Daily Blogs : beadmaking

Say What You Want: Add Words to Your Beads

Michelle M. — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:13:00 GMT

As anyone who has every seen me at a bead show knows, I find beads with words irresistable. So when I saw that the new free project from Cloth Paper Scissors involved adding words to beads, I knew this was a project I'd have to try for myself. ...(read more)

Make Beautiful Polymer Clay Beads

Michelle M. — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:03:00 GMT

A couple months ago Beading Daily’s Michelle Mach sent me a book she wanted me to check out—she was very excited about it. But it never arrived--I think my crafty neighbor must have swiped it (Eileeeen!!). I’ll have to admit, I was secretly relieved because Michelle told me the book was about polymer clay....(read more)

Michelle's First Trip to the Tucson Bead Shows

Michelle M. — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:08:00 GMT

Beading Daily editor Michelle Mach shares photos and news of her first trip to the Tucson Bead Shows, February 2-6, 2009....(read more)

Fun Ideas for Using Felt Beads

Michelle M. — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:27:00 GMT

A month ago I asked the staff at Interweave to choose a felt bead and make something with it. Anything! They could add any materials they liked, use any techniques, and make any kind of finished object. ...(read more)

Tips for Making Your Own Fabric Beads, Plus Kristal Wick Interview

Michelle M. — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 07:26:00 GMT

A few years ago I tried to make beads from ribbons. Sounds pretty easy, right? Cut a piece of ribbon, roll it up, and glue it. What could possibly go wrong? (How much time do you have?) My beads came apart at the seams and they were easily squashed. I couldn't figure out how much ribbon should overlap on the seam or what type of adhesive I should use. It's safe to say I was very intrigued when I saw Kristal Wick's new book, Fabulous Fabric Beads. Here was an artist who made and sold fabric beads for a living--if I still couldn't figure out how to make a good fabric (or ribbon) bead with this book, then I would just give up!...(read more)

How to Create a Quick Cab

Michelle M. — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 08:58:00 GMT

I seem to spend a lot of time in waiting rooms. Pediatricians, orthodontists, veterinarians, tutors . . . music studios, hockey rinks, gymnasiums. Hanging out in those dull places makes me think I’d like to make a few changes. Replacing the in-ceiling fluorescent lights with adjustable true-color lights would be a nice start. Next would be comfortable arm chairs with adjustable ottomans. Portable lap desks would be a must. And a basket filled with magnifying glasses, scissors, and thread burners would be helpful, too. Dream on, Jean, dream on . . ....(read more)

An Interview with Melanie Brooks Lukacs

Michelle M. — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 17:56:00 GMT

Melanie Brooks Lukacs is a clay bead artist who specializes in whimsical porcelain beads. A quick visit to her website, Earthenwood Studio, reveals bead categories like "fairy and critter beads," "wicked trinkets", and "moon and pixie beads." Her original jewelry designs featuring her beads regularly appear in Simply Beads and Stringing magazines. Be sure to download instructions for Melanie's necklaces, Pixie Parchment and Dancing Daisy. ...(read more)

Creating Porcelain Beads: An Insider's View

Editor — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 17:00:00 GMT

From Lump of Clay to Beautiful Bead

I asked bead artist Melanie Brooks Lukacs to describe her process for transforming clay into beads. Even if you never create your own beads, it's fascinating to see how much work goes into a single handmade bead! I took a clay class years ago where the instructor looked at my work and asked, "Who's in charge here--you or the clay?" While I can tell that Melanie is very respectful of her clay and its properties, I'm betting that she is definitely in charge!--Michelle Mach, Beading Daily Editor

I use several different techniques to make beads. All start with the wet clay, but the techniques vary. Sometimes I use a rolling pin and custom rubber stamps and cookie cutters. Other times I use rubber or ceramic molds that I have made. Yet other times I just use simple tools and my hands. Lately, this last method is my favorite, because it is more direct, and I enjoy the challenge of working in production without molds or stamps. One final way I work is a combination of mold and handbuilding techniques, like I use for the Pixie beads in the Pixie Parchment necklace.


