Favorite Techniques: Soutache and Bead Embroidery

Whenever new beading or jewelry materials come on the scene, it’s always exciting to see where designers will take them. One of the most amazing developments in recent years is soutache and bead embroidery. Beaders who are working with this amazing technique create designs that look like pure magic. Marthe of Poland-based Ozdoby Ziemi creates a wide variety of jewelry styles – each one a riot of color and curves.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite beading or jewelry technique?

Marthe: My favorite and inspiring technique of creation is a soutache embroidery. It took me a lot of time to express myself the way I want and the soutache embroidery is for me the most important and interesting. I started thinking about design, jewelry, vintage things as a teenager. Finally, I went to college to become a forester, but I still kept dreaming about making pretty things - I sketched designs. Then, four years ago I realized that I should to live what I love and I decided right then that is what I was going to do - my new goal was to make pretty things every day.

Soutache embroidery - it is a very labor-intensive technique and it requires precision. However, it is very grateful. This technique is exceptional, because it combines not only a shape and a design, but as well as the colors. You know, when you create a new piece, you link the particular soutache cords and then, you compose them with unlimited variety of stones. In this process you can create something unusual and unique! Thanks to this technique, you can express your vision overall, both in the large forms like necklaces as well as very small as tiny ornaments. Regardless of the form and size, the jewelry, made in this technique, impresses and catches the looks.

In my work I also use the elements of beading embroidery. I’m inspired by different things each season: nature, folk art, religious symbols, cults and subcultures, geometric figures, ancient art and nature, so every collection I make has its own style. I like to explore new areas within each collection. I respect and appreciate the Mother Nature’s color combinations and textures. I am also interested in traditional methods of jewelry creation, e.g. silver jewelry and I am looking for more information about jewelry silver technique.

Inspirational Beading: How did you first learn to do this technique?

Marthe: I am a self-taught. Almost 5 years ago, I found a jewelry made in this technique completely accidentally. At that time, there were very few people working in the soutache technique. Immediately, I was charmed and intrigued by this kind of jewelry. I decided to find out more about this technique. I found the information about this jewelry, and I decided to buy very basic materials to try to do something for myself. I had no problem with a needle because when I was a child I sewed clothes for my dolls. I watched every piece on the Internet and I learned how it was made. Practice makes perfect, so when I achieved a basic level I started to invent my own designs. With time, my technique and design were getting better, so I decided to looking for a better materials. When the first steps, I had no available tutorials, so I had to learn everything myself. Today, I think that it was good for me, because I had a possibility to express my own inner creativity.

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

Marthe: I have the several favorite pieces that I love. Each of them is different and brings other emotions. I spend most of my time brainstorming and doing rough concept sketches. I enjoy this process, as it allows me to free my mind and express myself fully. I use a sketchbook to draw out my ideas, then I gather my materials. But my favorite part of the creative process is watching how the finished pieces end up - they are always a bit different than I planned. That’s part of the fun, and it makes for a great surprise at the end.

I have got two the most favorite pieces that I created in a soutache technique. These are two exceptional necklaces. I like them the most, because in the creation of them, I put a lot of work, time and imagination. I sacrificed them many hours of hard work: sewing, matching stones and joining elements, but - in my opinion – it was worth of it. I'm proud of them. One of them is ivory-colored necklace - ideal for unconventional bride, the second is a kiwi-necklace (I awarded the second place in the competition), inspired by a kiwi fruit.

Inspirational Beading: Can you share any tips for getting started?

Marthe: For getting started:

1. Firstly, if you want to work in this technique, you must be very patient, because the first works are never perfect. You should buy good kinds of materials (high quality strings, threads and a needle - very thin and sharp). Our skills we acquired through exercise, so never give up when your work is not ideal. Never throw away the first works, because through them you can see your progress you made!

2. If you want to start create jewelry you must select stones and ornaments that are drilled. It will be easier for you to sew them to strings. After that, you can use cabochons in the next stages of learning.

3. We learn by observing others, so follow others works and artists. It is very helpful to understand and learn the techniques, but remember - never copy the work of others!

Inspirational Beading: If someone had to choose to learn only one technique, would you recommend this one?

Marthe: If you had only enough time and patient, I recommend this technique. Thanks to them you can play with shapes, colors, space (3D projects). Soutache technique is used not only to create a spectacular jewelry, but to make many useful things. You can decorate your clothes (dresses applications), make a beautiful lampshades, bookmarks or even - images.

