswax, and of course their selection of beading wire.
Figuring Out What You Need
Before you go out to any beading store and purchase any item, you should make sure that you know what you need. This means finding the project that you are going to complete, reading the list of materials and equipment that you are going to require, and making a list.
Now you are aware of everything that you need to complete the project and you will be able to be much more productive in terms of finding a store and getting what you need.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Beading Tips Help Keep Projects Together
One of the biggest issues faced by beaders is how to store all the supplies they use on a regular basis. Having everything handy when they need makes their hobby considerably more fun and a few beading tips can help devise a space for the different items used. Keeping the beads organized and easily accessible can be the result of combining many different beading tips developed by those who have doing this for many years.
Other beading tips include how to work with several strands of smaller beads being used to make a larger piece. In some cases there could be numerous strands of different sized beads strung together and will have to sit to the side until all strands are completed. Using a cushioned hair curler to wrap the strands can keep them from unraveling or getting tangled. These are the rollers with the foam cover and plastic clip that folds down over the hair, in this case beads, to hold them securely in place.
Lap trays are often used when working with beads and a little work can make them perfect for this hobby. By using tray dividers, often used in the silverware drawer, inside the lap tray for holding tools or the small containers of beads keeps them all in one place. If beads do accidentally tips, the beads will be captured in the tray before they can hit your lap.
Little Glue Can Go A Long Way
One of the other tough jobs faced by beaders is securing the last bead on the project. Whether necklace, bracelet or a bead covering on a purse, when the beads are on a string making sure the final one does not come loose usually is done by use of beading tips, designed for this purpose. Some are like clam-shell beads and once the string is through the hole are clamped shut. Before closing the bead and crimping it with pliers, place a small drop of glue on the inside to be assured the bead will remain closed.
Those who tie each bead on a necklace to provide additional security seldom use clam shell beading tips on the last strand, preferring the cup-tips to hide the final knot. Essentially, the cup-tip is a half bead through which the string is passed and knotted. A second cup-shaped bead is placed over the first one to make it appear as a bead that is part of the strand. While many snap together, it may be wise to use a spot of glue to keep it from popping apart.
Other beading tips include how to work with several strands of smaller beads being used to make a larger piece. In some cases there could be numerous strands of different sized beads strung together and will have to sit to the side until all strands are completed. Using a cushioned hair curler to wrap the strands can keep them from unraveling or getting tangled. These are the rollers with the foam cover and plastic clip that folds down over the hair, in this case beads, to hold them securely in place.
Lap trays are often used when working with beads and a little work can make them perfect for this hobby. By using tray dividers, often used in the silverware drawer, inside the lap tray for holding tools or the small containers of beads keeps them all in one place. If beads do accidentally tips, the beads will be captured in the tray before they can hit your lap.
Little Glue Can Go A Long Way
One of the other tough jobs faced by beaders is securing the last bead on the project. Whether necklace, bracelet or a bead covering on a purse, when the beads are on a string making sure the final one does not come loose usually is done by use of beading tips, designed for this purpose. Some are like clam-shell beads and once the string is through the hole are clamped shut. Before closing the bead and crimping it with pliers, place a small drop of glue on the inside to be assured the bead will remain closed.
Those who tie each bead on a necklace to provide additional security seldom use clam shell beading tips on the last strand, preferring the cup-tips to hide the final knot. Essentially, the cup-tip is a half bead through which the string is passed and knotted. A second cup-shaped bead is placed over the first one to make it appear as a bead that is part of the strand. While many snap together, it may be wise to use a spot of glue to keep it from popping apart.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Finding Children's Beading Classes
There are many adults who participate in beading activities, but it should be known that children can very well participate here as well. In fact, children's beading, although relatively unheard of in the past, has really taken an incredibly positive turn over the past few years in particular. Children more than ever are becoming engrossed with the hobby of beading, and there are now various children's beading classes and organizations that are available to supply the demand.
