Beading Ideas

They say the most difficult part of art is coming up with a strong, compelling idea, one that will capture the viewer’s eye and hold it long enough to convey a message. This theory applies to all forms of art, from the most carefully crafted stone monuments to the simple arrangement of colored beads on a sheet of paper. The beauty of coming up with your own beading ideas is that you can create a 2D rough textured artwork that has the quality of an 8-bit computer. Or, if you don’t want to create a flat picture, there are literally hundreds of different things you can do with your beads.

It really is remarkable, when you think about it, how many beading ideas there actually are. With a little bit of string and some appropriately colored beads you can create anything from a turtle to a fish to a deer without any knowledge but a trivial understanding of knots.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that key chains are the only place anyone has ever thought to put different beading ideas and designs. I have seen them used as earrings, belly button rings, ankle bracelets, regular bracelets, necklaces; really the list of beading ideas just goes on and on. Perhaps the most interesting invention involving beads that I have ever seen would be the pouch made from red, while, and blue beads. Patriotism through art, albeit cheap art, but art nonetheless.

Beading ideas come from your heart. Think deep about what you want to design before you start, plan it out. Know how to loop the thread so the material will work like you want it. While it’s not a difficult task by any means, the tide of the work can change from easy to insanely impossible just by missing a loop here or there.

In this section of the website I've put together a bunch of interesting articles about all sorts of different beading creations, projects and ideas.

Have a browse, and let your imagination run riot!  You might just surprise yourself with the amazing things you can create.

• Alphabet Beads
  How would you like to spell out your affection to your parents, siblings, relatives, and friends? Certainly, the standard ways of letting them know how much we care through email and greeting cards will make their day, but you'll produce custom-made happiness when your loved one receives a special piece made by you with their name on it.
  
  
• Bead Earrings
  Bead earrings are a trendy and fun way to accessorize your outfit. What started as a crafting idea has blossomed into a wide variety of fun and fashionable earrings. You can buy or make funky earrings to express your personality, or more expensive bead earrings are available with beads, gold, and crystals coming together to form pretty designs.
  
  
• Bead Embroidery
  It you are a self-confessed creative soul, then you will surely find some ways and means to unleash that creativity inside you. There are some people who have found several outlets to unravel their flair for the arts. One of which is through bead embroidery.
  
  
• Beaded Handbags
  A beaded handbag can make a great accent piece to your outfit. They range from small, seed bead covered clutches to handbags made of larger beads that are perhaps a carryall, so you can match your party outfit with a black beaded clutch, or try a larger beaded handbag for your day in shorts and flip-flops at the beach.
  
  
• Beaded Lanyards
  The typical lanyard is a length of basic rope, wire, or cloth that is designed to secure a small object. They are often purchased in large quantities and are fairly inexpensive. Many employees wear lanyards around their neck to secure identification badges while on the job.
  
  
• Beading Looms The Basics
  The beading loom is something that you can work with in order to create something special for yourself, and so you should know something about which the better ones are before purchasing one. It is obvious that one of the first things that you will need to look for before buying such a loom is that it should be sturdy as well as made in a proper fashion.
  
  
• Costume and Cubic Zirconia Jewelry
  Costume jewelry is sometimes referred to as "fake jewelry" by some well meaning but unknowing individuals. Costume jewelry is crafted from among other items, rhinestones, glass stones and gold plated metal or sterling silver.
  
  
• Crochet Beads
  The colorful styles of today combined with the easy accessibility of all sorts of beads makes it natural to want to add lots of beading to any crochet project. As with all things crochet, the process is easier than the finished project makes it look. Just remember when you choose the materials for your project that the beads have to fit on the thread or yarn that you will be using so make sure the hole in the bead is the right size.
  
  
• Macrame
  There are some simple Macramé basics that you’ll need to know to get you started. The more confident that you are about the process of Macramé the more fun you’ll have as you complete one project after another.
  
  
• Seed Beading
  Using small, tiny beads in homemade designs is called seed beading, and its popularity around the world may surprise you. Seed beads are commonly round, about a millimeter in length, and they have a small hole drilled straight through them.
  
  
• Using Beads in Cross Stitch
  Many people like to add embellishments to their cross stitch, and a great way to do this is with beads. In many situations, it’s also another way to avoid doing the dreaded French knot!
  
  
• Vintage Beaded Bags
  Have you ever gone to an estate sale or auction and wondered if that beaded bag that seems such a deal is really valuable? To be able to tell, first you need to know a little about the history of the beaded bag.