You can also make something special for others! In Poland we have The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity. One year ago, I and my friends, who love soutache technique, we created a beautiful breastplate and show bridle (pieces of riding equipment used on horses) to help sick children.

Inspirational Beading: What is your least favorite thing about working with this technique?

Marthe: Soutache jewelry is usually one-sided. To protect them you must finish them, where necessary with leather, felt, lace or alacantara (back) and also you must impregnate them with Professional Nano Fabric Protection which also protects from damp. Thanks to that, you will be able to enjoy their beauty for a long time after the purchase.

This stage of creation is the least liked by me, because the process is over and you only need to fine-tune all nicely and finishing off the pieces. However, when this step is completed, you can really enjoy the final effect of the jewelry you made.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite color or color combination to use it with?

Marthe: I do not have a favorite set of the colors, because I like to mix and match colors in different - sometimes surprising - combinations. It gives me joy and it is also an awesome fun. Very often, the source of inspiration for me is the shape, color and structure of stones, minerals or beads. I choose the strings in this way to best bring out the beauty or the color of the mineral. As you know, quite often I use turquoise color, I like to mix it with many other colors to create something unusual.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all-time favorite material or bead to use in your work?

Marthe: I most like to use in my work natural minerals, the highest quality materials, precious stones, soutache, silver beautifully stained precious and semi-precious. I use also crystals and beads of glass, but I try to my jewelry was the most natural. It is associated with the message of my brand to create things closest nature, our environment. Hence the name of my brand - in direct translation 'Ozdoby Ziemi' (from Polish to English) means 'The Ornaments from the Earth'.

Inspirational Beading: Who do you hope to inspire with your designs?

Marthe: My collection of handmade jewelry is dedicated to the exceptional women, who appreciate the beauty and originality. My shop - Ozdoby Ziemi - offers mainly unique earrings, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, rings in various styles, sizes and colors. If you're looking for exceptional ooak jewellery and you want to express yourself with jewelry you wear - you're in the right place!

You can see more of Marthe’s beautiful soutache work in her Etsy shop Ozdoby Ziemi. You can also follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for her latest inspirations and creations!

Mortira

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Copyright 2016 Inspirational Beading and Ozdoby Ziemi

Favorite Techniques: Bead Embroidery

The line between bead lovers and bead horders can be very thin – if it exists at all – and there’s no doubt that bead embroidery is one of the best techniques for sustaining our obsession. No matter what your favorite materials are, there’s an application for them in bead embroidery.

Today’s guest is Ann of Soulshine Studio bead shop in Corning, New York. Her bead embroidery designs feature a gorgeous array of unique materials such as shibori ribbon, cabs, drops and unique focal pieces.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite beading or jewelry technique?

Ann: My absolute favorite technique is bead embroidery. I love it so much, I dream about new projects, and I have piles of beads that are intended for specific ideas - who knows if I'll ever get to all of them? I look at my projects like paintings, the beads are paint. Bead size, color, finish - they're all important to the outcome. Where the beads are placed in relation to each other is key to a good design. Placement can change the look of the beads, and eventually the look of the whole piece.

Inspirational Beading: How did you first learn to do this technique?

Ann: I learned on my own. I saw pieces that others had made, and I wanted to try. I really didn't know what I was doing, so my first attempts were a bit wobbly. I borrowed books from the library, and learned so much! I then purchased a couple of books to use as reference, one by Margie Deeb about color theory, and one by Sherri Serafini and Heidi Kummli on bead embroidery techniques. I still have those - they're well worn! Last year I went to the Colorado Bead Retreat and took workshops by Sherri and Heidi, and I learned so much more! It was thrilling to meet them, and to ask quesions specific to my own work. They both helped me grow, and my beadwork is better today for having had the chance to speak with them, show them my work, and get honest feedback. I would recommend taking a class or workshops with teachers that you admire. It's a great way to learn more not only about the technical aspect, but also about your own work and style.

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

Ann: My absolute favorite is the 'King Hummingbird' cuff bracelet. I love the colorway: the gunmetal and black and grey. I love the textures. The flow of the shibori ribbon I used in the cuff just seemed so natural as it all came together. It practically made itself, and it sold almost immediately. I had posted it on Facebook, and I had a request for it the day after it sold, so I made another quite similar to it. One of these days, I'll make one for me!

Inspirational Beading: Can you share any tips for getting started?

