|
This beading technique is generally used for very young children using plastic crow beads and thick cord. But being a seed bead fanatic, I had to adapt it one of my favorite mediums. It works quite well, and can be used in projects that older, more dexterous children (and adults) can accomplish.
Materials
glass seed beads, size 11
2 beading needles, size 12
nylon beading thread, size B
1 clasp - lobster claw or hook & eye
scissors
beeswax or other thread de-tangler (optional)
graph paper (optional)
Cut about 2 1/2' of thread for each needle. Run through beeswax if desired. Thread your needles. Knot one end of each thread, leaving a tail at least 4" long. Make the knot big enough that the first bead stays on.
String on 9 beads. Bring your second needle through the beads going towards the knot of the first thread. Pull it all the way through, so when you're done, there's a knot at each end of the row of 9 beads. There will also be a thread coming out of each end.
Repeat this basic step over and over until your beadwork is 1 1/2" shorter than the length you desire. Tie off the ends as close to each bead as possible. It should look like the opposite end. Tie each side of your clasp to the tails you left. Clip the threads close to the knots, and add a dab of glue to the knots.
Viola! A bracelet! This technique is so simple, it's quick to learn. When you understand something so easily, it's easy to advance with it.
Triangles and diamond shapes can be added in contrasting colors. The number of beads you initially put on must always be odd to add geometric designs such as these. To make a triangle, for instance, begin with one bead of a different color. It will be in the center of the row. If you have 9 beads in a row, it will be #5, counting from either side.
The next row of the triangle will be 3 beads centered in the row. The following row will be 5 beads, then 7 beads. This will leave a border 1 bead wide at each edge of the bracelet. To turn this into a diamond shape, you would then begin to reduce the number of beads in the way you increased them. To understand this better, draw it out on graph paper, using each square for a bead. It's a good idea to plan geometric patterns on graph paper before beginning any bead project.
Other design ideas for this bracelet include:
- making stripes, either vertically or horizontally using alternate rows of color
- adding different color single beads randomly throughout to make it look speckled or sparkly
- a series of triangles of different sizes or off-center
- a series of triangles all the same size facing the same direction. This looks like birds flying.
- a series of squares or rectangles. Depending on the size, they can consist of more than one color.
This pattern can also be extended to make a choker or anklet. If you are really ambitious, you can make a belt! It is possible to decorate your clothes or accessories with this type of beadwork Only your imagination will limit what you do with this or any craft project! Have fun!
| 
