Favorite Beads: Miyuki Seed Beads

The meat and potatoes of any beader’s stash is most often lovely and versatile seed beads. They’re essential for beadweaving, ideal for bead embroidery, make great spacers, and can add a delicate touch to a variety of jewelry styles. Today’s guest, Gina of FusionFrenzy, shares her favorite things about beading’s tiniest materials.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all-time favorite bead? Why do you like them?

Gina: My all-time favorite beads are Miyuki Japanese seed beads. They're so versatile with all the different sizes and colors, the creative possibilities are endless. I love how uniform Japanese seed beads are. The end result is a very consistent looking piece.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite technique or method to use them?

Gina: My favorite technique... that's a tough one! It's a toss-up between Cellini spirals and tubular netted pieces. If I had to choose only one, I'd pick the Cellini spiral technique. Although they are extremely time consuming to make, the result is an incredibly detailed piece. It leaves non-beaders wondering how you made it.

I love that the shape of the spiral is dictated by the order and size of the beads you choose. As a personal preference, I try to keep my spiral shape on the conservative side, not too drastic. I don’t usually use any bead larger than size 8 for my Cellini spirals.

Inspirational Beading: Of all the creations you’ve made with these beads, which one is your favorite?

Gina: My favorite seed bead creation is a Cellini spiral necklace incorporating three seed bead sizes in four colors. It was the first time I reversed the spiral halfway to create a unique focal point. I'm really pleased with how it turned out. It was an ongoing project. I started a few months ago, planning for fall colors. I put the project aside for a while… honestly I got distracted by other bead projects! Recently I decided to finish what I started. My only concern was that the tension wouldn’t be the same, but thank goodness it turned out perfect. I used tension that was not too tight and not too loose. The result is an even tension throughout the necklace.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have any tips for making the most of these beads?

Gina: Keep an open mind when it comes to color. I was surprised what colors actually work well together. Sometimes, I’ll just start beading something and if I don’t like it, I simply undo it and start over with different shades. Don’t be afraid to play with color.

I also recommend to try and keep a good inventory of colors and sizes. Before starting a new project, I let color inspire me so having a variety to choose from is great! I will literally lay out a bunch of bead packs in front of me. Certain colors jump out and grab my attention. If nothing else, keep a good supply of black. Black goes with everything. I understand building even a small inventory can take time and money. I started building mine by asking for gift certificates to my favorite online bead stores for any birthday or Christmas gifts.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite bead or material to pair them with?

Gina: I love to pair seed beads with round Czech glass beads or fire polished Czech glass beads. They're perfect to use in my second favorite technique: tubular netting. Just like seed beads, Czech glass beads and fire polished Czech glass beads come in various sizes and so many beautiful colors. I surprised myself with how beautiful my capri blue and metallic brown netted bracelet turned out.

Inspirational Beading: If you were stranded on the moon, and you could have only one kind of bead with you, would you choose seed beads?

Gina: I would choose seed beads without hesitation! In fact, I usually bring seed beads with me anytime I'm going to be away from home for as little as one night! No kidding, if I could find a way to neatly bead while riding passenger on a road trip, I would do it.

I keep telling people beading is just a hobby, but recently someone told me it was more of an obsession. The more I thought about it, the more I agree. I would be perfectly content being stranded on the moon with my seed beads. Of course, it would be even better if I had some string, a needle, and air to breathe haha! Since I use seed beads, I would never run out of projects considering the amount of stitches and techniques that are out there. You're truly only limited by your own imagination!

Inspirational Beading: What’s your favorite method for storing your bead collection?

Gina: I have a zippered fabric craft bag with a handle on it that stores all my seed beads, well, the seed beads that I have plans to use in the near future. I also have a decent supply of seed beads that I keep on shelves that I don’t use all the time. They’re always on that shelf if I need them.

I keep all the beads in the original bags they come in so I know exactly what size, amount, and color they are. I go even further than this though… I use ziplock bags to separate the sizes. One bag contains all size 15 beads, another bag contains only size 11, etc. This way, they all stay organized and easy to find.

By the way, this is also my to-go bag. If I’m going away, all I have to do is grab the handled craft bag and be on my way. It’s like my bead supply purse; everything is in there ready to go. Never leave home without it!

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a brand preference? In your opinion, what is the best source for them?

Gina: I prefer round Japanese seed beads. They work well in all my projects and the beads have a very consistent shape. I’ve used other brands where some beads were thinner than others from the same pack… it just drove me crazy trying to sort them out so my project would be uniform.

I usually buy beads online from various sites. I seem to find a better quality online for reasonable prices. I’m not fond of the seed bead quality at my local craft stores. There are a couple drawbacks to ordering online though. Sometimes the colors you see on your screen are not quite the exact same colors you receive. What you thought was a very light yellow turns out to be a little on the darker side.

