i am interested in beading but i am unsure how to start. what are the essential beading materials and steps?

Question

essential beading materials, techniques and also helpful beading websites would be cool.

Answer 1

easiest way to start is to slowly build up a collection of small, glass beads [the cheap ones!] and begin to experiment with colour and pattern on beading string [ it looks a bit like fishing line but it is really stretchy]. you can give your early experimentations to children of friends or neighbourhood kids etc. earrings are also very simple to make and look sweet when mother and child have similar sets eg. child red and orange bracelet, mother red and orange earrings]
after you have that down pat start to use beading wire [you will need a good set of clamping pliers as well as wire cutters, crimps and clasps] and larger, more detailed beads to make elegant designs for gifts.

keep in mind that it is not a good idea to rush out and buy a whole lot of supplies for a whole lot of money until you are sure that you will be continuing this hobby for a while longer!

hope this helps

f xxx

Answer 2

Just buy what you can afford and what you think will look good together. I'd get some clasps and these things that I call clamshells that hold your beads and clasp fittings on. I use fishing line because it's cheap and strong. The thing about beading is that if you don't like something you can just take it off, no harm done. The best way to learn something like this is to just get going with it. Study jewelry that you like to see how it's made. Trust me, once you start, you'll constantly be thinking of cool projects to try. Where I live, Spokane, WA, we have this amazing place called Rings and Things that sells everything you could ever want, related to beading. I'm sure they have a website, or go to Micheals, who also offer all sorts of different craft classes. I'd say clasps, clamshells, fishing line, seed beads(the really tiny ones, for filling space) then bigger beads, stones or charms. Good Luck.

Answer 3

Well, as a beginner, u might want to stick with making braclets and necklaces out of cheap K-Mart beads and some string, u know, just to get the idea. 2 B a little more advanced, you could use a more durable (and maybe even a little more pricey) beads that u could fing @ a Hobbie shop or a craft store, but instead of stringing your beads on string, u could use some thin wire, that can also B found @ a Hobbie shop or a Hardware store or craft store,ect. but If u wanna go pro, start using fancier beads, then u can go 2 your local coffee shop, because they usually accept enthusiastic beaders and they should allow u to sell your necklaces, braclets, earrings, rings, and so on, @ their coffee shop. PS. If u dont have a coffee shop, try somewhere else, there are alot of places that will accept this kind of bussiness, hope this helps.

Answer 4

Hi there,

I work in a bead store and have people come in all the time wanting to know about the basics. My best suggestion would be to find a bead store in your area and visit it. That way you can get a hands on idea of what you will need. Most bead stores offer classes in the basics. I wouldn't rush out and buy a bunch of stuff until you know if you are going to like it. Beading can be a pricey hobby.

Answer 5

well as a start u can buy a few coloured beads and start making simple necklaces..then buying a few buks from the nearest store wud be a gud idea as well...Then u can go to Google n type beading ...u will get many search results which might be very useful to u... Enjoy doing this ! Even I used to do ...!

Answer 6

About.com has two or three different groups...one for jewelry, one for beading...and a good newsletter that comes out regularly. If you check firemountaingems.com they have a lot of tutorial stuff. Hobby Lobby usually has a lot of free jewelry pattern sheets around that department...most of the on line bead and jewelry places will have a tutorial section. Wigjig.com has literally hundreds of pages on jewelry making tutorials....hope this helps.

Answer 7

I don't know much on the subject, but my wife has been doing it for some time. She gets most of her supplies from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. I know they have a website because she orders from them all the time but I dont know the exact URL. Just search for "Fire Mountain Gems" and you should find it easily.

Answer 8

Been doing this art since high school.
Been working on my own collect for the past 2 years
These are the web sites i like to visit for inspiration
craftbits.com
allfreecrafts.com
familyfun.go.com
freecraftz.com
craftown.com
craftfreebies.com
HG TV also has some how to's from Carol Deval
as well as other shows on their network. They have video's and pictures, as well as step by step guides and a list of supplies. Great luck and God Bless as you create your one of a kind wearable art pieces.

Answer 9

Determine what you want to make.
Than choose the beads and tools at www.mybeadpoint.com
they have everything