Bead Spotlight: Teardrops

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s your favorite treatment for teardrop beads?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and BigHugeLabs
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading

Favorite Techniques: Wrapped Loops

One of the most simple and versatile jewelry making techniques is the wrapped loop - a great way to connect and showcase beads of all kinds. Today my guest, Chrisy Bossie of earthegy, shares some insight into this essential method.

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

Chrisy: Of all the things I love to do, wire wrapping small gems and rondelles into the clasp of a necklace chain would have to be my favorite. There’s no reason the back of a necklace shouldn’t be as beautiful as the front. It’s like having a romantic secret…it may be hidden under your hair, or behind your collar, but you know it’s there, making the nape of your neck just a bit more beautiful.

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

Chrisy: I’d actually never thought of doing it until I bought a sterling chain for myself from another artist’s store for myself for Christmas. When it arrived there were crystals wrapped into the clasp, and it was a completely unexpected pleasure.

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

Chrisy: My favorites vary by day, but this is current one, inspired by Valentine’s Day and spring love: Pink Tourmaline and Pyrite Choker.

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

Chrisy: All it takes is learning to wire wrap loops and making sure the gems you incorporate are small enough to fit through a pendant loop. I definitely recommend starting with a high gauge wire in a base metal before moving onto sterling so you can perfect your technique. Once you move on to sterling, it’s less difficult, because sterling is easier to work with. I also use dead soft sterling wire—it bends into beautiful shapes and hardens as you work with it.

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

Chrisy: I prefer faceted gemstones in a rondelle shape because they catch the light and sparkle, but I don’t discriminate. I’ve used jade, pearls, pyrite…whatever colors and shapes fit into the overall design.

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

Chrisy: I would definitely recommend learning how to make wire wrapped loops. Wire wrapping allows for a stronger piece and it’s a versatile technique that can be used in a lot of ways in a design. I also think it’s 100 times more attractive than a simple jump ring, which can easily be torn apart.

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

Chrisy: The wrapped loop tutorial on the Artbeads website was the easiest place for me…after that, it’s trial and error and a lot of practice to keep your wire wrapping uniform and straight.

You can see more unique designs like these at earthegy on ArtFire and Facebook.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and earthegy
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading

A Bracelet a Week: Spring Spiral

When I started this weekly bracelet challenge, I knew it would only be a matter of time before I would make a Cellini spiral bangle. So, I thought I’d get it out of the way early, while I still had lots of beads to choose from.

I had to study my bead stash for awhile, before choosing just the right color combination. A spiral bangle requires as much as 11 inches of beadwork, which means lots and lots of 8/o and 6/o seed beads. I had to decide which colors I wanted to use up completely.

I started with canary yellow 8/o Miyukis. I had basically been saving up two 10 gram packs for just such a project. After I added some pink lined transparent blue 6/o beads, I could see a fun springtime palette emerging. So, I selected some aqua sea foam green 11/o’s. I keep these beads in my Blue and Purple bead tray, but against the other two bead colors, they are definitely an Easter green.

This bracelet finished up just in the nick of time. I had only one - one! - 6/o bead left when I joined the ends of the beadwork to form the bangle. I guess that means it was meant to be.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading

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
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading

Book Spotlight: Beading on Fabric

The art of bead embroidery is similar in many ways to both on and off-loom beadwork. All you need is some thread and beads, and an idea. The only real difference is that beads are sewn to a base, instead of to each other.

Bead embroidery can be used for many different types of projects, including jewelry, home décor items like pillows and curtains, wall art, and clothing for dolls or people. The techniques used can vary by the materials, and the results are always stunning.

Of all the beading resources I’ve read that cover these techniques, Beading on Fabric by Larkin Jean Van Horn is by far the best. It covers all of the basics and more, providing plenty of inspiration for anyone who loves to create with beads.

The Tools and Materials chapter begins with a thorough description of fabrics in three categories: heavyweight, medium-weight and lightweight. Common fabric types that artists may want to use are recommended for each type – leather, wool, cotton and silk are just a few. Interfacings and backings also get a recommendation for some types of projects.

Then it’s on to threads, needles, glue and scissors. Larkin also provides plenty of information about working on embroidery hoops and frames, storing beads and creating a comfortable work space. Beads get a chapter all their own, with 18 pages of descriptions, full color photographs, and beautiful example projects to show off what beads and fabric can do together.

The Getting Started section is a fantastic read, essential for the beginner. The tips or “rules” of bead embroidery can help even newbies understand the basics of this beautiful art form, and jump into projects with confidence.

Beading on Fabric provides diagrams and step by step instructions for 10 different embroidery stitch styles, plus fringe techniques that range from simple strands to complex netting. And no beading book would be complete without a section on incorporating and finishing cabochons. Larkin’s cabochon instructions are incredibly thorough and easy to follow.

With a final chapter of helpful tips on painting fabric and creating frames, this book covers just about everything you need to know about getting started with bead embroidery. The project gallery is so inspiring, you might be tempted to start looking around for pretty fabrics wherever you go.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
Larkin Jean Van Horn and Interweave Press
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading