Please Read If You Bead

I can only tell you how I started. I began by making things (necklaces, bracelets, earrings) that looked like ones I had seen, in stores or on someone else. I tried to match them but, of course, each time, it was slightly different. That's how I took the next step, making something similar to one I had seen but adding my own personal touch to it. I am now up to the point where I'm making my own beads. That's a lot of fun but takes a lot of experimenting and experience to get really nice-looking beads. Putting clasps on the ends, if that's what you want to do, will take specific instructions from a book or online. You can get a lot of free information about beading online. I would suggest you get a magnifying glass because you can get eyestrain easily from working a lot with those tiny beads (assuming you will be using tiny beads). I use one that rests on my chest with a string that goes around my neck. It's great! You are only limited by your imagination. Beading is loads of fun. Enjoy!

the simple stringing is pretty easy, get plastic covered wire, crimp beads, clasps and start beading.. However, I also bead weave, and I love doing it I do things kind of like this: http://www.lilliantodaro.com/books/book_shaggyexamples.html

My sisters and I learned together. We went to a few classes and also had a day we spent together in a beading place making ourselves some very pretty jewelry. Both my sister continued making jewelry...I however did not so I can't be of much help.

This isn't something I really do other than the crafts I did with my kids, but if loverbear is on your friend list or oyu know where to find her, she can probably give you some really good tips..

As you've already learned there are numerous free sites online that you can learn from, and they are wonderful. You may also want to try you tube. Their videos are really good too. Something else you may want to consider if it isn't to pricy is Annies Attic (a knit, crochet, needlework site) has several monthly clubs. One is beading, your sent a kit with instructions, supplies, and photos. It costs about $15 a month (per kit). I got a couple of them and its nice quality plus if you like the juewlery you can re-use the instructions and costumize new pieces with your own beads. Also check with Ebay, you can find good deals on books and beads there. But make sure your getting quality beads. When it comes to buying used books, shop around at Ebay, Amazon, and Alibris books. You might be surprised at how much difference there is for the same book. There are also several sites tht offer free shipping so shop around for that. Write down the site name, and the gram size of beads and the price so you can compare to where you get the best deal. Craigs list is also a good place to look for supplies and sometimes free beads and notions. If your wanting larger beads you can try making your own from polymer clay. But thats another can of worms. Have fun and good luck!

Firemountaingems.com has not only beads for sale but they have ideas, directions and some video tutorials.

I am not into beading but you should be able to find information on e-how.com which would give you details about beading from other beaders. The pages also have photos and can be a real helpful site. I can't crochet and was checking out the pages explaining how to crochet. The details were good but since my printer is not connected, I had no way to print out the pages which would make it easier for me to follow.

I don't bead but I know that some of the local craft stores have jewelery making classes that you can take, so you might look into to that. I have make a few things for me, its not my favorite craft or one I do often but I wouldn't suggest that you get a jewelry making tool set, you can buy them at crafts stores and they could with all the tools you will need to manipulate the wire and such you will be making jewelry with. Good luck and I hope you have a lot of fun with your new craft.

stephanieAnnC while I do not do bead jewelery myself check the net as I have seen a lot of sites that teach making bead jewelry. I am sure even our own mylot crappy yahoo search will give you the info you need by typing in how to do bead jewelry.

Oh Stephanie, I don't bead but I am just responding so that you could accumulate more cents to buy those beads, or enroll in those art classes. I am glad you have the passion for those jewelry, fancy though they may be. They actually bring beauty and make the wearer feel happy. That viewpoint is from Pocahontas. I suppose people like you are not just artistic and talented but very intense and passionate and true as well. Post photos of your products here. We would like to see them.

I love doing beaded jewelry. I actually started doing it after I saw some supplies in a craft store. Bored, I bought a kit, some beading pliers and started doing it one night. If you are really interested in it or just want to try it out, I suggest a beginner's kit. It'll come with most things you need except for the tools. Also, there are classes at some craft stores and there are how-to instructions on line. Good luck and hopefully you have fun

Hi. I love beading too. it's worth checking out the how to sites that have video's. they are often great cause you can see the diagrams in action and what it's supposed to look like. I've a relitive that works for a small craft and bead company and it got us both hooked onto jewlery making and working with beads.

I do love beads too! It's fascinating to see one and I get very excited on how to make one. I read lot of online books on instructions on how make simple beadworks. And I also searched for stores on where can i purchase a quality beads. try to take a look this link..: http://projectdreamwedding.blogspot.com/2010/01/diy-our-offbeat-wedding-cord.html

I personally o not bead. But I love such crafts and arts. I guess you can check out youtube once. By just doing a search you might find video tutorils for beading and so on. Its just a hint. A search might help you. :))

I found that taking a class was the best way to start. It was hands on and when you need help it's right there. I really enjoyed it because I also made some new friends that enjoyed doing the same things I did nd looked forward to other classes. Plus you get others perspective and inspiration. Have fun with it!