There is also the lack of instant gratification and even the quickest shipping seems slow when all you want is to get started on a new project. On the flip side, it feels like it’s your birthday when the package finally arrives! It is so much fun to open it up and finally hold and see what you ordered days ago. I get a kick out of that if you can’t tell!

You can see more of Gina’s seed bead creations and jewelry designs in her shop, FusionFrenzy, and get news on the latest projects on the FusionFrenzy Facebook page.

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading and FusionFrenzy
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Favorite Beads: Czech Glass

They’re gorgeous, affordable, and versatile - nobody does beads quite like Czech glass artisans. Today my guest is Andrea from Bead Soup Jewelry, who shares her love of these perfect and inspiring beads.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all-time favorite bead? Why do you like them?

Andrea: This might be cheating but my all time favorite bead would be anything Czech glass. There are so many shapes, sizes, and designs. You can really pull off any design with glass beads. I think that Czech glass has come so far since I first started making jewelry. The Picasso finished beads are to die for!

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite technique or method to use them?

Andrea: I really like using the Czech glass beads to make knotted projects like necklaces and wrap bracelets. With a few strands of fire polished or druk beads you can make a really eye pleasing and affordable piece.

Inspirational Beading: Of all the creations you've made with these beads, which one is your favorite?

Andrea: One of my favorite pieces of jewelry made using the knotting technique would have to be this Woodland Knotted Necklace, I used a polymer clay focal piece that I made and a brass patina leaf charm. I use some vintage Lucite beads and wood beads to give this necklace more detail.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have any tips for making the most of these beads?

Andrea: To make the most out of your beads or to use them sparingly, I would break up a design by not using just Czech glass but put other beads in too. That will also give your jewelry character.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite bead or material to pair them with?

Andrea: I guess my signature pairing for Czech glass beads is sari silk, I use the silk in many cases for the back of a necklace or just simply in a bracelet.

Inspirational Beading: If you were stranded on the moon, and you could have only one kind of bead with you, would you choose these? Why or why not?

Andrea: I love this question, yes I think I would take some Czech glass beads if I was to do some beading on the moon.. I would take these because I am so familiar with them.

Inspirational Beading: What’s your favorite method for storing your bead collection?

Andrea: I really don't have a special way to store my beads, they are just in little baggies in big plastic tubs, I love plastic containers, use them for everything. I guess its my way for looking organizer but not bring organized.

Inspiraitonal Beading:In your opinion, what is the best source for Czech glass?

Andrea: I really don't have a brand, Czech glass beads come from a hand full of manufacturers, and I really just buy them on etsy, and local. Czech glass beads are pretty common and everybody sells them.

You can see more lovely Czech glass jewelry designs at Bead Soup Jewelry on Etsy and on Facebook. Also check out Andrea’s blog to see new designs, and the latest additions to her supplies shop Bead Soup Beads, where you can find an amazing selection of Czech glass and handmade polymer clay beads and pendants.

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading and Bead Soup Jewelry
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Favorite Beads: Seed Beads

For many beaders, there is no greater joy than a long and luxurious hank of tiny seed beads. They’re pretty, versatile, and abundant - and they can be transformed into almost anything a beader can imagine. Today’s guest, Jenny Lawson, combines seed beads with a variety of techniques and mediums.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all-time favorite bead?

Jenny: Seed beads. I love the versatility of seed beads, there’s just so much you can do with them; from three-dimensional objects and flowers, to intricate jewellery. And there are so very many different kinds of bead-weaving techniques to use.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite technique or method to use them?

Jenny: I love doing right angle weave and making the 3d objects with them. Strangely enough, this was the bead-weaving technique that took me the longest time to master.

Inspirational Beading: Of all the creations you’ve made with these beads, which one is your favorite?

Jenny: I love so many, but there is something special about the beaded fuchsias.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have any tips for making the most of seed beads?

Jenny: Learn the different bead-weaving techniques, there are so many of them, and they all give such wonderful different looks to your work.

Inspirational Beading: What’s your favorite method for storing seed beads?

Jenny: I store them in ziplock bags in old music cassette drawers. They’re ordered by size and like colours.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite bead or material to pair them with?

Jenny: Most of the time, I prefer them just on their own. Having said that I also love crocheting, so I find doing Turkish crochet or crochet rope is a great way to have two of my favourite crafts going at once. For this I usually use crochet cotton.

Inspirational Beading: If you were stranded on the moon, and you could have only one kind of bead with you, would you choose these?

Jenny: Yes. I could spend forever doing different beadweaving stitches, and making incredibly different things with them. I can even make my own beads with them.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a brand preference?

Jenny: I’ll work with any types. Different brands and places have differents colours and types, they all have their uses for me.

Jenny makes a wide variety of designs - you can see many of her beaded pieces on Craft Cove and Flower Cove.

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Jenny Lawson
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Favorite Beads: The Lot

Today my guest, Ellen of yellowee, shares her love of a fun assortment of beads and buttons for decoration and embellishment.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all-time favorite bead?