What Beading is
Beading is a hobby that is not only fun and enjoyable but can be profitable as well, depending on what you want to get out of it. You can just bead for fun with your friends and family in your spare time or you can sell your beading creations and make yourself some money. If you are interested in the latter, then you will want to make sure that you have enough time and effort to spare in order to be able to actually produce any profit.
Children's Beading Classes
Children's beading classes are a really great opportunity, a way for children to learn the basics of beading and then expand their knowledge as they go. They also get to meet other children that are interested in beading as well, which will in turn increase their socialization skills. Not only that, but the children can learn to work together, trading their own beading tips and tricks with the others.
Children's beading classes are usually quite inexpensive, and the trickiest part is actually finding out where these children's beading classes are located in your area. The first place you will want to go to is your child's school. Speak to the principal or even a teacher there and ask if they offer any sort of children's beading classes. If not, then perhaps they may know whether there is a community or other center in your area that does.
Otherwise you can search on the Internet, and by doing even a quick five minute search you should be able to come up with some great results. Use any search engine, such as Google or Yahoo, and then type in the search phrase 'children's beading classes'. You will be referred to a page of links leading you to the various options in your generalized area.
If you wind up with more than one option, take a bit of time to compare and contrast between them, taking issues such as location and price into consideration to help you make your decision. The most important thing is that your children are going to have a lot of fun learning about the hobby of beading while at the same time making some great new friends.
What Beading is
Beading is a hobby that is not only fun and enjoyable but can be profitable as well, depending on what you want to get out of it. You can just bead for fun with your friends and family in your spare time or you can sell your beading creations and make yourself some money. If you are interested in the latter, then you will want to make sure that you have enough time and effort to spare in order to be able to actually produce any profit.
Children's Beading Classes
Children's beading classes are a really great opportunity, a way for children to learn the basics of beading and then expand their knowledge as they go. They also get to meet other children that are interested in beading as well, which will in turn increase their socialization skills. Not only that, but the children can learn to work together, trading their own beading tips and tricks with the others.
Children's beading classes are usually quite inexpensive, and the trickiest part is actually finding out where these children's beading classes are located in your area. The first place you will want to go to is your child's school. Speak to the principal or even a teacher there and ask if they offer any sort of children's beading classes. If not, then perhaps they may know whether there is a community or other center in your area that does.
Otherwise you can search on the Internet, and by doing even a quick five minute search you should be able to come up with some great results. Use any search engine, such as Google or Yahoo, and then type in the search phrase 'children's beading classes'. You will be referred to a page of links leading you to the various options in your generalized area.
If you wind up with more than one option, take a bit of time to compare and contrast between them, taking issues such as location and price into consideration to help you make your decision. The most important thing is that your children are going to have a lot of fun learning about the hobby of beading while at the same time making some great new friends.
Beading Tools Make Hobby Or Business Easier
Whether you make necklaces, bracelets or use beads to add embellishment to clothing, beading tools can make life simpler. Many of the beads you work with may be quite small and difficult to get a grip on and holding them between your fingers while threading the wire can be like threading a needle blindfolded. Having the right beading tools for the job you are involved is an important step to a quality product.
When using some of the smaller beads with small needles, it may be necessary to use a needle threader and is one of the beading tools that no one should be without. While the needles can be stored in traditional pin cushions, storing them in a needle case made of wood will keep the handy. Additionally, if you have more than one size needle, having a separate case for each size can help keep them organized.
While technically not one of the beading tools, running a thread through bees wax can simplify the beading process and reduce the tension on the thread as it passes through the smallest beads. Gold and silver French wire is commonly used to finish off a string of pearl or other beads and this fine wire should be kept with all the other beading tools in your kit.
Protect Beading Projects From Tarnishing
For those who work with metal as well as plastic and glass beads, protecting the materials from moisture in the air can help maintain the material’s shine. With anti-tarnishing carbon strips in your beading tools box, all the jewelry you make will show off the shine as well as your ability and attention to detail.
When using thin thread for beads, many people knot every bead on the thread. In order to keep the knot tight without breaking, dig into the beading tools box and use a small pair of pliers, or the ones with a slight bend in them to help hold one side of the string while tightening the knot on the other side. Although not everyone will tie each bead, if the string breaks it limits the number of beads that will be bouncing around the floor.
