The “French Wires” or “Fish Hooks”, are often names given to this type of earring wire. They only require a few inches of wire and a limited amount of jewelry making tools to complete.

The materials needed to complete this project are 3 ½” of the wire of your choice. You will need round-nosed pliers, wire cutting tools, and a jeweler’s file. Round-nosed pliers are a great tool for making a small loop in your wire.

The first step in this process is to cut your wire evenly in half. It is recommended you file the ends to ensure their smoothness. This may only be necessary on the cut ends and will give your piece a more professional appearance.

Next you will need to grasp your wire on one end. Begin wrapping the end around the small part of your round-nosed pliers. The object at this time is to make a small loop on the end. Do one piece at a time. Compare the wires to each other to make sure they are uniformly created.

Now hold both wires together at the same time and in the same spot. With the thickest part of your round-nosed pliers, approximately ¼ ” past the loops just made, grab both wires. Use your fingers now to make a bend in the wires 180 degrees around the pliers. It is crucial they both look the same. Make sure you compare the wires before moving on to the each step.

The next step will be a slight bend and will help the wires look more rounded. Again, you will do this part with both wires at the same time. Place the larger part of the round-nosed pliers ¼” from the curl. The nose of the pliers should point up to the ceiling

and the curl in the wire should be horizontal to you. Very carefully squeeze the curl part and the flat part toward each other, making a slight bend. This will be about a 5 degrees bend.

Once this is complete, hold the wires next to each other and make sure they are still looking the same. To finish the wires place at the middle point of the round-nosed pliers, approximately ¼ ” from the ends. Slightly bend the ends at the same time. This bend will be about 25 degrees.

Your piece is now ready to add your beads and accessories to. As you can see, the basic earring hooks are easy to make. You may find even if you do not always make your own, it may come in handy knowing how to do it yourself. You just never know when time constraints and lack of materials may warrant the need for you to do it yourself!

Amy

www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com

www.picturetrail.com/photos/aressa

I am a handmade jewelry artist. I love to make gemstones, Swarovski crystals, and sterling silver jewelry. I also offer a custom jewelry design service and would love to help you with your jewelry needs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Ressa

With an infinite range of design options available, it’s no wonder homemade polymer clay beads are getting so much attention in the crafting world. Suitable for both adults and children (ages 8 and up), working with polymer clay beads can give you a whole new way of having fun with your kids, too.

What are polymer clay beads? Polymer clay beads are beads fashioned out of polymer clay, which is sometimes known simply as “Fimo.” (Fimo is the brand name for a particular type of this clay, manufactured by Eberhard Faber.)

This polymer clay can be molded into a variety of different creations. Then you simply bake the clay in your home oven to create a hard, durable material that you can drill, slice, sand, and paint to achieve even more creative effects.

Because polymer clay is so easy to work with, it has become a popular way to make your own beads for jewelry making.

Making Polymer Clay Beads

The process of making the beads is simple. Just pinch off a bit of the clay, knead it in your hands and shape it into the form you like.

You can make polymer clay beads in a variety of different shapes, using a variety of techniques and tools. There’s no real limit except your imagination, and you can work with the clay over and over again (until it has been baked.)

Molding the clay requires firm pressure, but it keeps its shape well once fixed. It is easiest to work with when it’s slightly warm, so if you are having trouble getting it to cooperate, you may want to move to a warmer work area or warm up your hands a bit.

Rounded beads are simplest for the beginner but you can soon learn how to make beads that are square, star shaped, heart shaped or designed to look like tiny animals. Flower shaped beads are also very popular.

To make the beads in different colors, start by choosing from the numerous colors of polymer clay that are commercially available. You can achieve a marbled effect by working with multiple colors at once. Once your creations have been baked, you can paint them with acrylics or even fingernail polish to give them extra gloss and sparkle.

It’s easy to make holes in Fimo beads, so you can thread them together into bracelets or necklaces or sew them onto clothes. You can drill holes in the hard beads, once they have been baked. Or you can make holes in the soft clay before you bake your beads.

A toothpick is perfect for piercing holes through Fimo clay once the beads have been shaped. Wiggle the toothpick around to make sure that the sides of the holes are smooth and bits won’t fall down to clog them during baking.

You can also use a wooden skewer to make holes in your beads. Carefully push a skewer through the center of your finished bead, being careful not to change its shape. Fill the skewer with beads (being careful that they don’t touch each other). Then support the skewer on a baking rack or other oven-proof container so the beads don’t change shape during baking. Bake the beads directly on the skewer.

