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Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Bead Spotlight: Teardrops

There are hundreds, thousands, maybe even millions of different types of beads in the world. Every material, size and shape you can imagine is available for stringing and stitching. But there are some beads that are just beadier than others.

One of my absolute favorite bead shapes is the top-drilled teardrop, particularly smooth, round glass drops. Something about the way these beads dangle and sway really brings out one’s inner magpie.

Assorted Teardrop Beads

Green Turquoise & Topaz Swirl Czech Teardrop Beads, Bamboo Coral Freeform Flat Teardrop Beads,
Rose Quartz Side Drilled Teardrop Beads

Red Jade Gemstone Teardrop Beads, Tigers Eye Teardrop Brio Beads,
Silver Rose Czech Glass Teardrops


Drop beads - or any top drilled bead shapes - are great for fringe and edging, and finishing off strands. They make great ends for long drop earrings, and can add delightful texture to all kinds of beadwork ropes. My favorite way to use them is in spiral rope necklaces. They become like little caterpillar feet and are so pretty when evenly spaced all in a row.

Here are just a few examples of the fun and unique ways you can use drops to create beautiful jewelry.

Teardrop Bead Designs

Pink Sunset Jewelry Designs, Entwined Vines Jewelry,
Linda Landig Jewelry

The Wild Tangent, The Sage's Cupboard,
Phoenix Rising Glass Art


What’s your favorite treatment for teardrop beads?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and BigHugeLabs
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7 comments:

  1. The Wild TangentFebruary 9, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    Thank you so much for including my anklet! Tear drop beads are my favorite even though they are sometimes hard to find :) Here is the link to my site and I will putting a link in to yours :)

    Http://www.TheWildTangent.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. supplysnmoreFebruary 9, 2011 at 11:41 AM

    Thanks so much for featuring some of my Briolette/aka teardrop beads!!

    If anyone is interested in "where" you can find some of these lovely beads : http://www.supplysnmore.etsy.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. BobbiFebruary 9, 2011 at 11:42 AM

    So, so sweet of you to feature my rose and silver teardrops! They are one of my favourite beads, and I'm always searching out new ones:) Love the beautifully inspired teardrop creations too!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Andrea OstapovitchFebruary 9, 2011 at 4:02 PM

    Those are all great pieces of jewelry, but I especially love the red bracelet. It reminds me of a pomegranate.

    ReplyDelete
  5. DanielleFebruary 11, 2011 at 4:00 PM

    I'm a new follower of your blog. I hope you'll stop by my blog and follow me too!

    http://yelliepooh.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownFebruary 12, 2011 at 6:58 AM

    I like to use them in spirals or netting they have such a great feel when wearing them!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Linda LandigFebruary 27, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    Thank you for including my Elephant Charm Bracelet! I love using teaddrop beads, they add such great texture.

    ReplyDelete