The KraftyKatLady: So You Want To Learn To Bead Too

After struggling these past few weeks with sudden health issues, I now seem to have a temporary (but yet hope more permanent) recovery. The double vision and dizziness I was experiencing really put me off, and not to mention severely behind in household chores and all my crafts in the works, more-so my beading.

The last I was working on was an attempt at a lanyard for a friend using the Chenille Stitch. Chenille is a stitch that is basically herringbone and peyote combined. I became stumped, (bead block I guess you could say) and just couldn't figure out how I wanted to finish it off with a place for the badge holder or clip. Plenty of ideas came to mind, but just didn't seem right.

Chenille Stitch Lanyard in progress

Chenille Stitch Lanyard in progress
Another view.

While resting and recuperating, I had an epiphany. Why not a loomed piece instead? Well, my worries of having my warp threads not long enough got the better of me and encouraged me to try Square Stitch. (Photo coming soon!) Granted this takes much longer than a loom would, I am thoroughly enjoying the stitch.

More on all this in an upcoming post. :)

Ok, so you want to learn how to bead. I've had a few people ask me where did I learn? So let me tell you a little story.

A friend of mine in Edmonton, Alberta began making paper beads and creating beautiful pieces of jewelry. As I don't do a lot of knitting or crocheting during the summer months, and always having an interest in learning to bead, I began searching for tutorials on paper beads, and asking her advice.
I did enjoy this, but to me it was sometimes a little messy. They're a great pass-time while watching TV. It's also very affordable and a good way to recycle all types of paper.
Ok, so paper beads is going a little off topic, lol.

During the winter months, I began looking into beading with seed beads, something I've always wanted to learn. I live in a rural area and the nearby towns/cities don't have a single Local Bead Store (LBS). So, my only learning resource was the internet. Wasn't I surprised at the amount of tutorials and patterns that were available. But I knew nothing really.
I wanted to make fringe earrings. Who doesn't love those, right? And of course I'm thinking that the seed beads sold at WalMart were good enough. Honestly, I think every person when first starting out makes that common mistake.
Long story short (so I can get to the good stuff!), I was rapidly learning simple, basic stitches but of course the work just wasn't looking near as nice as everything I was seeing.
Let me start by saying I am by far no instructor, teacher or highly experienced beader. I am still learning and will most likely continue to do so. Here I am simply sharing a few links to help you get started with some simple steps and video tutorials from some amazing artists. Be warned, it is HIGHLY addicting, not to mention therapeutic and relaxing.

"What do I need to get started?"

Basic supplies will consist of beading needles in sizes 10 and/or 12, nylon beading thread, Fireline or WildFire, scissors and of course beads. Other supplies would be jump rings, clasps, chain, wire cutters, chain-nosed pliers, crimping tool, nylon pliers, flat-nosed pliers, various findings for earrings.
I do not recommend beginning with cheap seed beads that are made in China. I do recommend buying ToHo to begin, although other Japanese beads are fine too.
ToHo seed beads are affordable and come in a variety of colors, finishes, shapes & sizes.
You also need to have some instructions, don't you? ;)

Here is a list of a few sites that can help you get started.

Beadaholique - Online bead store as well as instructional videos.
Fusion Beads - Online bead store as well as instructional videos.
Artbeads.com - Online bead store as well as a learning center.
Jill Wiseman Designs - Bead Designer Jill Wiseman's online shop. Free & purchased patterns, beads & more. She is one of many talented designers out there who has amazing and easy-to-follow video tutorials and patterns.

YouTube offers a whole variety of beading tutorials if you prefer a more visual method. In a way it's kind of like having a one on one class (that's how I look at it). But be careful, as there are many videos that really aren't that great or can confuse you quickly, irregardless of your experience.

The following links are who I find helpful, easy-to-follow, and offer a variety of techniques besides beading. Who knows? Maybe you may enjoy metal work, wirework or other jewelry techniques offered. ;)

OffTheBeadedPath - Designer Kelly Dale
Potomac Bead Company
Jill Wiseman - Her videos are easy to follow and fun! I learned a LOT just from watching some of her videos.
BeadingForPerfectionists and B4Pbakup - Both links, same instructor, tutorials for all levels.

There are plenty more, but these should help you get started. :)

"What is the cost to start?"

Don't go all out and buy "top-of-the-line" products right off the bat. If you decide beading isn't your thing, you don't want to have all that money and supplies go to waste. Start off with what you can afford. If buying chinese made beads is all you can afford, that's fine (it's how I started too), just be prepared for work that may not be well proportioned, depending on what you are learning. Beading can get costly though, so be sure to always keep it to what your budget allows. Walmart sells a variety of beading supplies to help you get started in your first project.

There's so much more that I can go on about, but let's save that for another topic.
Here's what will be upcoming on my next post.

Recent projects
Square Stitched Lanyard progress and photos
Spirals, so many to choose from!

I hear a thunderstorm approaching so time for me to get back to work. I'll leave you with a couple more photos of work I have done using the Chenille Stitch.