Baking Your Beads

You’ll need to bake all your clay creations to make them hard and shiny and to ensure that they keep their shape. You can do this in an ordinary oven on a baking sheet, but follow the instructions on each packet of the product to make sure you get the temperature just right. (If the polymer clay is baked at too high of a temperature, it can emit dangerous gases.) Your beads will be hard and ready to string together into jewelry once the clay is baked and cooled.

The manufacturer recommends this type of polymer modeling compound for ages 8 and up, with adult supervision, because the use of an oven is required, and the product should not be ingested.

Once you have the basics down, experiment with different varieties and brands of polymer clay, each of which has a different level of malleability. You can also get polymer clay in a variety of effects, such as translucent, iridescent, and glow-in-the-dark, to create beads and jewelry that are truly one-of-a-kind.

The author has compiled the latest savings on Fimo and polymer clay here. You can also browse Discount Art Supplies and Discount Craft Supplies and Coupon Codes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Jefferson

Making jewelry with beads has become very popular. You can basically make whatever you like, in whichever style you like and in whatever colors you select. Every creation is unique. But if you are just a beginner, making a beaded bracelet might be a bit difficult. There are many things which you have to keep in mind while making a bracelet.

The first step is to get the required tools and materials needed for making bracelets. Many good craft shops have a large range of basic tools you will require, so you can get wires fasteners and string, and they are most likely to have a large range of beads for you to select.

If you are inclined to do something a little more complex, you may find your craft shops stock a bit limited, then you will have to go to a dedicated beading shop. But beware; it is not easy to get out of these stores without being attracted to many qualities of bead and spending much more than what you had initially planned. Beading stores are a little costlier than craft shops but the advantage is that you get a large range of beads of all colors, shapes and styles. You will also discover that the salesmen/women are also beading enthusiasts and will give you lot of helpful advice.

As far as tools are concerned start with basics and increase your collection slowly and steadily. You don’t require every tool on day one, but you will know that wire cutters, jewelry pliers and a good pair of craft scissors are always needed. So buy them first.

You will need to decide what type of material you want to string your bead on. If you have already selected the beads, think about the colors you would like to use. One of the simplest string materials is stretch or elastic string. You just tie a knot on one end and start slipping the beads on in order and finish it with a knot and perhaps a drop of glue to keep the knot in place, and you are done. You may also utilize a beading string for this type of bracelet.

If you wish your bracelet to be a bit stronger and stiffer then you should use a beading wire. It is still relatively flexible and gets you a nice finish. If you wish to make a solid bracelet then you need to utilize regular wire, which will give a chain effect if that is what you have in mind.

Children very often find it appealing to thread beads on to hemp material or leather. You will require larger size beads for this type of bracelet. It may be a simple way for a child to make gift for a friend. Hemp is suitable for making jewelry with an earthly look to it.

The final step is to select the type of clasp or fastener you wish for your bracelet, you may just tie the two ends together if you have used a elastic or beading string, but if you wish to make it attractive and durable then you need a proper clasp.

More articles available at http://www.article-ghost-writer.com & http://www.senatorinternational.co.in

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deepak_Master_Kumar

Are you a frustrated jewelry designer looking for new markets to sell your jewelry? Finding the right market for your jewelry designs can be frustrating process for some designers. Jewelry marketing doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s just a question of adding a unique twist to your current jewelry designs to give them additional buying appeal.

Let’s talk about that unique twist that can turn your handmade jewelry into truly special pieces that are sure to attract a buyer.

Here’s a good example from a recent craft show:

Two different vendors were both offering similar pairs of earrings at roughly comparable prices. The earrings were sample dangles made of semiprecious beads and sterling silver findings. They were priced in the $12.00 range.Both vendors had very nice displays that played up their creations. Upon first glance, the two booths appeared somewhat similar in appearance, BUT one booth was full of prospective buyers AND their was a line to pay!

The other booth looked like a ghost town. No lines, no prospective buyers.

What was the difference between the two booths that was having such a dramatic impact on jewelry sales?

Here’s the secret. The jewelry designer in the empty booth had mass produced, very ordinary jewelry cards with the standard information printed on them. Her cards were professional but eye catching. They did the job of holding her earrings, but were not good jewelry marketing material.