Beading tools can be especially useful when handling small items such as the smallest beads or even wire and string, but should be kept in good repair and maintained properly. If they sit in an area of high humidity between uses, rust could be a problem and there is nothing wrong with storing them on anti-tarnishing strips to help keep them operational.
When using some of the smaller beads with small needles, it may be necessary to use a needle threader and is one of the beading tools that no one should be without. While the needles can be stored in traditional pin cushions, storing them in a needle case made of wood will keep the handy. Additionally, if you have more than one size needle, having a separate case for each size can help keep them organized.
While technically not one of the beading tools, running a thread through bees wax can simplify the beading process and reduce the tension on the thread as it passes through the smallest beads. Gold and silver French wire is commonly used to finish off a string of pearl or other beads and this fine wire should be kept with all the other beading tools in your kit.
Protect Beading Projects From Tarnishing
For those who work with metal as well as plastic and glass beads, protecting the materials from moisture in the air can help maintain the material’s shine. With anti-tarnishing carbon strips in your beading tools box, all the jewelry you make will show off the shine as well as your ability and attention to detail.
When using thin thread for beads, many people knot every bead on the thread. In order to keep the knot tight without breaking, dig into the beading tools box and use a small pair of pliers, or the ones with a slight bend in them to help hold one side of the string while tightening the knot on the other side. Although not everyone will tie each bead, if the string breaks it limits the number of beads that will be bouncing around the floor.
Beading tools can be especially useful when handling small items such as the smallest beads or even wire and string, but should be kept in good repair and maintained properly. If they sit in an area of high humidity between uses, rust could be a problem and there is nothing wrong with storing them on anti-tarnishing strips to help keep them operational.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
A Review of the Best Complete Beading Books
There are some really great complete beading books out there that you can choose from, and regardless of whether you are a novice or experienced beader, these complete beading books can be very helpful. A good beading book will not only teach you about things that you already know, but will enhance on these factors, making you as knowledgeable as possible. As well, it should offer at least a few different beading patterns that you can try out, with easy step by step instructions that you can follow.
Although of course the complete beading books that you choose should suit you and work for the type of beading that you are interested in, however if you are just looking for a couple of complete beading books to get you started, then there are a few in particular you should be interested in.
The Best Little Beading Book
This is a book written by Wendy Simpson Conner, this is not only an excellent book for the beginner beader but for the seasoned professional as well. It covers nearly every single aspect of beadwork, and this includes Peyote stitch, leather stitching, and working with wire issues. There are great graphics for each of the patterns in the book, and there are 24 full color pages of finished work. Techniques for making necklaces and earrings are great basics and are included in the book, as is lots of other valuable information, such as stone lore, symbolism, and color and design basics.
The Encyclopedia of Beading Techniques
This is definitely one of the most popular and complete beading books on the market today and one whose title truly explains everything. It offers a wealth of beading information, everything from basic threading and knotting to elaborate bead weaving and wire work. For each technique being taught in the book there are about four or five pictures to a page to illustrate how it is done, thus allowing for a better understanding for you.
Simply Beautiful Beaded Jewelry
This is another one of the great complete beading books, one which is perfect for anyone who enjoys crafting jewelry. It provides patterns for a whopping 50 different projects, everything from hair accessories and bracelets to necklaces and earrings. The projects cover a wide and varied range of styles and beads, and so you are sure to be able to find lots that you love.
One of the best things about this particular book is that it makes sure that all the beads, wire and other beading materials that you need for the patterns is easily accessible anywhere in the world, meaning that this is one book that you will actually be able to recreate the patterns from.
There are plenty of other complete beading books that you can choose from as well, however these three are definitely the cream of the crop in this situation. A good idea is to start off with two or three beading books, such as those mentioned previously here, and then begin to add more to your collection as you become a more experienced beader.
Although of course the complete beading books that you choose should suit you and work for the type of beading that you are interested in, however if you are just looking for a couple of complete beading books to get you started, then there are a few in particular you should be interested in.
