Any beaders out there?

SabrinaFair · Aug 2, 2007

I know what you mean... I LOVE the crystals (but can't afford them in any quantity worth fiddling with), and I avoid the strings of bead that are in the $4 and up range as much as possible because Wow do those add up quick!! Eek!!

But to be honest, I love the mixed bags of cheap glass beads too because some of them really have character. I sort what I want and give the real beat up ones to my kids to string. They have a blast.

I think all the beads are really neat and fun, just wish I had a bigger bead budget. LOL.

SabrinaFair · Aug 2, 2007

Oh yeah... and pearls are my absolute weakness. I love them, all the shapes, all the colors! Amazing!!

Macrina · Aug 2, 2007

I love the "gemstone" beads -- they make such lovely gift jewelry. I've had a few people mistake my work for something professional, and I credit the high-quality beads with that.

SabrinaFair · Aug 2, 2007

Macrina said:
I love the "gemstone" beads -- they make such lovely gift jewelry. I've had a few people mistake my work for something professional, and I credit the high-quality beads with that.

Maybe, but maybe you have a true talent for design? I know my Grandma does, she has a real eye for patterns and colors. That doesn't come as naturally to everyone as it does some. You could be gifted in that regard.

That is neat though that others can see the potential your work shows. Really cool!!

LightHearted · Aug 2, 2007

Macrina said:
I'd love to learn more advanced techniques. Anyone know of a website that might give me some ideas/instructions?

Hi,

I suggest that you look at: http://www.firemountaingems.com for cheaper supplies and magazines, books, and they even have free tips if you look for it.

Beads, Baubles, and Jewels is a beading television show that's on PBS. They have most of their episodes available to watch for free on their website.

I also suggest that you do a Google search for Katie Hacker - she's got lots of good tips on her site, too. I really like her work.

Guttermouth said:
Not sure about websites, but here's a fun one.

Try incorporating come organza ribbon into your work. You can buy the organza ribbon at most craft stores or beading suppliers in a variety of colors. You will also need a small block of bees wax available from jewelry craft suppliers.

Cut the ribbon to length leaving yourself some extra to work with. Cut the ends at a 45 degree angle or steeper, resulting in a end that tapers to a point.

Press and gently rub the tapered end on the bees wax block, getting just enough on there to allow you to roll the organza between your fingers into a fine, needle-like point. You can then thread the organza through a bead. You must use beads that have average sized holes in them. Tiny holes wont accept the ribbon. Too much wax on the ribbon may also cause threading problems. You may need to re-apply was on occasion or even trim the edge of the ribbon.

Beads can be spaced on the organza at any spacing intervals you want and stay in place on their own. The beads may move slightly but are easily repositioned. No knotting is necessary.

To place a clasp, slide a smooth crimp (tube) bead onto the end of the organza, followed by the clasp. Now pay attention, here. Fold the pointed end of the organza over the clasp and against the flat part of the ribbon. then fold or roll the flat part of the ribbon over the pointed end. This will cover or envelop the pointed end and allow you to slide the crimp up the ribbon and over the part that contains the pointed end. In other words, it allows you to easily pull the ribbon back through the crimp. Once you can see the end is though the crimp, you can grab it and pull it through as far as you wish. Sounds complicated, but its really simple and easy.

Once you ave gotten it where you want it, squeeze the crimp tight on the ribbon and do the other end of the piece the same way.

I love working with ribbon, but haven't tried the organza ribbon. Thanks for the great idea! I can see it beautifully in my head.

Macrina said:
Thanks!

You know what's unfortunate? I have REALLY expensive tastes in beads! Everything else, I'm a cheap date, but beads? I like the pricey ones.

Big tip for you:

Don't buy from local beads stores. This will save you a ton of money. When I beads, I generally order from Fire Mountain Gems (link given above). If I need findings (I work with sterling silver, mostly) I order from bluemud.com. They've got the lowest of the low prices for sterling silver findings.

You can find things four-five times cheaper on the internet than you can at many bead stores.

Macrina · Aug 2, 2007

Ooh, yay, thanks for all the links!