Ann: Jump in! Just try it, really. So many people say they don't think they could ever do it, and I thought the same thing before I tried it. Find a 2-3 inch stone or cabochon that you love, go to the library or online and read up on some pointers, then go for it. And remember that practice makes perfect. Using thread means working with tension, not just in beadweaving but bead embroidery as well. The direction you point your needle when you sew, where you place the needle in relation to the beads, all of these things are important and make a difference. You should understand that only by doing will you learn.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite material or color to use it with?

Ann: My favorite colors seem to be dark. Gunmetal, antique bronze, antique copper mixed with deep jewel tones are my go to colors. I feel like they're mysterious, they create tension and depth. I've recently started using shibori ribbon as well, which I adore. The folds of the silk, the variations in each piece, the flow of the colors into one another all add wonderful texture to bead embroidery pieces. Midnight Borealis is my favorite color of shibori ribbon - it's a deep grey dyed over with deep green, blue, and purple. Perfect!

Inspirational Beading: If someone had to choose to learn only one technique, would you recommend this one?

Ann: I would absolutely recommend learning bead embroidery. It's versatile. You can take your piece in any direction you choose. With so many styles of beads on the market today, you could make the same piece using different beads over and over, and come out with totally unique pieces. Adding shibori ribbon or lampwork focal beads or Swarovski crystals will add variety as well. You could make earrings, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, headbands, barrettes, rings, tapestries...the possibilities are endless.

Inspirational Beading: What is your least favorite thing about working with this technique?

Ann: My least favorite thing about working with this technique is the time it takes. I have so many ideas, so many things that I want to create, and because of the size of the beads, they take hours and hours. A cuff bracelet typically takes 20 hours, earrings can take 4-5 hours. My biggest piece took about 50 hours.

You can see more of Ann’s bead embroidery creations at her Etsy shop and bead store website, Soulshine Studio. For more inspiration, follow the store on Facebook

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading and Soulshine Studio
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Favorite Techniques: Soutache Embroidery

The beautiful organic patterns and shapes created with soutache and bead embroidery are always a wonder to behold. The combination of unique focals and exciting color palettes used by Suzanne of French Mermaid Collection perfectly showcase the potential of this lovely technique.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite technique?

Suzanne: I specialize in Hand-Embroidered Soutache Jewelry. I first became enchanted by soutache jewelry when I first saw "Helen of Troy" by Anneta Valious. It reminded me of the beautiful fine hand stitching that I learned from my grandmother in France when I was very young. She was a true artist with needle and thread.

I start with an idea in my minds eye and apply fine hand stitching. The creative process takes over as beads are lovingly cradled within more layers of soutache braids. I never know what the finished product will look like, but I'm always pleased with the results.

Inspirational Beading: How did you first learn to do soutache embroidery?

Suzanne: Actually my love of embroidery and beadwork were a natural. I had been doing both for so many years that when I saw the possibility of melding the two, it all came together.

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

Suzanne: “Sunset” is one of my favorites. The sea shells are a beautiful natural orange coral in color of Florida sea scallops that I've only seen on the near-by beaches of Marco Island, Florida. They work so well as focals enhanced with Swarovski pearls and crystals, complimentary soutache braid and copper-tone metallic braid and beads.

Inspirational Beading: Can you share any tips for getting started with soutache embroidery?

Suzanne: Find someone who is skilled in fine needlework and take lessons until you are comfortable with the results. Start with small things like hankies, pillow cases, tea towels, etc. Or, if you’re a do-it-yourselfer check out embroidery books and YouTube tutorials.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite material or color to use it with?

Suzanne: Since I specialize in Hand-Embroidered Soutache Jewelry, soutache braid is an integral and essential part of my materials list. Though I use a wide pallet of colors, metallic gold is dear to my heart.

Inspirational Beading: If someone had to choose to learn only one technique, would you recommend this one?

Suzanne: Only if they have a strong background in fine stitching such as embroidery and lots of patience. I personally love this technique. It has a very calming effect for me.

Inspirational Beading: What is your least favorite thing about soutache embroidery?

Suzanne: Only one thing: holding several of the narrow soutache braids in alignment while trying to keep them smoothly together as I begin stitching can be extremely challenging.

Inspirational Beading: Do you use any variations? Which one is your favorite?

Suzanne: I use a variety of focals or center cabochons: Imported hand-carved cameo’s, semi-precious stones, glass covered ephemera cabochons (that I make myself), found sea shells and sand dollars, any lovely and unique item that catches my attention that well incorporates with my design.

To see more gorgeous soutache jewelry designs, check out Suzanne’s blog French Mermaid Collection.

