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 annu...