What is beading used for?

Beading has a long and colourful history – with archaeologists and historians noting beadwork in Europe dating back to a time with shells and animal bones here used as beads in necklaces.

The glass bead makers of Murano in Italy were creating their spectacular pieces at the end of the 14^th century, and French beaded flowers were being made as early as the 16^th century.

Beads have been used as a bartering and monetary system, and throughout many cultures, beads have decorated costumes, headwear, footwear and jewellery. 

How did I start beading?

About 15 years ago, I watched a friend make a pair of simple earrings, by simply stringing some beads onto wire, and then looping them to make earring wires. And I was literally hooked. My thirst for knowledge of this wonderful craft continues to this day, and is fuelled by my membership in groups such as the Bead Society of Victoria, and travelling to worldwide exhibitions such as the Bead and Button Show, which was held annually in Milwaukee in the States, each year.

Groups like the Bead Society and exhibitions like Bead and Button, allow me to meet with fellow beaders, find new and interesting products to include in my projects, and learn new techniques.

One of my greatest classes was a three day workshop with Cynthia Rutledge, learning to make beaded boxes, combining metal and beads in a ‘snuff box’ format. Using the historical images of snuff boxes, and recrating them with tiny little seed beads, crystals and pearls was a once in a lifetime learning experience.

 

Beaded Snuff Box, original design by Cynthia Rutledge.

Beading for beginners

Making a simple pair of earrings is a great way to start beading. Using a piece of beading wire, some pliers and adding a few beads opens up the world of possibility of beading. Being able to match beads to your favourite outfit, and create the length and movement you desire is one of the key benefits of making your own jewellery.

Bead Embroidery

One of my favourite techniques is bead embroidery, where beads are applied to a fabric backing, to create a statement necklace or cuff. Bead embroidery uses a backing foundation and gives the beader the opportunity to create 3D and dimensional raised beadwork, through the application of layers of beading.  This simple technique of basicbead embroidery is a great technique on how to ‘capture’ a round feature bead for use as a pendant.

Isolation Projects

And of course, isolation time is a great way to expand your knowledge and learn a new technique. Beading is a great past time for passing the hours, and some more complex projects can take many hours of detailed work, stitching each bead by hand onto a piece. The crown piece that I made for the 2019 Bead Society Challenge has over 40 hours of work, to create a whimsical piece that represented a ‘Silver Anniversary’ challenge.

Beaded Crown - deisgned by Paula at On A String

For a someone who wants to learn beading, which is a great isolation project  - just access a beading tutorial, or watch a Youtube video on beading, grab a beading kit, thread and needle and create a new piece.