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading and Suzanne C. Suber
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Favorite Techniques: Peyote Stitch

It’s one of the first bead weaving techniques that beginners want to master, one of the most commonly used stitches in beadwork, and a friend to seed beads of all shapes and sizes. Today our guest, Krafty Max, talks about the wonders of peyote stitch.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all time favorite beading technique?

Krafty Max: For me it is a really hard choice between herringbone and peyote, but I think I will have to say Peyote.

Inspirational Beading: How do you first learn to use peyote stitch?

Krafty Max: I am not really sure, I started stranding when I was between 4-5 years old, but I have creations that were done with the peyote stitch as far back as around 7, so somewhere in that time. If I really want to feel old I'll tell you that 'around' 7 was over 35 years ago!

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

Krafty Max: One of my most recent creations is definitely my favorite. This creation is a piece of artwork and with over 40,000 beads and 120+ hours it is also my largest. It was designed and created for several beading contests (still to be announced if I was a winner). The story and photos are here : Reaching Tranquility Miniature Dressing Screen.

Inspirational Beading: Can you share any tips for getting started with peyote stitch?

Krafty Max: When I first started teaching peyote stitch to people it was very hard to explain, but then one of those amazing things happened and the tip just came to me! I always tell people to look at peyote stitch like it is a zipper. The teeth fit into each other - one up and one down - until the next row that is - one down and one up. It is the most amazing feeling to watch students faces as they are stitching to have that 'aw ha' moment when it all fits (pun intended) together!

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite material or color to use it with?

Krafty Max: For me there is just no substitution to Delica Seed beads. I have tried other brands and types, but the quality just isn't the same! I always explain to students that seeds beads come in two types: basic seed beads that are shaped like doughnuts, and then there are Delica seed beads that are shaped like cut straws.

Inspirational Beading: If someone had to choose to learn only one technique, would you recommend this one?

Krafty Max: Yes and no. Yes, it is a great stitch, but if someone were only learning one stitch I would recommend RAW (Right Angle Weave). It is much more versatile and can be used with just about any bead type or size. It also is very easy to learn to increase and decrease with RAW.

Inspirational Beading: What is your least favorite thing about this peyote stitch?

Krafty Max: The least favorite thing about Peyote Stitch is that it is only flexible in one direction. It is very flexible in one direction, but the other way is very stiff.

Inspirational Beading: Do you use any variations? Which one is your favorite?

Krafty Max: Yes, I do single, double, triple and even quad-drop peyote. I personally like single and double about the same. The only big factor to which one I will use is the designing of the patterns I am going to use (I design all my own patterns, as well).

You can see more peyote stitch creations and beadwork jewelry at the Krafty Max Originals blog, and on ArtFire

Check out Inspirational Beading featured on Krafty Max Manic Monday

Copyright 2013 Inspirational Beading and Krafty Max Originals
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Favorite Techniques: Soutache

If you love to incorporate fabric, fibers, or ribbon into your jewelry designs, or just want to try something new and fabulous, soutache embroidery may be just the technique for you. You may already be familiar with the beautiful, curvy designs created with this unique material. Today’s guest, Amee K. Sweet-McNamara, was recently featured on the cover of Bead&Button magazine for her gorgeous aqua soutache necklace, along with a soutache earring tutorial for beginners.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all time favorite jewelry technique?

Amee: Soutache & Bead Embroidery is my absolute all-time favorite jewelry-making technique. I've always lusted after fabric and trims - when I was little, I hoarded scraps of ribbon and rick-rack from my mom's sewing projects. I didn't know what to do with them but just having them in a box, taking them out and sorting them, rolling them up, running my fingers over them gave me joy. Soutache is really just a type of braid so, I'm essentially making jewelry out of the textiles I've always loved.

Inspirational Beading: How did you first learn about soutache?

Amee: I was an obsessive bead embroidery fiend for years. Searching for new ideas and patterns on the Internet one day, I stumbled over this grainy little photograph of - what? - I wasn't sure... Didn't look like beads... didn't look exactly like embroidery either... everything written about the image was in another language (Polish? Russian? Who knows?!) and the only word that was repeated more than once was the word "soutache." I had no idea what that was so, I started digging.

When I finally figured out that it was Russia braid, off I went to Jo-Ann's Fabrics where I was delighted to discover that I could have any color of soutache I wanted as long as it was white, black or red. Undaunted, I purchased my yardage and went home to begin experimenting, trying to wrangle these long, tangly cords into something resembling the mysterious image I had seen. I tried and discarded a number of techniques including but not limited to gluing, pinning and gluing down onto a substrate and trying to whip-stitch everything from the back like it was a basket or a braided rug.