The owner of the second booth who appeared to be drowning in sales, had jewelry cards with a tiny dried flower delicately pasted to each one. This gave the jewelry a whole new appearance and value in the buyers mind. Many customers commented on the beauty of the cards as they stepped into the line to pay. This jewelry designer knew how to effectively market jewelry!

What is the take home message in this case? Sometimes it’s the subtleties that count when marketing jewelry. A few small changes to a jewelry card greatly increased the value of this designer’s jewelry in her potential customer’s eyes. This jewelry designer understood she could better market her jewelry if she did something to set her apart from the other jewelers out there. Could your jewelry presentation use an update?

If you want to sell jewelry, it may be time to add a unique twist to your jewelry designs. Don’t be afraid to set yourself apart from the crowd. People buy handmade jewelry because they want something unique and special that hasn’t been mass produced. Show them how special your jewelry designs are by giving them a special handmade touch and watch your sales explode!

Kristie Leong M.D. specializes in helping handmade jewelry designers find new markets for their jewelry. She publishes a blog and has website full of information on jewelry marketing at http://www.jewelry-marketing.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristie_Leong

Making beaded jewelry can be a fun and even profitable hobby. However, nothing quite compares to the satisfaction and admiration that can come from making your own customized beads. But, exactly how do you make your own beads?

One of the most popular styles of beads today, is the fimo bead. Fimo beads are made from polymer clay that is molded and baked. With the right tools and techniques, you can create a large variety of shapes and designs for your beads. This article is going to focus on the basics steps needed for all fimo bead making.

• Prepare the Clay

Soften your clay by kneading small portions with your hands until it is warm, stretchy and moldable. This is also the right time to mix any colors together if you are trying to make a custom color or marbled effect. Make sure to work out any air bubbles. A good way to do this is to roll your clay flat using an acrylic rolling pin.

• Shape the Clay

Using your hands or a sheet of plexiglass, shape your beads. You can make them into balls, squares, logs of multiple colors rolled together and sliced, or any other shape you can think of. You are only limited by your imagination.

• Make the Hole

Assuming you plan on stringing your beads, you are going to have to make holes in them. You can do this before or after baking. The easier method is to make the hole beforehand. To do this, gentle twist a skewer back and forth into your beads. Place multiple beads on one skewer for baking and make sure they don’t touch one another. Alternately, you can drill holes in your beads after baking. Drilling is more difficult, but won’t distort the shape of your beads.

• Bake the Beads

Again, making sure that the beads don’t touch one another, suspend the beads on skewers over a metal pan or tray. If you are drilling holes afterwards, place the beads gently between two pieces of cardboard. Bake the beads according to the instructions for the type of polymer clay that you purchased. This usually takes about 30 minutes in your own oven.

• Finishing Touches

Once your beads have cooled, slowly remove the beads from the skewers and sand any rough spots that may have developed from making the holes. Spray them with a coat of varnish to make them shiny, if desired.

There you have it: the basics for making your own fimo beads. Have fun!

For supplies, tools and instructions on more elaborate bead designs, visit How to Make Fimo Beads.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathleen_Gagne

This Is A Great Project For All Of Those Leftover Seed And Bugle Beads And Your Bead “Orphans”

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: FAIRLY EASY
TIME: ABOUT AN HOUR.

SUPPLY LIST:

VARIETY OF BUGLE AND SEED BEADS, MIXED
5-6 CZECH FLOWERS LENGTH DRILLED
4 CZECH FLOWERS SIDE DRILLED
10-15 SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS, 4mm and 6mm MIXED
VARIETY OF OVAL, ROUND, RONDELLE AND SQUARE CZECH GLASS BEADS, FACETED
1 FOCAL LAMPWORK BEAD
8″ OF 22 GAUGE WIRE, NON-TARNISH SILVER
1 HEAD PIN
1 BUTTON CLASP
2 SILVER CRIMP BEADS
SOFTFLEX BEADING WIRE, FINE, AT LEAST 22″
1 1/2 TURNS MEMORY WIRE FOR NECKLACE

TOOLS:

SCISSORS
WIRE CUTTERS
ROUND NOSE PLIERS
CRIMPING PLIERS
FLAT NOSE PLIERS

Directions for necklace: Decide the length of your necklace, mine is about 18″, and trim your beading wire, leaving enough for tying off at end. Add male end of clasp and secure with crimp bead. There is no perfect order for stringing, but my rule is to have a “patternless symmetry”..that means that about every 1 1/2″ I add a bigger bead to break up the smaller czech beads, bugle and seed beads. Keep in mind what colors you are using…and make sure that your color doesn’t “pattern”…i.e. a lot of gold, then a lot of purple, etc…you need to really break this up. When you’ve reached your desired length, add female end of clasp and secure with crimp bead.