Ellen: I love glass beads of all types, and also lots of semiprecious stones, especially labradorite, moonstone, amethyst, and garnet. Basically anything glittery or iridescent. I also have a deep love for buttons, which can be used in many of the same ways as beads, and I view them as the same type of supply for my creations. Jars of vintage buttons can be a lot of fun, because you never know what you'll find inside.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite technique or method to use them?

Ellen: Since I'm primarily a fiber artist, I mostly use beads as an embellishment for my knitted, crocheted, and needlefelted creations. My favorite use of beads in combination with fiber is to make fiber jewelry.

Inspirational Beading: Of all the creations you’ve made with these beads, which one is your favorite?

Ellen: This brooch I made with strips of fabric and brighly-colored glass seed beads: Crochet Flower Brooch

It turned out really big and bold and I love the little pool of beads in the middle. It was also one of my first international orders, and it was really exciting to me that someone in Australia liked it as much as I did!

Inspirational Beading: Do you have any tips for making the most of these beads?

Ellen: I think a lot about the combination of colors when I'm making something. I take my time choosing yarn based on its colors, and it's important to me to select beads that harmonize and enhance the overall effect. I guess my tip to other artists would be not to be afraid of unusual color combinations. Something that "clashes" can also be unique and exciting.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite bead or material to pair these with?

Ellen: I like the way wool has a little bit of fuzz to it. For instance, in this brooch, I enjoy the combination of the furry background with the smoothness of the beads: Sparkle Flower Brooch. And this bowl also has a fun combination of textures: Bounce Bowl.

Inspirational Beading: If you were stranded on the moon, and you could have only one kind of bead with you, would you choose these?

Ellen: If I were stranded on the moon, I would probably be totally happy with a big bowl full of shiny glass beads, especially if there were lots of colors to choose from. I'd be really sad if I didn't have any yarn, though! I need both!

Inspirational Beading: In your opinion, what is the best source for these beads?

Ellen: I love to get supplies on Etsy. There are always other crafters de-stashing something that they don't need anymore, so you can get some good deals. And I like to know that I am supporting another crafter when I buy something.

You can see more delightful bead and fiber creations in Ellen’s shop yellowee, and on her blog, ebebee crafts.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and yellowee
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Favorite Beads: Turquoise

Today my guest is Tanisha of Kasuallery Design Inc. who shares her passion for one of history’s most classic gemstones: turquoise. This sometimes blue and sometimes green stone has been valued and prized by many cultures, and can easily transform the beads around it into a classic or nostalgic design.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all-time favorite bead?

Tanisha: Turquoise.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite technique or method to use them?

Tanisha: I have none, I do everything.

Inspirational Beading: Of all the creations you’ve made with these beads, which one is your favorite?

Tanisha: Vibrance turquoise (shown at right).

Inspirational Beading: Do you have any tips for making the most of these beads?

Tanisha: The best thing to do is use that in small amount in all of the creations you make. turquoise is beautiful with everything.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite bead or material to pair these with?

Tanisha: Red coral, Green Jade, Any brown beads or crystals they give the turquoise life.

Inspirational Beading: If you were stranded on the moon, and you could have only one kind of bead with you, would you choose these?

Tanisha: Yes I would. Why, because I could find new moon beads and create all day and night.

Inspirational Beading: In your opinion, what is the best source for these beads?

Tanisha: The best source for these beads is Fire Mountain Gems or Bead FX. Fire Mountain Gems, Bead Style magazine and Lima Beads have great tutorials to help any beader.

You can see lots of beautiful jewelry designs with turquoise and more at Kasuallery Design.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Favorite Beads: Jasper and Tiger’s Eye

Today we have the rare treat of seeing beads through the eyes of not one, but two talented designers. When beaders collaborate, one might think that similar tastes bring them together, but a little variety can also go a long way.

Tina and Tammy of Entwined Vines Jewelry work with gemstones, lampwork beads, fresh water pearls, Swarovski crystals and pearls, and intricate wire work like the intriguing Viking knit technique. Though they work together to create a single jewelry line, different tastes make for an interesting dynamic.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all-time favorite bead? Why do you like them?

Tammy: Tiger’s Eye gemstones are my all time favorite to work with. Luminous luster captures the imagination and I would have to say that is why I like them. From simple to complicated, the design possibilities are endless. Currently, I have about a dozen projects in mind with the tiger’s eye in my stash.

Tina’s favorite is Jasper. There are currently 10 different varieties in her bead stash begging to be created with. Currently we have several varieties, not limited to Australian Jasper, Brown Snowflake Jasper, and Mustang Jasper, incorporated in pieces available through our online shop on ArtFire. I like Jasper because they have a feel that is amazing tactile, as well as so many shades, colors, and variegations to choose from that blend well for versatility.

