How To Make Beaded Jewelry

Making beaded jewelry , which is a relaxing, peaceful hobby for some, could be as simple as a single strand beaded necklace or as complex as one made of handmade beads, spacers, intricate patterns, and fancy knots and clasps. The innumerable options for making beaded jewelry , both in terms of the techniques as well as the supplies, make it a hobby that people of any age can enjoy.

How to bead:

1. Decide which size/type bead you will use. Czech or Japanese beads, size 11/0 are good for beginners. When shopping for beads, remember that the larger the size number of a particular bead, the smaller it will be.
2. Choose a needle. Popular names for needles include John James, Pony Brand, and Miyuki. (The size of beading needles roughly correlates to bead sizes.)
3. Determine what kind of thread you will use. Popular thread types are Nymo, Silamide, and C-Lon. It is important to use a thread that is specifically designed for beading because substitutes like sewing thread, dental floss, and embroidery thread have a tendency to break.
4. Find a pattern you like. Those using either the brick stitch or peyote stitch will be most suitable for beginners. You should also look for simple designs that require basic color choices.
5. Get the beads for your project. If the pattern you are using does not specify which colors should be used, it is easiest to pick colors that are spread apart from each other on the color wheel to avoid confusion.
6. Arrange your workspace. Choose a location that provides adequate room to work and place beads in piles either in order of their use or according to size or color. Be sure that your workspace has sufficient lighting as making beaded jewelry generally requires intricate and precise work.
7. Thread your beading needle. Many jewelry makers use beeswax to coat their thread so it is more manageable to work with.
8. Begin with a stop bead. Place a single bead on the thread and loop the needle back through the bead to secure the end of the jewelry piece. If you are using clasps, they should be arranged on the thread first in place of the stop bead. Continue by following the instructions of your pattern.

Seed beads are generally thought to be the most difficult type for making beaded jewelry due to their small size. But, like all other beaded jewelry projects, the difficulty of their use is dependent upon the complexity of the pattern you use.

Here are a few tips for using seed beads:

1. Use either gray, brown, or another neutral colored thread so it can be easily distinguished from the color of the beads you are using. A good thread for beginners to use is a size Silamide thread.
2. Select a size needle that has large eyes, which is easiest for beginners to use. Although more expensive than other types, English needles are known to be of high quality than others. A size 10 needle is appropriate when using seed beads.
3. Japanese beads, which are sold in tubes, are more easily sized than their similar Czech versions. This makes them easier for beginners to use.
4. Use a bead tray. They cost just a few dollars and make it easy to pour beads when you change colors and makes your projects portable.

Just as there is no real "beginners manual," per say, for making beaded jewelry the possibillities are endless both those just starting out and ones who have long enjoyed the art of jewelry making. Needles come in a variety of types and sizes and beads in every color, size, shape, and material imaginable. Whether you are seeking a simple pattern, one that is a bit more complex, or want to design your own piece, making beaded jewelry is an activity that everyone can enjoy.