Glazing the pixie bead	Attaching wet clay"berry" to pixie bead	Using wooden tool on leaf on pixie bead

For a Pixie bead, I start with a rubber face mold that I have made. The clay goes in and sets up to a leather-hard state. Then it comes out of the mold with the little face imprinted on the clay. I poke a hole, and then add all the hair and berry details by hand. This is done with tiny balls and coils of clay, which I gently press onto the base bead and mark with tools. When done, I repoke the hole and leave the bead to dry overnight. When dried, the beads are fired in my small electric kiln. The first firing is called a bisque. It is a low temperature firing that turns the clay to a solid form and makes it easier to glaze because it won't dissolve in water anymore. Then I glaze the bead, using a variety of commercial liquid glazes and a paintbrush.


Creating the bead hole	Looking inside electric kiln, after firing, with beads suspended on wires	Finished pixie bead as seen on the Pixie Parchment necklace

The bead is then strung onto a wire and placed in the kiln for the glaze firing. All the beads and charms have to be suspended from high temperature wires in the kiln because glazes are like glass, and if the glaze on a bead was touching another bead or the kiln shelf, it would fuse right to it. This is the most difficult part of the process, probably, and it has taken me years to learn the physics of firing so I end up with a batch of mostly successful beads. There is always the unknown or unexpected with ceramics though, so there is usually a surprise or two in each kiln. It is a constant learning process, so it keeps me on my toes!

Read the interview to learn more about clay artist Melanie Brooks Lukacs and her design process, plus tips for getting started with clay. You'll also find out where to see more of Melanie's work and how to win some of her beads! That's right--I said "Win!" Good luck!

At left: Fairy beads by Melanie Brooks Lukacs. Photo by Larry Sanders.

Pixie Parchment Design Tips
Here's what I learned by studying the Pixie Parchment necklace by Melanie Brooks Lukacs:

Mix it up: Not just with textures (the chain and ribbon), but also with metals. Who says copper and silver don't mix?
Sense of humor or surprise: All the faces are sleeping except one (the pendant) and that makes us "wake up" too! An unexpected twist can be very satisfying.

Coming Monday: Tips and ideas for using bugle beads.

Michelle Mach is the editor of Beading Daily. She is going to finish her beaded gifts this weekend--really!

Ladder Stitch Beaded Bead Bracelet

Editor — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Ladder Stitch Beaded Bead Bracelet a.k.a. "Lazy-B Ranch" Bracelet

I made this Western-inspired bracelet for the December 2007/January 2008 Beadwork challenge. At the time I designed it, I had just attended a local rodeo and was absolutely fascinated with the jewelry I saw there. It looked rough and polished at the same time. I love playing with contrasts in my designs.

The Story Behind the Bracelet Name

So why did I call this the "Lazy-B Ranch" bracelet? Here's a hint: The "b" stands for "bead." (What did you think it stood for?) I was originally planning on stitching the rondelles together for a single beaded bead, but when I strung the ladder stitched cube and two single beads, I realized that you couldn't tell whether it was one piece or not. (Look at the photo--if I didn't point it out to you, could you tell?) The choice was clear--spend more time stitching the rest of the beads together, or go ahead and string the bracelet and move on to my next project. (If Margot Potter hadn't already claimed "The Impatient Beader", I would so be there!)

More Challenge Projects from Beadwork

The editors work on these challenge projects in secret, so it was a surprise that we all ended up making bracelets! See the other bracelets (a pink right-angle weave bracelet, a contemporary silver and brown quartz bracelet, and a bead embroidered cuff) in the December 2007/January 2008 issue of Beadwork magazine.

At left: The original December/January Beadwork challenge kit from Dakota Stones contained smoky quartz, pink opal beads, and green opal nuggets. What would you have done with those beads?

We Love Beaded Beads!

Sooner or later, most beaders will try to create their own beads. In a summer poll, I asked Beading Daily readers what kinds of beads they were currently obsessed with making. The results:

beaded beads (33%)
lampwork (14%)
polymer clay (13%)
metalwork (8%)

Other answers included: wood, resin, paper, metal clay, clay/ceramic, enamel, mixed media, and felt.

Coming Wednesday: Bead quilts by Beading Daily readers and a new poll.

Thanks to everyone who sent email or posted comments about the Cats, Beads, and Kitchen Table post last Friday. I laughed the entire time I was writing it, despite the many Deeply Concerned looks I was getting from the good folks at Interweave Press as they walked by my desk and saw that I was all alone.