Directions for choker: Cut your length of memory wire to 1 1/2 turns…you can make it smaller later. I prefer the extra length to layer around the back of my neck for security…no need for a clasp! Go ahead and create a small loop at the end of your memory wire with roundnose pliers, then tighten the loop with your flat nose pliers. This will keep any of the smaller beads you may use on the end from coming off. Using the same “patternless symmetry” string your beads on just under 1/2 of the length of your memory wire. Then you will string on 3 1/2 drilled czech flowers. Then string the rest of your wire as you did the first, in the “patternless symmetry”, leaving 3/4″ to turn with pliers and tighten, creating your end loop.

Now for the tricky part! Take your 8″ of 22 gauge wire and create a loop on the end. On this you will string in this order…3 seed beads, 1 1/2 drilled czech flower (matching the others in the center of your choker)1 small crystal, your focal lampwork bead. Then, you will take the remainder of the wire and wrap around the 3 czech flowers on the center of your choker. This is done by bringing the wire between the center and right flower from behind and back down, then up again between the center and left flower, and back down the front again. Then “wrap” the remainder wire on the wire between the focal bead and your center flowers to secure. Trim with wire cutters. This may take a couple of tries, so don’t be frustrated! To finish off your focal piece, put a crystal on the head pin, create a loop and string through the first loop you created at the bottom of your focal bead. Create your last loop to attach your crystal drop.

Sheri Hill is a stay at home mother of three and a self-proclaimed bead enthusiast. Having recently joined the Catholic Church at he age of 41, she loves to share her faith with others. Visit her website at http://www.freshmarketbeads.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheri_Hill

The latest rage sweeping the country is to have jewelry made from different types of beads in assorted sizes, colors and textures. The more beaded jewelry the better as you can change the appearance of your outfits to be more dress-up or causal.

You can purchase beaded jewelry from local stores or you can make your own by using craft beads. Local craft shops such as Michaels, AC Moore and others offer a wide selection, superb quality and low prices for the beads they sell. Whether you are a novice or experienced working with beads, you will find the beads, findings, wires, threads, tools and everything else you need to create stunning jewelry and decor pieces for your home.

Craft beads can be plastic pony beads, fabric beads, paper beads, pearl, glass, to Swarovski crystals and everything in between. Stores that carry beads usually carry a wide selection of literally thousands of different types and sizes of beads.

Some of the more popular types of craft beads include Bead Heaven, Elegance Collections, Crystal Innovations, Better Beads, Elite Better Beads, Fancy Finery, Westrim, Blue Moon and Bead Gallery assortments. There is also a wide selection of Bead and Jewelry Making Kits that are perfect for people just starting to work with craft beads. These kits provide everything you need along with detailed instructions to get help you start and complete your project.

As with any craft, you will need to purchase the proper tools and equipment. These can be purchased individually or in sets. If you are not sure you want to invest this much money on a craft that you are not sure you will want to continue doing, you may want to take a special training class offered at your local craft store. They will have tools available for you to use and if you decide to continue working with craft beads, you can then purchase the extra supplies needed for your new hobby.

Your craft store will also be able to provide you with great ideas on bead projects. Whether you take their in-store classes, work independently with a prearranged kit, or if you buy a book, the ideas for your own craft bead jewelry will be unlimited. You can make sets that include your necklace, bracelet, earrings, and pin and each set will be uniquely yours, which is a one-of-a-kind jewelry set.

You may think that you do not have the talent to create your own jewelry or home décor items using craft beads, but you will never know unless you try. Sign up for a class and start out small. As your skills develop, you can advance to more complicated projects.

Before you know it, you will be an expert at making your own jewelry using craft beads and your friends and family will be asking you where you bought your jewelry. And, who knows, you may want to start your own home business making jewelry for other people to purchase. The opportunities are endless and you are only limited by your own imagination when it comes to using craft beads.