It took a few months before I finally worked out the basics of the technique I use today. It's funny - I've been doing it this way for so long now but - in truth - the only other Soutache and Bead Embroidery Artists I've ever met are the ones I taught to do it... I'd love to meet another Soutache & Bead Embroidery Artist and see how they do it!

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

Amee: I make a lot of work and - in general - I don't build pieces I don't like, but my absolute favorites are the ones with unexpected color combinations. Right now, I'm working on series of pieces called "Bollywood Wedding" and each time I make something new in this particular colorway I think, "Well, that's it... that's the best one ever... " and then I pick up the colors and something even juicier starts to take shape.

Bollywood Wedding Soutache Necklace

Inspirational Beading: Can you share any tips for getting started with soutache embroidery?

Amee: Don't be stingy with your soutache! Of all of the things you will use in this craft - soutache, beads, Ultrasuede and, of course, your time - soutache is probably one of the least expensive! There is nothing more frustrating than spending hours stitching together a piece only to have it ruined because the very ends of your soutache braids are completely frayed. Always cut your lengths longer than you think you're going to need them. If you trim off a few inches and throw them away every time, you're doing it right.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite color to work with?

Amee: My mother's god-mother always used to say, "Just so you know... anything green is mine." There is something so wonderfully versatile about the color and its ability to shift from warm to cool. In particular, I am a sucker for Chartreuse. Give me any opportunity to slip a little of that into a project and I'm all over it. I'm also partial to Rust and Purple. Hmmm... I now feel compelled to go back into my studio and make something Chartreuse and Rust and Purple... I'll call it "My Interview Suit."

Inspirational Beading: What's your favorite type of bead or embellishment?

Amee: In Soutache & Bead Embroidery, most of the beads are essentially "wrapped" by the soutache which means that very little light can pass through them. Consequently - while I love crystal and translucent beads of all kinds - I am constantly on the lookout for opaque beads or pieces that have enough sparkle, decoration or texture to hold their own in the work. I particularly like the luminosity of freshwater pearls and mother-of-pearl beads.

Inspirational Beading: If someone had to choose to learn only one technique, would you recommend this one?

Amee: Oh, I would so recommend Soutache & Bead Embroidery primarily because - unlike many other crafts - Soutache & Bead Embroidery is in its infancy. New techniques are being developed every day and the possibilities are limitless. I regularly wake up in the middle of the night with new ideas and I simply cannot create them as fast as I can imagine them. Beautiful creations are being posted constantly so, there is an enormous space in which artists can make their own mark on the craft.

Inspirational Beading: In your opinion, what is the best way for beginners to learn this technique?

Amee: Everyone learns differently but one of the most important things to get across in Soutache & Bead Embroidery is the understanding of thread tension. A book with really good step-by-step photography can go a long way toward getting this across but there's nothing like getting to see the actual movement. A class is always great because a good teacher can accommodate a number of different learning styles and demonstrate the movements several times.

A video, on the other hand, is less expensive, more accessible and has the benefit of being able to be played over and over again. In my humble opinion, my 40 minute video Soutache & Bead Embroidery - Lesson #1 - Basic Harp Earrings is the best video for the English-speaking market.

You can see more of Amee’s incredible soutache designs, and learn about the techniques she uses on her website - Amee Runs with Scissors. She also offers tutorials, kits, and soutache embroidery supplies, plus resources for finding materials and learning more about soutache jewelry.

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Amee K. Sweet-McNamara
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Favorite Techniques: Friendship Bracelets

Today my guest is Michele of Quiet Mischief - a fantastic two-artist team creating stunningly intricate and clever jewelry designs.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all time favorite beading or jewelry technique?

Michele: I make friendship bracelets, which may seem pretty simple. I mean, everyone's made friendship bracelets, right? You get a few threads, make overhand knots for a while, and you're done. But the truth is that there's a whole world of knotting that most people who make the bracelets never get to. My current favorite technique is the second one I learned: alpha knotting. It is most known for making it easy to write words in a friendship bracelet, but I like it more for the ease of making pictures.

Inspirational Beading: How do you first learn to use this technique?