Although Tina and I have beads we are drawn to most, we both really have a mild (alright, probably closer to huge) fixation on lampwork glass beads. It is the versatility in shapes, styles and colors in which you can create the beads that is the biggest draw. The dichroic lampwork are a favorite with the added metal shimmer in the pieces. We both love these beads so much that we have been working on expanding our skill sets to include creating our own lampwork beads in the future. Currently we are at the learning stage and cannot really claim proficiency yet.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite technique or method to use them?

Tammy: Going to have to say that we both enjoy the Viking Knit technique; Bracelets and torques lend themselves well to being embellished with lampwork and gemstones both. Versatility in color and look turn each design creation into a one of a kind masterpiece.

Inspirational Beading: Of all the creations you’ve made with these beads, which one is your favorite?

Tammy: For Tiger’s Eye, the Copper Swarovski Pearls and Crystals Tiger’s Eye Gemstone Necklace. It is such an earthy elegant piece, with the chunkier random tumbled tigers eye gemstones paired with the more elegant look of pearls and sparkly crystals. And this Jasper and Vintage Viking Knit Bracelet has one of the most striking jasper center pieces we have ever found, and we really are thrilled to be able to say we made this piece.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have any tips for making the most of these beads?

Tammy: Don’t force the designs. If the design just isn’t working and you continue to force it because you’re set on it’s going to work, if you’re like us, you will not be happy with the end result. Art isn’t about perfection, it is about expressing yourself and sometimes that means listening to the elements you are working with. No, we are not crazy, just experienced.

Inspirational Beading: If you were stranded on the moon, and you could have only one kind of bead with you, would you choose these?

Tammy: Hmmm… That is a hard one to answer, as there are so many to give up. We really love all the variety that is out there, that challenge yet inspire both of us. When we run low on any one type of bead though, it is always these that we start to get “that” feeling and have to restock as soon as we can, so yes, these are what we would have to have no matter what.

Inspirational Beading: In your opinion, what is the best source for these beads?

Tammy: There really is no single best source for us. We love going to shows and we do order online on occasion although it may be cheaper, it is not always worth the savings and you really never know till you have already spent your money and are “stuck” with what you got. I suppose we really love getting supplies that we can see and touch from people we can talk to most of all, wherever we may land.

You can see more designs by Tammy and Tina in their ArtFire shop, Entwined Vines Jewelry, and on Facebook. To learn more about what’s happening around their studio, and see new designs, check out the Entwined Vines blog, or follow Tammy and Tina on Twitter. You can also find them on YouTube, and get a quick lesson in making your own wirework swan clasp.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Entwined Vines Jewelry
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Favorite Beads: Vintage Treasures

Wikipedia defines green living as “a lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual's or society's use of the Earth's natural resources and his/her own resources”. And what could be more green than using old jewelry to make something new? Repurposed jewelry is not only trendy, but unique and fascinating as well. Each piece has a story and a history, combined with the designer’s individual style.

At Mylana, vintage beads and components get a new life in charming and colorful jewelry designs. The artist, Clare, is a seeker of unique and rare beads for one-of-a-kind jewelry. She’s also a talented soaper and chandler, or candle-maker.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all-time favorite bead?

Clare: My favorite beads are ones that I have salvaged from vintage or broken pieces because I feel as if I am giving them new life in a different design, and you can find a lot of interesting and unique pieces. I also like working with resin, and making collages in resin filled bezels. Often, I like to browse bead shops and online stores for glass and gemstone beads, but they are not affordable for me right now, as jewelry making is a secondary hobby. I lust after blue chalcedony briolettes and green chrysoprase faceted beads.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite technique or method to use them?

Clare: First and foremost for crafting, I make candles and soap. I just learned how to make jewelry last summer by taking apart and reassembling old and broken pieces. I like to decorate my candles with beads and embellishments. Additionally, I love to clean up big, beautiful vintage beads and pendants and turn them into cocktail rings. Vintage lucite beads make really nice earrings because they are so lightweight.

Inspirational Beading: Of all the creations you’ve made with these beads, which one is your favorite?

Clare: Here is a ring I made by disassembling a vintage necklace and cleaning up the focal: White Vintage Cabochon Ring. It was very dirty and needed a lot of cleaning. I enjoy big, bold rings, and this one certainly gets noticed.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have any tips for making the most of these beads?

Clare: Mix things up with newer and trendier components, like vintage inspired findings, charms, and chains, to get a more modern edge. I like to look in bead magazines and craft shops for what seems to be trendy and try and incorporate some of those materials into my piece if I can. Being able to afford new pieces and supplies is a problem, so I look in thrift stores, estate sales, and on Etsy for new and vintage supplies. Owls, brass keys, birdcages, and enameled flowers are hot right now.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite bead or material to pair these with?

Clare: For rings, I like to make really big statement rings that are simple, and I usually use the vintage inspired ring blanks. For making other items, I love the look of keys and brass stampings and filigree.

