8 Beading Tips - How to Make Your Beading Projects Easy and Fun

Beading is a great way to let your creative side out. And some beading projects

are very easy. You can easily make your own beaded necklace, bracelet or earrings.

Here are several important tips for beginner beaders that will help you avoid

common mistakes and make your beading projects easier and more fun.

1 Space your beads

Some types of beads especially semi-precious, Swarovski, glass and pearl beads

require a spacer between them. You have two options - make a simple knot between

your beads, or insert a decorative spacer. I prefer spacers, because they make

the design more interesting. It is best to use silver or gold spacers with expensive

beads - they won't loose the shine as they age.

2 Use a beading pattern

When you are just starting it is best to use a readily made beading pattern, rather than try to create your own design. Or you can just look for beading design ideas and inspiration online

3 Use a beading board

Before putting your beads on a wire lay them out on a jewelry layout board.

You can buy these boards in any shop that sells, craft supplies, beads and beading

tools. The board lets you see, how your design will work before you connect

everything. If you don't have a board, use a plain light bath towel, so your

beads don't scatter.

4 Don't let your beads roll

Even if you use a beading board, it is a good idea to cover the table you work

on with a towel. Beads rolling all over the table can drive you crazy, but a

towel will prevent it. Also, if you have a cat, cover your work with another

towel, if you leave even for a few minutes. My cat can destroy hours of work

in less then 30 seconds.

5 Cut enough string

If you are going to use knots, then cut the string 4 times longer than finished

project plus a few extra inches, otherwise 2 times longer. Also you can fold

your string twice or even four times, to make it stronger. This is particularly

true if you use heavy glass beads and large beads.

6 String color is important

Your don't always have to use white string, buy a string that matches the color

of your beads for this project. If you can't find a string in that particular

shade, take a white one and dye it, any permanent marker would do the job.

7 Be careful - strings stretch

In my first beaded necklaces I always had this problem - you finish a necklace,

than after a day of wearing it the string stretches and beads are no longer

tight together, looks awful. To avoid this, after all the beads are on, hang

your necklace for a day or so, than do the final knotting or attach clasps.

8 Secure the ends

Final knots are important, it is best to use square knots and tighten them

firmly. Then apply some jewelers glue to your knots and only after that cut

the loose ends

9 Be kind to your eyes

Beading for several hours can give you a bad eye strain, especially if you

are working with seed beads. So always have a good light on, a desk lamp is

best. Another useful tool would be a magnifying glass. It will also help keep

your project neat and avoid small mistakes.

Happy beading!


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