Bead Spotlight: Round Beads

Yesterday we had a look at a few different ways to recreate the popular leather wrap bracelet. Although the technique of winding beads between leather cords can be used with almost any shape or size you like, the most common style is a simple round bead or pearl. Today, I thought we could explore some of the beautiful possibilities of this classic bead shape in wrap bracelets.

1. Brilliant Green Turquoise Round Beads, 2. Red Sponge Coral Beads, 3. South Sea Mix Shell Pearls, 4. Frosted Aqua Glass Rounds

5. Agate Color Mix Beads, 6. Black Striped Agate, 7. Opaque Yellow Czech Glass Rounds, 8. Swarovski Platinum Pearls

When I think of round beads, the first thing that comes to mind is Czech glass druks - their name literally means ‘round’. Of course there are so many varieties of materials that are carved, polished or pressed into perfectly spherical beads. Gemstones, shell and wood are just a few. Nature provides us with only a handful of ready-made round beads, like rare saltwater pearls, and they have become classics in the world of jewelry and beads.

Here are some gorgeous examples of wrap bracelets made with small round beads. After Czech glass, semi-precious stones like agates and jasper are a popular material for these bracelets. When you need a lot of beads for a single project, lush but affordable strands are the most appealing.

1. Scarlet Pink Fired Glass, 2. Coral Pink Shell Beads, 3. Green and Blue Mix Jade, 4. Marbled Blue Glass

5. Triple Layer Fancy Jasper, 6. Turquoise and Yellow Glass Mix, 7. Purple Mountain Jade, 8. Yellow River Shell

What kinds of round beads do you have in your stash? Which ones are your favorite?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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