Michele: I first learned about the alpha style from my mother, who is the source of most of my craftiness. She had taught me how to make friendship bracelets when I was little, and when I showed a renewed interest in my late teenage years she showed me the tutorial she had found on the internet on how to knot letters into a bracelet. Later, after trying to use the traditional knotting style to make a bracelet with a flower pattern, I returned to the alpha technique and found it to be much better at accomplishing what I wanted.

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

Michele: This is a tough choice, but I have to go with my (currently) most technically advanced bracelet: my American flag bracelet. I designed the whole thing myself, including a couple of new techniques to make it possible. It's as accurate as I can make it, down to the 13 stripes and 50 stars.

Inspirational Beading: Can you share any tips for getting started with this method?

Michele: First of all, I recommend already having some practice with the traditional friendship bracelet knotting technique. Inconsistent tension (some knots too tight, some knots too loose, few just right) will be much more obvious in an alpha bracelet, so it's best to get those problems out of the way beforehand. Once you're ready, start with simple letters or pictures and use only two colors until you're more comfortable with the technique.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite material or color to use it with?

Michele: Most people who do friendship bracelets stick with embroidery floss, other craft thread, or hemp. I have also tried knotting with yarn, ribbon, and leather cord. Leather cord is fun because it's so new to me and everyone else, and I love knotting ribbon chokers, but for alpha bracelets there's nothing like good old embroidery floss. I use DMC brand and appreciate the huge range of colors available to me.

Inspirational Beading: If someone had to choose to learn only one technique, would you recommend this one?

Michele: Probably not. As much fun and versatile as alpha knotting is, it's rather difficult to master and much more so if one doesn't have a foundation in the traditional knotting style.

Inspirational Beading: In your opinion, what is the best way for beginners to learn this technique?

Michele: One of my long-term goals for my craft and my business is to write my own friendship bracelet book. Until that comes out, this friendship bracelet tutorial is the most comprehensive I have yet seen, with pictures and videos to illustrate the step-by-step instructions.

You can see even more amazing micro-macramé, and delightful sculptural duct-tape jewelry at Quiet Mischief on Etsy and DeviantArt, plus stay in touch with artists Michele and Lissi on Facebook and Twitter. Michele also offers plenty of tips and insights into crafting and jewelry business on her blog, Quiet Mischief and Company.

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Quiet Mischief and Company
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Favorite Techniques: Tubular Braiding with Wire Tutorial

Today we have a very special treat for beaders who love to work with wire! Lisa Van Herik of Woven Wire Studio is a talented designer, creating gorgeous dimensional jewelry and sculpture with wire. She has been working with a variety of techniques and mediums over the last 20 years, and has been featured in museums and galleries, along with her own self publish instructional books. Lisa’s favorite technique is an original wire weaving concept, or tubular braiding. It’s beautiful, versatile, and great for beginners and experts alike.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all time favorite beading or jewelry technique?

Lisa: Of all of the various and plentiful wire jewelry making techniques, my favorite is called Crown Sinnet Braiding. While this is a technique I originally adapted from a wheat weaving how-to book, it’s also a little-known wire jewelry making technique. The weave produced from this technique is essentially a type of round braiding and produces a very lovely, sophisticated woven jewelry product. I’ve spent several years testing, developing and adapting this highly versatile and speedy technique for wire jewelry making.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite material to use it with?

Lisa: I’ve always worked in sterling and fine silver wires but given their expense today, copper wire would be my preferred wire for working this technique. Copper is a rather soft material making it a pleasure to work wire. It’s also relatively inexpensive and an excellent wire to begin wire smithing with. Copper wire is also easily available from hardware stores like Ace and comes in small bundles perfect for wire smithing. Adding a darkening patina (color enhancer) to the copper after weaving also gives it a richer look.

Inspirational Beading: If someone had to choose to learn only one technique, would you recommend this one?

Lisa: If I had to recommend only one technique to learn, this would be the one. Why? It is so very simple to learn, exceptionally fast and lends itself easily to making a wide variety of jewelry including neck rings, necklaces, earrings, pendants and bracelets. Anyone, regardless of skill level, can learn this quickly. It’s also very simple to add beads into the weave and vary the look of the weaves you can get by changing the gauges (thicknesses) and types of wires you use.

Inspirational Beading: How can beginners learn this technique?

Lisa: The best way for beginners to learn this wonderful technique is probably to follow the steps in the short tutorial below. Understand that you can change the size of the hole inside your woven wire tube by changing the size of the dowel that you weave onto. Once you finish this first tutorial, you can do amazing things with this technique and beads.