I discovered Fire Mountain Gems awhile back... whoo! addictive site! I haven't ordered from there yet, though, because I have such a backlog of stuff from the hobby store that I can't justify any more purchases right now, no matter how inexpensive they are.

SabrinaFair · Aug 2, 2007

Thanks from me too!! I found her blog: Katie Hacker

I wonder if my mom can record that Bead show... (lol... like I need that to egg my habit on... )

daddyjesus · Aug 3, 2007

i jus knw d basics...uhh...not tat good bedder

jesusmyhealer · Aug 3, 2007

Hi

I started my own business in beaded jewellery making but found it hard to keep up with a toddler.

I have so so many beads, findings etc. that I want to get rid of but don't know how.

I tried Ebay but I was giving them away. Looks like everyone there wants something for nothing.

All my stuff is very good quality so if anyone is interested, let me know, I can provide photos etc.

Just keep in mind I'm in Australia

LightHearted · Aug 3, 2007

SabrinaFair said:
Thanks from me too!! I found her blog: Katie Hacker

I wonder if my mom can record that Bead show... (lol... like I need that to egg my habit on... )

Even if your mom can't record it for you, you can still access all of the shows on their website. They've got lots of archives.

lvbeads · Aug 12, 2007

Bump up this thread...

I love Fire Mountain Gems too! I'm a glass beadmaker but I need other beads to fill in the gaps. I love stone, so those guys are great for me! I spend way too much, seems to be a common theme here, lol!

SabrinaFair · Aug 13, 2007

lvbeads said:
Bump up this thread...

I love Fire Mountain Gems too! I'm a glass beadmaker but I need other beads to fill in the gaps. I love stone, so those guys are great for me! I spend way too much, seems to be a common theme here, lol!

LOL- tell me about it, I bought more this weekend... sigh. But it was such a great sale, and the beads were so pretty... yada, yada, yada!!

When does the Beaders Anonymous group meet ?

"Hi, I'm Sabrina, and I bought beads again yesterday, I can't seem to stop. I need help." (LOL)

bellantara · Aug 30, 2007

*Bump* Anybody around to help a brand new beader???

ChasingMyDreams · Sep 1, 2007

Hi, I'm a very keen beader myself I've been beading since I was about 14 my mum got me into beading I gave it away for a few years but seem to always go back to it. I mostly use glass seed beads and at times find it difficult to thread the beads when I'm using clear thread and find more beads end up on the floor than on the thread. I also use crystals and wooden beads. I make bracelets, anklets, necklaces,earrings and I've recently learn't to make angel ornaments from beads and wire thanks to my aunt.

Macrina · Sep 1, 2007

ChasingMyDreams said:
Hi, I'm a very keen beader myself I've been beading since I was about 14 my mum got me into beading I gave it away for a few years but seem to always go back to it. I mostly use glass seed beads and at times find it difficult to thread the beads when I'm using clear thread and find more beads end up on the floor than on the thread. I also use crystals and wooden beads. I make bracelets, anklets, necklaces,earrings and I've recently learn't to make angel ornaments from beads and wire thanks to my aunt.

Ooh, that sounds neat! Is it hard?

ChasingMyDreams · Sep 2, 2007

Macrina said:
Ooh, that sounds neat! Is it hard?

No not at all it's quite easy, if you like I can post the steps to making them yourself.

Macrina · Sep 3, 2007

ChasingMyDreams said:
No not at all it's quite easy, if you like I can post the steps to making them yourself.

Oh, please do! I'd really like to try it!

LovesToRead · Sep 7, 2007

Hi again, I have also ordered from Firemountain and love them too.

What other great online sources for glass beads do any of you like? I had bought some at a bead store on vacation and fire mountain didn't have really anything like what I was looking for, if you can believe that, with their amazing site. I found plenty else I did like...don't get me wrong, but I'm still looking for another great source too.

Thanks!

Gardenflower · Sep 14, 2007

My dd's and I make cute little stretchy ankle bracelets. They're easy and fun.

Mary~

wierdradicalrib · Sep 29, 2007

i bead i can bead native american earrings, and other jewlery, i like beading

Any beaders out there?

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