The Best Little Beading Book
This is a book written by Wendy Simpson Conner, this is not only an excellent book for the beginner beader but for the seasoned professional as well. It covers nearly every single aspect of beadwork, and this includes Peyote stitch, leather stitching, and working with wire issues. There are great graphics for each of the patterns in the book, and there are 24 full color pages of finished work. Techniques for making necklaces and earrings are great basics and are included in the book, as is lots of other valuable information, such as stone lore, symbolism, and color and design basics.
The Encyclopedia of Beading Techniques
This is definitely one of the most popular and complete beading books on the market today and one whose title truly explains everything. It offers a wealth of beading information, everything from basic threading and knotting to elaborate bead weaving and wire work. For each technique being taught in the book there are about four or five pictures to a page to illustrate how it is done, thus allowing for a better understanding for you.
Simply Beautiful Beaded Jewelry
This is another one of the great complete beading books, one which is perfect for anyone who enjoys crafting jewelry. It provides patterns for a whopping 50 different projects, everything from hair accessories and bracelets to necklaces and earrings. The projects cover a wide and varied range of styles and beads, and so you are sure to be able to find lots that you love.
One of the best things about this particular book is that it makes sure that all the beads, wire and other beading materials that you need for the patterns is easily accessible anywhere in the world, meaning that this is one book that you will actually be able to recreate the patterns from.
There are plenty of other complete beading books that you can choose from as well, however these three are definitely the cream of the crop in this situation. A good idea is to start off with two or three beading books, such as those mentioned previously here, and then begin to add more to your collection as you become a more experienced beader.
Buying Glass Rods for Beading
Because beading is such a popular hobby today, there is an incredible number of beading supply stores out there in order to supply the demand. Although this is definitely a positive thing if you are a beader because you have a lot of selection to choose from, at the same time it can be very overwhelming and even frustrating trying to decide which company you should buy from.
The most important thing is to ensure that the company is legit, and you can do this by conducting a background check on the business. You also want to see how long they have been in business for, what products they are offering, and for what price. By comparing and contrasting between a few different companies you will be able to save yourself a great deal of money and as well get the best overall value that you possibly can.
Glass Rods for Beading
There are many different beading supplies to choose from, but glass rods for beading are some of the most popular. This is because glass rods for beading are so adaptable and useable - you can make them work in almost any jewelry design. Glass rods for beading are also great because you can use them as spacers, meaning that you put them in between other beads on the jewelry to space them out.
Your Options
If you are looking for companies that sell glass rods for beading, there are a few in particular that you are going to want to check out. One is Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. If you are already an avid beader, then odds are you have heard of the Fire Mountain Company before.
They offer one of the largest selections of glass rods for beading and other beading supplies, including: gemstone beads, glass beads, metal beads, natural beads, pearls, acrylic beads, wood beads, chains, clasps, charms, findings, pendants, beading wire, and more. They also offer very competitive prices, and you are not likely to find lower prices for the same high quality anywhere else.
Another worthy option here is Bead Babe. This company is smaller and not as well known as Fire Mountain, but they do offer a great selection for a very affordable price. They have been in the beading business for nearly two decades now, and they have some really great connections with large bead manufacturing companies, and so they save a lot when they buy their beads, and they pass those savings right on to you.
There are many other companies that offer glass rods for beading and other beading supplies, and you will definitely not ever have to worry about having no place to choose from. Just make sure that you take your time and put some thought into your decision, because of course you want to get the best quality and value that you can.
The most important thing is to ensure that the company is legit, and you can do this by conducting a background check on the business. You also want to see how long they have been in business for, what products they are offering, and for what price. By comparing and contrasting between a few different companies you will be able to save yourself a great deal of money and as well get the best overall value that you possibly can.
Glass Rods for Beading
There are many different beading supplies to choose from, but glass rods for beading are some of the most popular. This is because glass rods for beading are so adaptable and useable - you can make them work in almost any jewelry design. Glass rods for beading are also great because you can use them as spacers, meaning that you put them in between other beads on the jewelry to space them out.