A Story Update on The Amazing Power of Beads: Cathi and her husband are back at the resort after the fire, but things are a long way from normal yet. Many services that we take for granted--like phone and email--have not been restored. She appreciates all your good thoughts during this difficult tme.

Michelle Mach is the editor of Beading Daily. She finds beaded beads fascinating and admires those beaders who can create them with 20 different colors of size 15 beads. Patience!

Getting Started Making Glass Beads

Editor — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 23:00:00 GMT

Lori Greenberg in her studio

In July, I asked if anyone on the Beading Daily list had questions about lampworking. Boy, did you ever! Many of the questions centered on getting started making glass beads—equipment, classes, and expenses. I asked Lori Greenberg, a talented lampwork artist and blogger (Bead Nerd) to answer a few of your questions. Not only did she agree, but she also agreed to answer other questions from Beading Daily readers, so feel free to post your questions here!

Michelle: What recommendations do you have for the beginner? What's the best way to get started?

Lori: The online forums like WetCanvas!, the ISGB (International Society of Glass Beadmakers) forum, and Lampwork Etc are great for information on set-up and costs involved. Sometimes I think as a beginner, you learn more because you have to dig into research.

I always recommend taking a short class just to see if you like it. If you can't get to one, there are many books and videos available. But the absolute best way to get started is to locate someplace near you where you can observe and give it a try.

Places are popping up everywhere and I predict, much to the chagrin of bead makers trying to make a living by selling their beads, that lampwork studios are going to be the next "paint it yourself pottery" kind of craze.

One of Lori Greenberg's beads

Michelle: What equipment is absolutely essential?

Lori: Essential equipment is, of course, a torch in a well-ventilated area (preferably with a ventilation fan/hood), a fuel source, shaping tools like a marver, mandrels, bead release, sample pack of glass, fireproof surface, large tweezers, safety glasses made for your type of glass, and a kiln.

You can set up in a spare room, garage, or patio, as long as you can provide a safe, fireproof area, good ventilation, and make-up air.

Michelle: What if you live in an area where no one does lampwork? What can you do to teach yourself to do this form of bead making?

Lori: Holy smokes. I could write a book on that. Wait. There are already books on that! Check out Cindy Jenkins's books. (Two of her titles are Making Glass Beads and Beads of Glass.)

First and foremost, learn safety. Read up on the forums about everything from lighting your torch to ventilation. Making beads will be the fun part, but if you blow yourself up the first try, you're not going to be making many beads.

If there is nowhere near you, petition your local craft store or bead store (especially if they sell the equipment to make beads) to give demos or classes.

Michelle: How can people on a limited income get involved in making lampwork beads? Can it be done without a kiln and/or expensive equipment?

Another bead by Lori Greenberg Lori: The least expensive way to get started is with a HotHead. I believe it costs $30 plus the fuel. Over time though, those fuel canisters can add up, so I recommend saving to invest in a propane/oxygen set-up. It will pay for itself in no time if you're more than a hobbyist.

A kiln is the most expensive part of the set-up. Please DO NOT sell your beads before you are able to properly anneal them in a kiln. They will crack and potentially hurt someone if they are not annealed in a kiln. If you don't have your own kiln, perhaps you can partner with someone who does. Either pay someone to batch anneal for you or trade them something for kiln time.

The good news is: Glass sells. With practice and a little know-how, you can easily sell your beads and jewelry and support your hobby.

Thank you, Lori! Be sure to check out Lori Greenberg's project, Amber Marquis Necklace, in the September/October 2007 issue of Step by Step Beads. (The instructions for the Amber Marquis lampworked beads used in the necklace are available on Beading Daily.) More photos of Lori's gorgeous beads are on her website, www.lorigreenberg.com.

Beadmaking Obsession Poll

Editor — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 16:00:00 GMT

Sooner or later, most beaders try to make their own beads. (In fact, as I'm writing this, I'm thinking about the PMC class I have scheduled this weekend, and the resin class I signed up for at BeadFest this August.) What's your current bead-related obsession? Paper? Beaded beads? Lampwork? Sand? (I apologize if "sand" is your beadmaking preference—that category did not occur to me when I wrote this question! You'll just have to choose "other.")

Take the reader poll by August 16, 2007. I'll share the results in a future issue of Beading Daily.