Beads were trendy in the 1960s. Back then, almost everyone wore bead bracelets, earrings, necklaces, etc. If you’re reading this, then you’re probably convinced that beads are back. If you’re looking to get into a hobby that highlights your creative style, reduces stress, and ends in fun creations that you can wear, then it is safe to say that you can never go wrong with stringing beads.
Beading for needlework of fashion jewelry is much fun and does not cost much to start. You will find a wide range of beading supplies from arts and crafts stores, thrift shops, and specialty bead stores.
If you prefer it, you can also purchase your beads over the Internet. Many businesses that sell beading supplies send free catalogs of their products by mail. If anything else, these resources can be good starting points for getting the supplies you need for beading.
Some of the fundamental beading tools and supplies include the following:
The beads (of course)
Beads can be made from a wide range of materials — glass, wood, precious gems, etc. Hence, beading offers something for everyone regardless of skill level.
Nevertheless, mistakes made while utilizing more exquisite beads like house-made glass beads can be pricey. Hence, it’s a good idea to start with something cheap and readily available before committing to using anything too expensive.
Jewelry made from cheap pony beads is a fantastic hit with children and teenagers. Explore your beads will teach you color coordination and how to use the complements. After you gain experience, you’ll be able to work with those tantalizing expensive beads.
Clasps
Findings is another name for jewelry clasps, clamps, and closures, and can be acquired at most stores that sell beading supplies, both off and on the web. There’s a wide variety from which to pick, and newbies must begin with the less expensive findings. Many findings products have guidelines on the plan; however, advice can be found in beading catalogs or mags offered online or in crafts shops.
Crimping Beads
Crimping beads are made from flexible metal squeezed shut to assist in keeping clasps attached to precious jewelry. A critical product to beaded jewelry projects, crimping beads are silver or gold and are readily available in various sizes.
Beading tools
Of course, you’ll also need the proper tools for beading. At a bare minimum, you should have round-nosed pliers that may be used for crimping. If you can afford it, include smooth-edged needle-nosed pliers, a bead crimper, light wire cutter, wire straighter, and jewelers tweezers. These tools are not needed, but they do make stringing beads simpler. Before buying, please select the size and style of tools that most beautiful fit your hand, and ensure that your hands are strong enough to use them.
Beading Boards
Beading boards make picking and determining beads and working with several strands far much more manageable. Many beading boards are made from plastic and are provided with a device that determines in inches, millimeters or both. Though any divided plastic tray can be utilized, a beading board is highly suggested.
Stringing Materials
Bead strings come in a variety of sizes and types. Beading strings are made from silk, nylon, leather rope, and covered wire, solely to mention a couple. Fishing line (mono-filaments) is more cost-effective than numerous other sorts of string.
Still, newbies might require to utilize flexible wire. It is much easier to utilize and doesn’t shrink, stretch, or curl. The needles used in the beading are different from a regular one. They have unusually large “eye” and a curved needle. Both are features that specifically help with beading. You’ll find these needles in specialty shops that sell beads and Threaded Needle.
Like any other skill or discipline, an essential part of learning how to bead is staying organized. As long as you have everything you need in front of you, learning how to bead can be a rewarding and less stressful process.