Crown Sinnet Tubular Braiding With Wire Tutorial

Cleaning and Preparing Your Wire

Step 1: Begin by cutting four 9 inch long strands of 22 gauge copper. It’s always a good idea to clean your wire before beginning a weave. That way, it will be much easier to “fine” clean your finished woven piece. While there are many good liquid jewelry cleaners out there, I use Tarnex (in a well ventilated area) to initially clean the wire, followed by a using a polishing cloth. After I use the polishing cloth, I wipe away any residue with a paper towel.

Step 2: Setting up wires to weave. Using a hollow ¼ inch brass tube, tape each of four strands from Step 1 evenly spaced flush against the tube as shown in the picture below. Leave roughly ½ inch of wire sticking out the bottom (past the bottom of the tube).

If you’re using a brass tube, tuck the ends of the wire inside the bottom of the tube as shown.

Step 3: How to hold the wire to weave. Hold the taped end of the dowel with one hand and then grab any one of the four copper strands with the other hand

Begin to Weave

Step 1: Moving counter clockwise, gently place the strand in your hand across the next two strands.

The very next wire that you move in the next step will be Wire #3 (since it is directly behind the wire you just moved (Wire #1).

STEP 2: Complete the move. Immediately grab the strand behind the strand you just moved. (Original Wire #3).

Important Tip in Weaving: This is the most important move in this weaving process and the one that confuses people the most. Consider this: once you move a strand it now is located in a new position. The strand to move next is the one directly behind the strand you just moved into that new position.

Another important thing to do when moving strands, is to place or gently pull them into a tight weave, making sure all wires in the weave are close to one another.

It is also extremely important to keep all four of your wire strands at equal distances from one another around the dowel while you’re weaving. What this means is that once you move a wire strand into its new position, make sure you gently move the other wires to be equadistant from one another.

Step 3: Continue the weave. Move the new strand (ie; the one you just picked up behind the first strand you moved) across the next two strands in a counter clockwise motion.

Continue moving one strand over the next two strands, then pick up the strand directly behind where the first strand was moved.

Move this new strand over the next two strands, then pick up the strand directly behind the strand you just moved, etc. Continue in this fashion weaving around and up your dowel until you’ve completed the desired length of your woven tube. Once you’ve woven several times around your dowel, you should start seeing a pattern in the wire.

This is really an extremely simple weaving technique although you must remember to do it exactly as stated here to keep from confusing your strands. One of the things I do to keep on track is to grab the strand behind the one I just moved before I drop the one I just moved.

Important Note: When moving a strand across one of the other wires, try and pull the new wire that is being moved up just a bit, sliding it down the dowel before laying it on top of the next two wires.

You can find full instructions for wire braiding techniques on Lisa’s website, Beadifferent, along with more fun wirework techniques and ideas. For a fun and totally neat project preview, check out Lisa’s sugar cube bead tutorial video.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
Tutorial Copyright 2010 Lisa Van Herik
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Time Capsule: September 2008

Breakfast Set
by David K. Chatt

Three years ago this month, Inspirational Beading was actually a really boring place. I wasn’t bored, because I was working away at what I thought was going to be a really fantastic project. I was making a right angle weave cover for a little makeup bag, and I thought it was so clever when I came up with the idea.

After hours and days of stitching, I started to rethink my idea. And now, three years later, I have a confession to make. I never finished the project. I did enough that I could get a - really terrible! - picture to share, and then moved on to something that was a little less time consuming. I still have the half finished beadwork in my bead cupboard, waiting to be frogged or repurposed. I’m actually thinking it might make an appearance in the next Ugly Necklace Contest.

That RAW purse post was the only one for the entire month, and as awful as it seems now, looking back, it did have one worthy attribute - David K. Chatt. One of the very select group of world famous beaders, it was exciting to use a stitch that he created, with inspiration from one of his unique works of beaded art.

Taking a cue from that long ago beading and blogging mishap, I thought it would be fun to take a quick look at some of the other outstanding beaders and the techniques we know them best for. Their amazing designs prove that you can achieve anything if you care enough to put in the practice.

Sherri Serafini : Bead Embroidery




Valerie Hector : 3D Beadwork




Laura McCabe : Rivoli Beadwork




Heidi Kummli : Bead Embroidery




Diane Fitzgerald : Beaded Flowers




Margie Deeb : Graphic Loomwork

Do you have a favorite bead artist? How does their work inspire you?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Favorite Techniques: Beaded Washers

Sometimes, the beading techniques that we favor most are inspired by the use of a favorite material. Delica lovers are masters of peyote stitch. Chainmaille and jump rings go hand in hand. Today my guest, Tamara of Vanishing Pearl Jewelry, shares an insight into her favorite combination of technique and material - beaded washers.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all time favorite beading or jewelry technique?

