How To

Tips for Building Bead Structures

Michelle M. — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 19:44:00 GMT

Enjoy these great tips on building bead structures from the October/November 2008 Beadwork Master Class artist, Maggie Meister....(read more)

Your First Bead Stash: 9 Must-Have Items

Michelle M. — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:41:00 GMT

This article by Jean Campbell explains the core tools and supplies you'll always want on hand when you sit down to bead. This article was originallly written for Step by Step Beads magazine....(read more)

3 Steps to Better Beadwork Photos

Michelle M. — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:28:00 GMT

Here are some simple steps you can take to improve your photos and capture the beauty of your designs. Good photos are key to selling your work online and submitting to design competitions. This article by beader and photographer Kirsten Creighton includes photo examples, additional photography tips, and a helpful summary chart for quick reference....(read more)

Square Stitch and Loomwork Graph Paper

Michelle M. — Mon, 19 May 2008 02:49:00 GMT

Want to create your own beaded designs in brick stitch or peyote stitch? Use this handy graph paper to plan out your project. ...(read more)

Brick Stitch and Peyote Stitch Graph Paper

Michelle M. — Sun, 18 May 2008 16:51:00 GMT

Want to create your own beaded designs in brick stitch or peyote stitch? Use this handy graph paper to plan out your project. ...(read more)

Adding New Thread

Kat — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:33:00 GMT

Tie off your old thread when it's about 4" long by making a simple knot between beads. Pass through a few beads and pull tight to hide the knot. Weave through a few more beads and trim the thread close to the work. Start the new thread by tying...(read more)

Bead Embroidery

Kat — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:32:00 GMT

For single stitch embroidery ,begin by passing the needle through the fabric, from wrong side to right side, at the place where the first bead is to go. String a bead and pass the needle back through the fabric right next to the bead. Bring the needle...(read more)

Brick Stitch

Kat — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:32:00 GMT

Begin by creating a foundation row in ladder stitch or using a secured thread. String one bead and pass under the closest exposed loop of the foundation row. Pass back through the same bead and continue, adding one bead at a time. To decrease within a...(read more)

Bead Knitting

Kat — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:32:00 GMT

Knitting one bead into one stitch is the technique to use for knitting charted designs. Insert the needle into the stitch to be knit as usual, slide the bead up against the needle, and pull the bead through to the front as you complete the stitch....(read more)

Crimping

Kat — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:31:00 GMT

String a crimp tube and pass through the connection finding. Pass back through the tube leaving a short tail. Use the back notch of crimping pliers to pinch the tube into a U, leaving a wire on each side of the bend. Rotate the tube 90° and use the...(read more)

Cones

Kat — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:31:00 GMT

Use cones to finish a multistrand piece. Attach each strand of beads to a wrapped loop or an eye pin. Use the wrapped-loop wire to string the wide end of a cone, covering the ends of the stringing material. Form a wrapped loop at the tip of the cone that...(read more)

Flat Herringbone Stitch

Kat — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:30:00 GMT

Begin with a foundation row of even-count ladder stitch. String 2 beads, pass down through the second to last bead in the ladder, and up through the next bead. String 2 beads, pass down the next bead and then up through the following. Repeat to the end...(read more)

Finishing and Starting New Thread

Kat — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:30:00 GMT

Crochet

Kat — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:30:00 GMT

This method is worked with a crochet hook. It forms a tidy chain along the edge. Place a slipknot on a Beaded crochet cord makes a great finish or a strap for other beadwork. Make an initial chain of four (or more) stitches. Leave a bead in each chain...(read more)

Crimp covers

Kat — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:30:00 GMT

Crimp covers hide a 2mm crimp tube and give a professional finish. To attach, gently hold a crimp cover in the front notch of the crimping pliers. Insert the crimped tube and gently squeeze the pliers, encasing the tube inside the cover....(read more)