For more information on crafts, try visiting http://www.craftguidance.com – a website that specializes in providing craft related tips, advice and resources to include information on craft beads.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Samantha_Davis

We all have a vice. Mine happens to be this habit of buying every pretty bead I see. My very favorite beads are the blown furnace cane glass beads…particularly from US artists Mingo & Asho and David Christensen. They are positively stunning! I have now found a way to use the chub style furnace beads to make a rosary bracelet.

If you are not familiar with a rosary bracelet, or how to pray with a rosary bracelet, it consists of 11 beads, rather than the traditional 59 of a full rosary. The singled out bead is the Our Father bead, and the other 10 are for the decade of Hail Mary prayers. A rosary bracelet is a convenient way to carry your rosary with you, and is also an excellent conversation starter to share your faith.

To make an easy and beautiful furnace glass rosary bracelet you will need the following supplies:

10 FURNACE GLASS CHUBS

1 LARGE FURNACE GLASS CHUB

28* 4mm SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS

1 BUTTON CLASP

1 SMALL CRUCIFIX (with jump or split ring for hanging)

1 SMALL MIRACULOUS MEDAL (also with jump or split ring) (OR SAINT MEDAL OF CHOICE) 2 SILVER CRIMP BEADS

SOFTFLEX BEADING WIRE, MEDIUM STRENGTH

CRIMPING PLIERS

SCISSORS

*May vary depending on size of chubs and size of bracelet you are making.

Directions: Decide the length of your bracelet, and trim your beading wire, leaving enough for tying off at end. Add male end of clasp and secure with crimp bead. String in this order: 3 crystals, large furnace chub, 2 crystals, crucifix, 1 crystal, medal, 1 crystal, chub, 2 crystals, chub, 2 crystals chub…repeat this until you string last chub. String 3 crystals (or more if you need a bit longer). Add female end of clasp and secure with crimp bead.

Please visit my website for a picture of a finished bracelet, and links for bead supplies, magazines, and business software to help you make money with your bead projects.

Have a wonderful day!

Sheri Hill is a stay at home mother of three and a self-proclaimed bead enthusiast. Having recently joined the Catholic Church at he age of 41, she loves to share her faith with others.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheri_Hill

You say you love to make beaded jewelry? Why not? Jewelry making is an ideal home business. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to make your pieces, your raw material costs are not unreasonable and markups are high.

But you already have umpteen necklaces and a gazillion earrings made up. You schlep them to every flea market and craft fair … and then you schlep them back home. You know they’re pretty. Why aren’t they selling and what can you do to correct the problem(s)?

My guess is you haven’t differentiated your product or you aren’t presenting it well. I’m just assuming your beaded work is lovely and of fine quality (or fair value given the price you are asking).

Here are a few suggestions specific to beading and jewelry business that may help.

Present Your Product Well

I’ve read that crafters and artists should be true to their craft. Purists say if your work is good, people will buy. Just stick with it; the market will find you.

On behalf of all artists who love their work but also need to sell it, I say “baloney”.

You’ve been to the craft fairs. You’ve seen the glut of jewelers lined up side by side trying to sell very similar pieces.

How wonderful for the consumer to be able to comparison shop and bargain with the crafters, right? “Well, I love this piece, but the guy right over there has one just like it for $10 less. Can you do any better on the price?”

If your pieces are that similar, you need to present them differently. As far as the inventory you’ve already made up, exhibit it well.

Don’t just lay it on a cloth on a card table like most people do and expect the jewelry to speak for itself!

Just as you create visual appeal in the jewelry you make, do so with your display. Create levels for both horizontal and vertical display. Don’t overload the space. Customers won’t be able to see the trees for the forest.

One friend brings her own halogen lights to shows to really highlight her jewelry which she displays on a black velvet background.

Put your most unique pieces out first.

Have nice art cards describing each piece: type of stones or beads; where they are from; type and grade of metal.

Set out a pretty glass or brass dish with your business cards.

Write up and copy flyers about yourself and your work. People who buy hand made pieces often want to know a bit about the artist.

Where to Sell?

Think of other venues where you can show your work, especially where you will not be one among twenty other jewelers.

If you have a day job and your jewelry is suitable, wear it to work. When anyone compliments it, be sure to let them (and all others in the vicinity – don’t be shy!) know that you made it and would be happy to show them your other pieces during break or after work.

Wear your jewelry when you go out for the evening and respond in the same manner to any compliments. Try a jewelry party in your home.

The steps above should help you work down that huge inventory you started with.

