One of the things that I've been writing about for a couple
of years now are basic beading skills. These are the skills that you'll find
yourself using again and again on your beading journey. I've always told my
students that learning how to do these skills will not only make your time
spent beading more enjoyable, but they will also help you to create beaded
jewelry that will last for a lifetime-or longer!
Check out my five beading project picks to help you brush up
on your basic beading skills:
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1. Read a peyote stitch pattern. Brush up
on your peyote skills when you create this bold and easy graphic peyote-stitch
cuff bracelet. Carol Dean Sharpe's Trendy Circles can be made in any color
combination you like, and it will let you practice reading a peyote-stitch
pattern. Easy enough for a beginner to stitch, it also appeals to more
experienced beaders who want to make something beautiful.
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2. Adding a new thread. Learning how to
securely add and end your beading thread throughout a project is probably the
most important beading skill that I teach my students. The last thing you want
to do after spending hours and hours working on a beading project is to have it
come apart at the place where you joined a new thread! In Carole Rodgers's
American Treasure necklace, you'll get to learn four different beadweaving
techniques while adding and ending threads for each step of the project. |
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3. Use a crimping pliers. Learning how to
properly use your crimping pliers can make all the difference when you want to
create beaded jewelry that lasts. Make Danielle Fox's multi-strand Royal
Arachnid bracelet (featuring a very cool or very creepy focal piece) and brush
up on your basic crimping skills.
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4. Make a wrapped loop. Perfect your
wrapped loop when you make Lisa Kan's Turning Leaf necklace. It uses craft wire
and richly colored freshwater pearls to make your own wire-wrapped chain. Once
you finish this necklace, you'll be making beautiful wrapped loops in your
sleep!
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5. Choosing your colors. Barb Switzer's
stunning Violette Necklace is a perfect harmony of color and form. Use the
colors as they are shown in the project or choose your own harmonious color
palette to personalize this intricate beaded masterpiece.
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Oh, and did I mention? All of these projects are on sale
during the Interweave StashBuster sale! Stock up on your favorite beading
projects now and stitch them up later. The sale is only for a limited time, so
take a look at all the great specials in the StashBuster sale and find your
favorites on sale.
What do you think is the most important basic beadwork skill
for beginners? Leave a comment on the blog, or better yet, let's head over to
the Forums and talk about it!
Bead Happy,
Jennifer
Filed under: Peyote stitch, Pearls, Beaded Beads, Bead Making, Wire Jewelry, How To Bead, Bead-weaving, Beading Tools, Bead Crafts, Beaded Jewelry Design, Beads, Jewelry Making, Beading Daily