Inspirational Beading: If you were stranded on the moon, and you could have only one kind of bead with you, would you choose these?

Clare: Vintage beads really is too big of a category, so to narrow it down, I would have to say vintage lucite beads. They are sometimes as pretty as glass without the weight, so you can make bold earrings and necklaces that are like wearing a feather.

Inspirational Beading: In your opinion, what is the best source for these beads?

Clare: Because I sell on Etsy, I like to shop there too, and I see a lot of amazing beads for good prices, being sold in destash lots. I also like estate sales and eBay; however, with eBay, I have found that there is more junk in the craft lots, and estate sales are too expensive.

Some of Clare’s favorite supplies shops include Yummy Treasures (also on ArtFire) and Bunny Sundries. You can see more of her unique designs in her Etsy shop, and get the latest news on jewelry, candles and soaps on Facebook.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Mylana
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Favorite Beads: Jasper

Today I want to introduce you to one of my favorite ArtFire artisans, Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs. Her jewelry studio is always filled with beautiful, fun designs that feature a variety of materials, including natural stones in gorgeous colors.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all-time favorite bead?

Catherine: My all-time favorite beads? Boy, is that ever a hard question! Stones are my first love, so I think that working with the fascinating jaspers is my favorite.

Jaspers are magnificent stones; they come in so many colors, pure white all the way to black and all the colors in-between. Their patterns can be so beautiful and sublime, from the flame designs in the Australian Noreena jasper, to swirls and circles in ocean jasper. But my all time favorite jaspers are the landscape jaspers. When looking at landscape jaspers, I've seen mountain landscapes, ocean scenes (even a surfing frog once!), a volcano erupting and meadows of flowers. It's amazing when you think of the millennia of geological time it takes to create these beauties!

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite technique or method to use them?

Catherine: It all depends on the stones and how the Muses are feeling that day! The jaspers are so beautiful on their own that I often create a simple necklace design, highlighting the jasper with other complementing stones and/or Swarovski crystals. I also like to wire-wrap the stones to create necklaces, using sterling silver or copper wire. Have been also been working on wire-wrapping jasper cabochons. So far I'm still in the learning phase but hope to offer some pendants in my ArtFire studio this summer.

Inspirational Beading: Of all the creations you’ve made with these beads, which one is your favorite?

Catherine: A necklace I often wished I would have kept for myself is one named "The Road to Ensenada". It was hand-knotted with glorious red creek jasper rounds on yellow silk. Just look at the beauty of those stones! A simple, classic beauty that can be worn with so many different outfits. It sold almost immediately at a show last year. You could tell the lady who bought it absolutely loved it!

Inspirational Beading: Do you have any tips for making the most of these beads?

Catherine: Let the stones talk to you. Keep the design simple because these stones can definitely stand on their own!

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite bead or material to pair these with?

Catherine: I definitely like to pair jaspers with complementing stones, oftentimes with other jaspers. Swarovski crystals are sometimes added for a bit of flash. Also, Karen Hill Tribe fine silver pendants and beads look particularly wonderful with jaspers.

Inspirational Beading: If you were stranded on the moon, and you could have only one kind of bead with you, would you choose these?

Catherine: I would definitely want a large supply of jaspers with greens or blues, like rainforest jaspers or blue kiwi jasper. Rainforest jaspers have wonderful swirls of various greens running through the stones. And even though blue kiwi jasper is dyed, it has a remarkable deep ocean blue about it. I think green and blue are colors that would be sorely missed on the moon! Bet some of the "landscapes" in the various jaspers would look just like moon formations.

Inspirational Beading: In your opinion, what is the best source for these beads?

Catherine: Personally, I think the best sources for different jaspers are at gem and mineral shows. Have found that vendors at gem and mineral shows often offer new jaspers that cannot yet be found in bead stores. I once found some peaceful looking lotus jasper at a gem and mineral show. I bought only one strand. Stupid of me, I know, because it took two years before I finally saw it being offered at bead stores! Plus, I love talking to the vendors at gem and mineral shows who actually cut their own stones. Such fascinating people that are always eager to share their knowledge. One of these days, I'm going to make it out to the Tucson show!

A bead store that specializes in stones can be another good source. I do not like to buy off the internet because I like to pick out that perfect strand, the one that calls to me from all the other strands of the same stone.

You can learn more about Catherine’s work and favorite designs on her ArtFire blog, Shadow Dog Designs, or follow along with her on Twitter for the latest news.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Shadow Dog Designs
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Favorite Beads: Swarovski Crystals

Today my guest, Angie of Ang’s Divine Designs, shares some ideas for using her favorite beads.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all-time favorite bead?

Angie: I love Swarovski or any crystal glass! I love the way they sparkle!

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite technique or method to use them?

Angie: My favorite way to use the beads is making chandelier earrings.