Salvage Work

Now you’re left with pieces that (let’s be honest) are just not going to sell. You can: lower the price; keep them for yourself; or take them apart and reuse whatever you can.

That’s one of the hardest things for a bead artist to do, I know. But it’s also one of the neatest.

As fashions change and you’re stuck with pieces that are very passé, you can recycle the beads and findings and not lose your entire investment. As you go forward with your craft, it’s time to think of how to …

Differentiate Your Product

Part of your earlier problem may have been that you are using kits or free patterns for your jewelry. Though many of them are lovely, they are not unique.

In addition, your costs are higher than if you pick out your own materials and design your own pieces. It’s time to bring out the artist within!

Before you start beading again, really study the market. If you aren’t already doing so, clip and file photos of stylish jewelry from catalogues, ads and magazines.

If available, clip out the item description and price as well. These are for inspiration and to keep you up to date about trends that affect your art.

Be very careful not to copy another artist’s work. Not only will you have the very problem you had before (that your work is not unique); but you could also have big legal problems if you are caught.

Try adding different materials to your repertoire. You can buy them or make them yourself.

Experiment

One of my friends rejuvenated her line by adding dichroic glass beads. She had such tremendous response and was so intrigued by the almost holographic look of the beads, that she took lessons, started making her own and then completely switched.

She began making gorgeous dichroic plates, platters, plaques and vases. Before retirement, she was represented by eleven galleries in Hawaii and several on the U.S. mainland.

Another friend started making bread dough beads. I’m not kidding! She experimented with recipes from the Internet. Her beads look like African trade beads which cost anywhere from 50 cents to $100 each. Her cost is virtually nil – well except for her valuable time. How that for a great home business!

For myself, I try to think of unique ways to employ beads. For example, I don’t just make necklaces, I make eyeglass necklaces. They look pretty whether they are holding your glasses or not. The practicality is what grabs my customers.

Don’t feel locked into the craft specialty stores for your materials.

Sometimes I purchase inexpensive watches with pretty faces for the sole purpose of disassembling them and using the faces with my beadwork. Frequently, I can use other parts as well, like the clasps and links. Waste not; want not!

I’ve also made beaded wine glass charms and beaded glass votive size candle holders.

You can do very interesting things with beads and colored wire: wrap it around vases; form it into inspirational words or people’s names either to be worn or glued to a scrapbook page. You might be able to get custom orders for your craft business for something like this.

For more ideas on making and selling jewelry and other crafts, visit http://www.theartfulcrafter.com

By: Eileen Bergen. For more information on making crafts, visit http://www.theartfulcrafter.com/craft-ideas.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eileen_Bergen

Making beaded jewelry is an inexpensive and fun hobby that nearly anyone can do. The materials needed are readily accessible and cost very little money. Aside from the requisite thread, needle and the beads, there are also some other materials that the hobbyist can use in making beaded jewelry. Hobbyists can also experiment with various beading techniques to make interesting and unique creations.

There are several techniques involved in making beaded jewelry. Stringing is one, and wire-working with beads is another. Various types of string are available: cords, plastic, twine. Additionally, silk and nylon threads can also be utilized in making beaded jewelry. Using hemp fiber in beaded jewelry making is a nice touch – it makes for an unusual product and would also be a great topic for conversation. Wire of various thicknesses is another popular option. Additionally, wire is used to make beaded jewelry items such as necklaces, hairpins and earrings, and to attach clasps.

Beads for jewelry come in all shapes and forms as well. In spite of beaded jewelry’s reputation for being inexpensive, a person can also use precious gemstones like pearls and precious metals, such as gold and silver, to make beaded dress accessories. For beginners, however, less costly materials are widely available for making beaded jewelry: glass, crystal, coral, to name a few. Whatever materials the artist uses, he or she is easily able to customize the type of beaded jewelry to be worn personally, given as a gift, or sold to beaded jewelry enthusiasts.

To enhance the overall visual effect of the beads, a number of knotting and stitching techniques are recommended. There are simple knots and stitches for beginners, and with practice, they will be able to progress to the more complicated and fancier methods used in making beaded jewelry. It’s interesting to note that knots have mystical connotations in some cultures. For some East Indians, knots can be used to curse a person. In Gypsy lore, it is important to untie knots in the clothing of a woman in childbirth. And the expression ‘tying the knot’ derives from the ancient Romans, when the groom would untie the knots of his bride’s girdle before consummating the marriage. In which case, it should be ‘untying the knot.’