Your Options
If you are looking for companies that sell glass rods for beading, there are a few in particular that you are going to want to check out. One is Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. If you are already an avid beader, then odds are you have heard of the Fire Mountain Company before.
They offer one of the largest selections of glass rods for beading and other beading supplies, including: gemstone beads, glass beads, metal beads, natural beads, pearls, acrylic beads, wood beads, chains, clasps, charms, findings, pendants, beading wire, and more. They also offer very competitive prices, and you are not likely to find lower prices for the same high quality anywhere else.
Another worthy option here is Bead Babe. This company is smaller and not as well known as Fire Mountain, but they do offer a great selection for a very affordable price. They have been in the beading business for nearly two decades now, and they have some really great connections with large bead manufacturing companies, and so they save a lot when they buy their beads, and they pass those savings right on to you.
There are many other companies that offer glass rods for beading and other beading supplies, and you will definitely not ever have to worry about having no place to choose from. Just make sure that you take your time and put some thought into your decision, because of course you want to get the best quality and value that you can.
Finding Loom Beading Patterns
If you want to bead using a loom, then one of the very first things you are going to need to find are loom beading patterns. There are many different places that you can go to when you want to find loom beading patterns, however there are several in particular that are especially worthwhile, of which will be discussed in detail here.
There are many different places that you can go to when you want to find loom beading patterns, however there are several in particular that are especially worthwhile, of which will be discussed in detail here.
Your Best Options
One of the best places to go for loom beading patterns is Fire Mountain Gems and Beads, which is actually one of the largest and most well established beading supply companies in the world. Besides loom beading patterns, their selection includes: Swarovski crystal and crystal components, gemstone beads, glass beads, metal beads, natural beads, pearls, acrylic beads, seed and bugle beads, wood beads and celestial crystal.
They also offer a wealth of other valuable beading information including tips and tricks of the trade that you can use to become a more advanced and experienced beader.
Another great option for beading patterns is Pin’s Patterns, which is a company that is a very low key, family owned and operated business. They offer advice and information relating to beading that the average person would be interested in, especially beginners. As well, all of their patterns are free and so you do not have to feel hesitant about trying a bunch of different ones out to see which ones are your favorites.
If you do decide to pay for your beading patterns, you want to be absolutely positive before you put any money down on them that they are patterns that you are actually going to end up using. After all, you may find ones here and there that are interesting, but if you are never going to complete the pattern or going to have a use for the resulting creation, then there is really no point in spending money on the pattern.
You should typically only pay money for a pattern if it is one that is unique, or one that you cannot find anywhere else. Otherwise, you are better off just using the various free beading patterns that are available to you, and this way you are not putting yourself at any risk of losing money.
There are many different places that you can go to when you want to find loom beading patterns, however there are several in particular that are especially worthwhile, of which will be discussed in detail here.
Your Best Options
One of the best places to go for loom beading patterns is Fire Mountain Gems and Beads, which is actually one of the largest and most well established beading supply companies in the world. Besides loom beading patterns, their selection includes: Swarovski crystal and crystal components, gemstone beads, glass beads, metal beads, natural beads, pearls, acrylic beads, seed and bugle beads, wood beads and celestial crystal.
They also offer a wealth of other valuable beading information including tips and tricks of the trade that you can use to become a more advanced and experienced beader.
Another great option for beading patterns is Pin’s Patterns, which is a company that is a very low key, family owned and operated business. They offer advice and information relating to beading that the average person would be interested in, especially beginners. As well, all of their patterns are free and so you do not have to feel hesitant about trying a bunch of different ones out to see which ones are your favorites.
If you do decide to pay for your beading patterns, you want to be absolutely positive before you put any money down on them that they are patterns that you are actually going to end up using. After all, you may find ones here and there that are interesting, but if you are never going to complete the pattern or going to have a use for the resulting creation, then there is really no point in spending money on the pattern.
You should typically only pay money for a pattern if it is one that is unique, or one that you cannot find anywhere else. Otherwise, you are better off just using the various free beading patterns that are available to you, and this way you are not putting yourself at any risk of losing money.
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