Inspirational Beading: Of all the creations you’ve made with these beads, which one is your favorite?

Angie: Wow, not quite sure which one is my favorite. I love this Motion Pendant set and the motion charm on the necklace especially.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have any tips for making the most of these beads?

Angie: The only tips I can really think of to give are just to "play" around with different combinations and always be open to new ideas. I've found that people really seem to like anything really funky and different.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite bead or material to pair these with?

Angie: I really love the Swarovski chandeliers!

Inspirational Beading: If you were stranded on the moon, and you could have only one kind of bead with you, would you choose these?

Angie: I would definitely love to have Swarvoski beads with me on the moon, I love the way they sparkle!

Inspirational Beading: In your opinion, what is the best source for these beads?

Angie: I shop mostly at Hobby Lobby and Michaels, but have also bought beads at indoor flea markets.

You can see more fun designs like these at Ang’s Divine Designs on Facebook.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Ang's Divine Designs
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Favorite Beads: Japanese Delicas

Today my guest, Wooley of Wooley Creek, shares ideas for using these perfect cylinder seed beads.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all-time favorite bead?

Wooley: Although I use a lot of Czech beads, I think my favorite beads are Delicas. I like them for the ability to create intricate designs.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite technique or method to use them?

Wooley: My favorite technique is the brick stitch. Once you have mastered the technique you can create sculptured shapes.

Inspirational Beading: Of all the creations you’ve made with these beads, which one is your favorite?

Wooley: You know, it's hard to pick a favorite for me. For the sculptured look, I would choose the Rose. For the intricate look, I would choose the Navajo Rug.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have any tips for making the most of these beads?

Wooley: Well, I love blending color, so the more colors you have to work with, the more variations in design you get!

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite bead or material to pair these with?

Wooley: Delica beads work really well when mounted to leather. You can create a very intricate picture with these beads then attach them to a wonderful bag or even moccasins.

Inspirational Beading: If you were stranded on the moon, and you could have only one kind of bead with you, would you choose these?

Wooley: If I were stranded on the moon and had to choose ..I would probably choose the Czech beads over the Delicas, simply because there are more possibilities with what you can create. I call the Delica beads "Picture Beads". If I want to "paint" a picture in beads, I use Delicas. For everything else, I would use the Czech, because they are more versatile.

Inspirational Beading: In your opinion, what is the best source for these beads?

Wooley: Delicas are a little harder to find than Czech beads. I order most of my Delicas online.

Check out Artbeads.com and FusionBeads.com for a great selection of Delica seed beads. You can see more designs like these at Wooley Creek Tribal and Ethnic Jewelry.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
and Wooley Creek
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Favorite Beads: Agate

Today my guest, Scotti Cohn, of Jewelry by Scotti, shares ideas for using her favorite semi-precious stones.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all-time favorite bead? Why do you like them?

Scotti: I love beads made of agate, especially crazy-lace agate (also known as Mexican agate). Crazy lace agate is a cryptocrystalline quartz found in Mexico. I like agates because the stones give a feeling of being connected to the earth, and the "crazy lace" patterns are lively and bright.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite technique or method to use them?

Scotti: I like to string them on Soft Flex jewelry wire to make necklaces or bracelets. I also make some of them into pendants and earrings.

Inspirational Beading: Of all the creations you’ve made with these beads, which one is your favorite?

Scotti: My favorite creation so far using crazy lace agate is a necklace and earring set I called Roses and Lace. It sold within a day or two after I put it up for sale. My favorite creation so far using another type of agate is a necklace and earring set I called Cranberries and Clouds. That set used gray Brazil agate.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have any tips for making the most of these beads?

Scotti: Accent them with a bit of color but don't try to jazz them up too much. They are solid, basic stones that are quite attractive without a lot of fancy stuff all over them.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite bead or material to pair these with?

Scotti: I like to pair them with small, solid-color beads and silver accents and spacers. In Roses and Lace I used rose quartz and rhondite, and in Cranberries and Clouds I used red coral.

Inspirational Beading: If you were stranded on the moon, and you could have only one kind of bead with you, would you choose these?

Scotti: Yes. Agates are versatile and can express many different moods and tones -- and crazy lace agates can be both elegant and entertaining.

Inspirational Beading: In your opinion, what is the best source for these beads?

Scotti: I purchase agate and crazy lace agate from various sources, including my local bead shop. I also use Art Beads, Fusion Beads, Fire Mountain, and other online sources.

You can see even more jewelry creations and inspiration at Jewelry by Scotti.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Jewelry by Scotti
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Bead Shops: Royal Metals

I really enjoy creating my own clasps and findings from beads, and coming up with designs that require no closures at all. Still, once in awhile I miss some of the more traditional beading and jewelry techniques. There are just some designs that can’t be done without metals.

With the prices of metals going up and up, finding a good price on jewelry components requires a little more work than usual. One of the best places to look is with smaller suppliers, especially those that specialize in the types of materials you need.

