Have you ever looked at a seed bead pattern in the pages of
a magazine and wondered how you could make it your own? Of course, it's always
fun shopping for new beads when you want to make a particular beading project,
but that's not always possible. Or maybe you're one of those beaders like me
who just wants to get started working on a new seed bead pattern right away and
you dive into your stash to see what beads you have that can work with a particular
beading project.
If you don't have exactly the right beads specified in a
seed bead pattern, you probably have beads that will work just as well with a
few adjustments. Do you need some more ideas for customizing a seed bead
pattern? Here are three ideas to get you started!
Change the Colors!
The easiest way to customize any seed bead pattern is to just use your favorite
colors. Love the texture and components of a new beading pattern, but don't
love the pinks and blues of the seed beads used in the project? Substitute your
own colors and make that seed bead pattern your own! You might be surprised at
how using your favorite colors can completely change the look of a beading
project!
Swap out Your
Favorite Beads! If you're not a fan of Czech druks, you can probably
substitute a round Swarovski crystal bead in most seed bead patterns. You can
also try substituting size 6o beads for a 3mm bead in a seed bead
pattern to give the project a different texture.
If you're going to swap out some of the beads in a seed bead
pattern, it's a good idea to work a few rows or rounds of the pattern to see
how the stitching works with the new beads. Don't be afraid to rip out what you've
done and start over if your beads aren't working. Remember that if you use
beads of a different size or slightly different shape, you may have to make
some adjustments in the pattern as you go along.
Create a Variation on
the Theme! You don't have to stitch up the seed bead pattern exactly the
way that it's printed. In fact, playing with the directions of a seed bead
pattern can lead to accidental discoveries and new beaded jewelry designs. Even
using a different beadweaving stitch than the one called for in the original pattern
can lead you down a whole new beading path!
Start your experiments with customizing your seed bead patterns by using easy patterns. Once you're comfortable substituting other beads and materials, you can move on to variations with more complex seed bead patterns and projects. Customizing a seed bead pattern to your own personal tastes
can give the finished beading project a whole new look, and giving yourself
permission to play with your seed beads, colors and seed bead stitching can
open up a whole new world of beaded jewelry design possibilities!
Are you eager to start adding your own personal touch to some easy seed bead patterns? Check out our new eBook,
10 Quick + Easy Peyote Stitch Beading Patterns. You'll find out how to boost your peyote stitch beading skills while giving each project your own personal touch with these beading projects, selected by the editors of
Beadwork magazine.
Download your copy of 10 Quick + Easy Peyote Stitch Beading Patterns today and start exploring all the ways you can add your own personal touch to your favorite seed bead patterns!
How do you like to make your favorite seed bead patterns your own? Do you use your own color palette? Do you have a "signature" bead or crystal that you use? Leave a comment here on the Beading Daily blog and share your thoughts!
Bead Happy,
Jennifer
Filed under: Peyote stitch, Crystals, Beaded Beads, Bead Making, How To Bead, Seed Bead Patterns, Bead-weaving, Bracelet Making, Beaded Jewelry Design, Beads, Jewelry Making, Beading Daily