Tamara: I don't necessarily have a favorite beading or jewelry technique. I believe that most designs will dictate the techniques used as you go along. However, I have recently been designing jewelry pieces that incorporate beaded washers! They are made using circular brick stitch with various embellishments. This is my current favorite line of jewelry.

Inspirational Beading: How did you decide to make this combination?

Tamara: I first came across washers as a design element while bored at Wal-Mart in the middle of the night. You can see the entire story behind beaded washers on my blog. Ever since then, I've had nothing but washers on my mind. I had learned circular brick stitch years ago, but it had never occurred to me to use something with a large hole in the middle rather than wrapping thread around a bead and going from there. This was a revelation for me and is still an experimental process.

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

Tamara: I'd have to say that Fire Powered Plumbing is still my favorite. This was my very first beaded washer piece and the most challenging to make. It was a finalist in the 2009 Fire Mountain Gems beading contest. This piece opened up a whole new set of possibilities for me, which I am constantly expanding upon.

Inspirational Beading: Can you share any tips for getting started with this method?

Tamara: Actually, I recently uploaded a free photo tutorial on my blog! It includes a material list and step by step instructions for one of many beaded washer designs. You can embellish them in any way you like or look out for more tutorials from me in the future.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite material to use it with?

Tamara: There is no need to just stop at washers! I have used rubber washers and rubber O rings. Go one step further and venture into your bead stash. There is a piece that I made using mother of pearl shell disks. I call it Jasmine Fancy. I plan on using stone donuts, glass donuts, lampwork discs, rondelle beads, and anything else I can get my hands on.

Inspirational Beading: If someone had to choose to learn only one technique, would you recommend this one?

Tamara: I would definitely recommend this as a beginning technique. Although the stitch is very easy, the uses are limited only by your imagination. The amount of variety is endless. I have even changed the color of the thread according to what looks best at the time. I'm sure that patinas and paints could be applied to washers to give them different effects. Plus, washers are lightweight and fairly inexpensive. That's always a bonus in my book!

You can see more unique beaded washer designs and inspirations at Vanishing Pearl on Etsy and Facebook. For more fun beading ideas and to see what’s new, visit Tamara’s blog, Vanishing Pearl.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Vanishing Pearl
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Favorite Techniques: Right Angle Weave

Sometimes you can tell, just by looking at an artist’s designs, that they absolutely love beads. This is the impression one gets while browsing through the creations at randomcreative. The artist, Rose, shares a little insight into a great way to use them.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all time favorite beading or jewelry technique?

Rose: It’s a tie between right angle weave and peyote stitch. I’ll be discussing right angle weave in this interview.

Inspirational Beading: Where/how do you first learn to use this technique?

Rose: I learned how to bead weave from beading books and tons of pictures online.

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

Rose: It is so hard to pick a favorite, but I really love my leafy series. I also love my button embellished series, which has a right angle base.

Inspirational Beading: Can you share any tips for getting started with this method?

Rose: The best advice that I can give is to start simple and then build on your technique. I made a lot of bracelets in this right angle weave design when I first started bead weaving: Petite Garden.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite material to use it with?

Rose: I love all sorts of Czech glass. I use a fair number of seed beads in almost all of my beadweaving pieces. For right angle work, I also use pressed Czech glass, lamp work, and gem stone chips fairly often. Of course many of pieces include plastic or metal buttons as well.

Inspirational Beading: If someone had to choose to learn only one technique, would you recommend this one?

Rose: Most beadweaving techniques are very versatile. Right angle weave is no exception. Once you have the basics of the stitch down, there is no end to the possibilities for designs that you can create.

Inspirational Beading: In your opinion, what is the best place for beginners to learn this technique?

Rose: The two books that I used most frequently when I started beadweaving were Getting Started with Seed Beadsby Dustin Wedekind and Mastering Beadworkby Carol Huber Cypher. Tammy Powley has a lot of great right angle weave techniques, too. I have a compilation book of hers from Barnes and Noble that isn’t available on online, but she has several books that are available on Amazon.

You can see more of these fun and bead-tastic designs on The Beadings and Buttons of Randomcreative or follow randomcreative on Facebook.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and randomcreative
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