For our first ever bead supplier spotlight, we’re getting a look at some of the unique beads and findings from Royal Metals. An expert purveyor of precious metal beading supplies, Holly shares some insight into the benefits of shopping small.

Inspirational Beading: How did you get into the business of jewelry supplies?

Holly: I've been designing jewelry for several years now and have always bought lots of supplies, so when I sit down to create I have what I need right there. It was a natural progression to start offering my favorites online and from there it just kept growing and growing. Now it's grown to the point I don't have time to get 8 hours sleep!

If I did not design jewelry I'd have no idea of which findings and beads to offer, which work best and are top quality.

Inspirational Beading: In your opinion, what’s the best thing about small supplies shops vs. the big bead retailers?

Holly: The big supply shops have a lot of overhead the smaller online stores don't, so pricing is usually a lot more reasonable online from the smaller shops. Just as important is customer service. I do a lot of custom ordering and even advising that you wont find with one of the large retailers. And my customers, who are the best, do appreciate that I'll bend over backwards to help them.

There have even been cases where I could not find what they wanted from my vendors so I've located the piece and sent them elsewhere to buy. Fortunately that doesn't happen often! I don't think you find the same level of customer service from a big shop.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite material, color or bead style to keep in stock?

Holly: I keep all of the necessary supplies available and add others that I love. Karen Hill Tribe silver is a good example. It's incredibly beautiful, fair trade (if not made in a factory) and so unique. Actually it is my favorite.

I generally design with silver and studies show that 70% of women prefer silver over gold. I do like designing with gold filled and gold vermeil as well though. Copper patinas beautifully and I love mixing it with silver, especially my Hill Tribe silver. That also brings down the cost of a finished piece.

With metals soaring it allows someone who might not be able to afford silver alone to buy a piece of mixed metal jewelry at a more affordable price. Besides that they do look wonderful together not that copper can't stand on it's own. It can.

Inspirational Beading: What makes your bead selection stand out from other craft supplies shops?

Holly: Besides carrying the "staples" I chose a large variety of beads and findings I love. If something doesn't make my heart happy I don't offer it. My selection is huge. I have to slap my hand sometimes before clicking Order as I have so many assorted items already. I don't think you'll find this variety in many shops. I've had customers comment they can find all of their metals with me.

Inspirational Beading: Most beaders are familiar with the emotion that comes from selling a finished design. How does it feel when you well something that will become a beautiful work of art?

Holly: Some of my customers email me pictures of their designs and that is always so gratifying. I love hearing from them and seeing what they create. Sometimes I'll peek into one of their shops and just be awed. My only complaint is that I rarely have time now to design myself. Here I'm surrounded by all of this great material and hardly using any myself. My head swims with ideas...

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite thing to make with the supplies you carry?

Holly: Presents for my mom! I love to make her new necklaces and earrings. Since I rarely have designing time these days I tend to do more custom work.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have any plans for new products in 2011?

Holly: My main supplier comes out with a large supplement each year in January or February. You know I'll be adding from that. And every time I order Hill Tribe silver I find several new must have items as well!

Inspirational Beading: Can you recommend any great beading sites or books to help artists make the most of your products?

Holly: Most art shops offer coupons you can print online. We have an AC Moore here that comes out with a 50% off coupon frequently and I often go in and grab a book.

There are so many different types of jewelry designs that it would depend totally on what the designer enjoys doing. There are also a bazillion tutorials, free and otherwise, online for just about anything you can think of.

Want to see more? You can shop for beads and findings with Royal Metals on ArtFire and Etsy.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and RoyalMetals
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Favorite Beads: African Trade Beads

Today my guest is the designer behind the exotic and intriguing jewelry of SarasinArt. The elegantly rustic appeal of trade beads really make her designs stand out.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all-time favorite bead?

Sarasin: If I had to pick one type of beads to work with, it would be African trade beads. I love working with gem stones too, but the trade beads are my favorites.

I like them because there's so much involved in them. There's a culture and a set of techniques to make them that we in this country will never understand the depth of. The colors represent a continent that is mysterious and age-old in its ways, and so are the trade beads that the people from there produce.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite technique or method to use them?

Sarasin: I love to find different colors and combine them with other rustic and tribal components, like horn and bone, and use a lot of copper in the closures. Sometimes I make my own copper closures, to maintain the primitive style of the finished jewelry. I sometimes mix them with other things too, if I find things that seem to go well with them.

Inspirational Beading: Of all the creations you’ve made with these beads, which one is your favorite?

Sarasin: [Leopard Necklace and Earring Set] That is my favorite ever, because I found a cat that seemed to blend so well with the particular beads I combined it with. That set sold at a show about 2 weeks after I made it. It was something I had been tempted to keep.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have any tips for making the most of these beads?

Sarasin: Making the most of them, I believe, is understanding their origin, and explaining to the customer about their origin. These beads are made in Ghana in a labor intensive old way, in wood fired kilns. The molds are hand made, the kiln is hand made, the glass is recycled glass that's gathered up, and sometimes the bead makers have to travel many miles to get the wood to fire the kilns.

Then there are procedures to make the beads, a wooden stick placed in the center of the glass which burns away to create the bead hole....returning the colorful ones to the kiln many times to set each new application of color. These beads are both a source of income in an impoverished area and a labor of love that is centuries old.

When I tell my customers the stories about the beads, people like knowing the history of the piece they're buying; it adds to the "thing" being just a pretty thing, and then when they wear the jewelry, they can tell the stories again. People like that.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite bead or material to pair these with?

Sarasin: Mostly other natural and primitive materials: bone and horn, and also some brass trade beads made in another area of Africa, Ajiba in the Ivory Coast. And copper findings and copper beads go well with them, the best, I think.

Inspirational Beading: If you were stranded on the moon, and you could have only one kind of bead with you, would you choose these?

Sarasin: Oh, what a thought! I would be stranded with trade beads, because they would give me inspiration, that even when times are tough, you can make good things happen!

Inspirational Beading: In your opinion, what is the best source for these beads?

Sarasin: I buy the majority of my African trade beads from a non-profit organization that operates from here, also has an employee and volunteers in Ghana, and buys the beads directly from the bead makers.

The lady who runs the organization is strongly dedicated to helping the people of the Krobo area of Ghana to improve their lives. There are fewer hands in the transactions when I buy beads from her, and that leaves a large portion of the funds in the hands of the bead makers. I like that concept. The organization is called Soul of Somanya.

You can see even more inspired creations at SarasinArt on Wordpress!


Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and SarasinArt
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Favorite Beads: Semi-precious Stones

Today, my guest is the wonderful designer behind Joan Hunter Handmade, who shares her love of nature’s colorful treasures.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all-time favorite bead?

Joan: I had such a hard time choosing a favorite! I’m sure my fellow bead-addicts understand! Lampwork, gemstone chips, crystal, ceramic... the list goes on and on, and I love them all! If I really have to choose just one type of bead, I would say I tend to covet semi-precious gemstone beads the most.

I am fascinated by the range of colors and textures that come from natural stones! There are some stones you look at and think they can’t possibly be a result of nature. Sunstone for instance, with all of that glitter and sparkle throughout, you’d think it was man-made, but it is just another one of nature’s stunning, original creations!

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite technique or method to use them?

Joan: My very first step is to research the myths and legends that surround the type of stone I am using. You will find that most stones have some sort of legend or origin myth linked with them. Amethyst, for example, has a very interesting Greek myth associated with how it attained its name and color.

These stories often inspire me in how I use the beads and what I create with them. Many people also feel that various types of stones have mystical and/or healing properties, and as a die-hard romantic, I am very attracted to that idea. When using gemstone chips, I like to use many strands woven together or braided as in this Green Peridot and Pink Cherry Quartz Multi-Strand Necklace.

Inspirational Beading: Of all the creations you’ve made with these beads, which one is your favorite?

Joan: My “Last Frost” necklace, contrasted the ethereal frosty blue hues of natural amazonite beads with large pink cherry quartz chips.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have any tips for making the most of these beads?

Joan: Definitely. With all the incredible variety available in terms of color and shape, it’s easy to get swept up in using only the eyes to guide your designs, but the stones have much more to say when you hold them in your hands and get a sense for their weight, hardness, how they react to the temperature of a human body, how they will hang when strung, etc.

It is amazing to think about what forces within the earth took place to create each and every one of these beautiful gems. Each one will have quite a tale to tell, and it is a story worth reflecting in any design in which they are used.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite bead or material to pair these with?

Joan: I find that various metals look fantastic with gemstone beads. Copper and turquoise are a favorite pairing of mine!

Inspirational Beading: If you were stranded on the moon, and you could have only one kind of bead with you, would you choose these?

Joan: Yes I would definitely choose these! I can picture myself happily beading on the moon using earth’s treasures, and looking around for moon rocks to incorporate!

Inspirational Beading: In your opinion, what is the best source for these beads?

Joan: There are several great ways to get your hands on these beauties, but I have recently become aware of one thing to avoid - buying from suppliers who source their stone beads cut in factories where their workers become ill from silicosis (by inhaling the dust it creates). The problem can be easily prevented by employing the use of respirators, but many third-world countries do not have labor laws in place that would compel factories to live up to such a standard.

If possible, try to buy domestically cut stones for this reason. Unfortunately, the gem trade in general has more than it’s fair share of ecological and ethical issues, something to keep in mind when looking to add to your bead stash.

To see more colorful and mythical gemstone designs, you can visit Joan Hunter Handmade on ArtFire, and Zibbet.

Copyright 2010 Inspirational Beading and Joan Hunter

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