glass beads
Bead Loom Question
I am interested in bead loom designs, and I want to try a few. I have not purchased a loom yet and would appreciate any input on what makes a good bead loom. I have seen very large wood looms fo
Cleaning Ostrich Shell beads...Ideas?
I picked up some ostrich shell beads, but they have some sort of tacky black crud on them. Does anyone: 1 - Know what it is? 2 - Have ideas on removing it? Since I can test a cleani
Lampwork Beads
A friend of mine has a couple of questions about lampwork beads. 1. Even though she holds them at least one inch from the flame, they still turn completely grey sometimes. Why does this
Brass & Steel Beads
I acquired some vintage or antique steel and brass beads (slightly faceted,14s?). I haven't see anything like them, even at good-sized bead fairs? I have only a small stash. I'd like to know what
How did you get interested in beading?
I am very new at this new interest of mine and I am also very excited about it. I am having a hard time finding people who want to help though. I have been to a couple of classes which taught me
New beader question
I can't resist those beautiful things anymore. I have a question. How do you get that thread through those tiny holes in the needles ? I am a quilter and a cross stitcher so I have been threadin
Forty year old puzzle -- why no purple?
When I was a kid and wanted to do a rainbow effect with sead beads I could never find a good, "standard-size", plain, opaque color sead bead in purple. Ideally, I would have liked red-violet, viol
Rose Petal Beads
I am looking for the recipe for Rose Petal Beads. I saw it on tv but lost the recipe. I have a wedding coming up in August and want to make rose petal purses with small beads instead of rice bag
Glass Bead Press
I'm researching how to make a glass bead press but I'm having trouble figuring out exactly how they work. Has anyone ever seen or maybe even used one?
Cobalt
I've just gotten some lovely beads that are a gorgeous cobalt blue. What I'd like to know is how do I tell if they ARE cobalt? Their pedigree is lost because they went from an estate sale to a s
Bead stores in LA & Long Beach, CA
It looks as though I will have a chance to visit a few bead stores on an upcoming visit to LA and Long Beach. What are the best ones and do they have any specialities? I'd also welcome opinio
Cruel And Unusual Bead Torture.
Your much anticipated package from 'Fire Mountain Gems' arrives, but your mailman somehow manages to cram it into your mailbox, which has an opening just slightly smaller than the width of the pac
Copyright, Trademark, Ethics, And Crafts.
I am interested in 'Polymer' clay, and from time to time, I see heated debates on the issue of copying what is an original work of art, ethics, and the like. For some people, these issues are aca
Bead Dish?
I'm looking for an internet source for a bead dish. I saw one used in the 'Bead & Button' Magazine, but can't find one. Anybody know where I can buy them? I'm tired of spilling beads everywhere,
Necklaces On Consignment.
A nice boutique is interested in taking some of my hand-designed necklaces on consignment. I know how much I would like to sell them for, so do I just tell them the price I need to receive and let
How To Dye Silk Cord.
My wife wants to learn what you can use to dye silk cord or thread.
Magazine Subscriptions.
Someone brought up magazines. How about you wonderful people posting your favorites for me, please. I don't want to waste my money, but don't want to miss out on any that have good beading projec
Want Beading Pal.
I have just recently started to bead & would like to corresond with other beaders. I would also like to share tips like: What is the best place to purchase supplies, where to find patterns, etc.
Beaded Combs.
A colleague of mine is looking for someone who makes beaded haircombs. Anyone here do that, and have a website she could visit to see your work?
Drilling Bead Holes In Wood.
I'm going to buy some small wooden Russian dolls to make into jewelry - they are like the very innermost doll of a Russian nesting doll. I was wondering how would I go about drilling a small h
Watch Components Needed.
I am learning how to make beaded watch bands, and then attach them to a watch, but was wondering what places sell just the individual watch with no band attached! Any suggestions?
Beads In A Gram.
Can someone tell me approximately how many beads are in a gram???
Fiber-Optic Beads.
Can someone tell me: What are fiber-optic beads?
Beads NJ To FL?
I will be travelling to Florida from New Jersey, and I am wondering if there are any great bead shops that I must visit. We'll be travelling 'The New Jersey Turnpike' to Delaware, US 95, & Route
Pony Beads.
I need some patterns for pony beads. If anyone can help me, I would really appreciate it!
Need Book Reviews.
I noticed two new amulet books offered by 'Helby'. Has anyone seen these books? Are they on the net anywhere ('Beaded Obsessions' by 'C&B Assemi', 'C Thomsen', 'C Bell', 'C Sweet', 'BeadTime Sto
Dearborn MI Area Beadshops?
I will be in the Dearborn/Livonia/Plymouth MI area around Thanksgiving. Anyone know of good bead shops around there?
SF Bay Area Bead Stores.
I will be in San Francisco 11/12/17 and plan to go to 'Lacis' and 'General Bead'. I would appreciate any suggestions of other bead stores to visit while I am there.
Patterns.
I was wondering if anyone has, or knows where I can find, patterns for christmas ornament earrings, and possibly other holiday earring patterns.
I Am Going To Open A Bead Shop For Japanese People.
I will make a homepage about beads, and sell beads for Japanese people. The beads market in Japan is not as big as in USA. However, if I do it right, I think beads can be a big hit, just like 'Ta
Support Your Local Bead Store.
I am a small, but well stocked bead store with a reminder to all of you that are lucky enough to have a bead store in your area. The huge bead stores are great, but they are becoming the 'Wal-Mar
First-Timer Needs Help With Girl's Necklace.
I am making a hand knotted necklace on silk cord. I have about 1/2 inch space between each bead. My question is, what should the finished length of the necklace be for a little girl (age 9)? I
Cremated Remains Into Beads.
I've heard that the ashes can be used to make glass beads. Before you think it's too gross, I should say they are a dog's ashes. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
'Toho Triangles'.
I recently saw a sample of these, and just had to ask.... what the heck is does one do with "triangle" beads??!! Also, Czech micros...I know they are quite a bit smaller than 'Delicas', but are
Uneven Flat Peyote Question.
I really need some help here. I have charted out a flat peyote necklace. The main part of the necklace charted out at 67 beads across, and 126 rows down. The strap sort of melts into the main par
Bookkeeping For Beaders.
It is my understanding that most beaders would operate as small business owners. In this way, there really is no self salary. This complicates things in two ways, for income reporting, you can n
Knitted Beaded Purses.
Has anyone on this NG ever attempted these? 'Theresa Williams', A.K.A. "The Bag Lady Press", has some really nice patterns. I am looking for a basic manual that explains, really well, how to do
Beaded Curtain?
I'm fairly new to beading - but have a question for more experienced folks. I'm interested in making a bead curtain for my bathroom window, which is tall and narrow (about 30" X 16"). My dream i
Charlotte's Bead-Type Or Shape Of Bead?
I heard 'Charlotte' mentioned in catalogues, but I haven't seen any pictures. Is it a type of a bead, or the way certain beads are shaped? Does anyone know of a photo on the internet that shows w
Beading Chain Advice.
I want to bead a chain about a quarter inch in diameter (like a fat pencil), and I can do it in peyote but I was wondering if anyone knew of a faster stitch.
'The BeadAholic Quarterly' Online.
'The BeadAholic Quarterly', a newsletter for beaders, has been in publication since March. It has been sent to subscribers all over the U.S., Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, and England. The hard copy is
Thread Heaven Substitute!!!
Here's a little discovery I made the other day after hubby's snoring drove me nuts and robbed me of sleep (hey, I might call myself a "creative insomniac", but the beading juices just weren't flow
Beadtips.
I am interested in hearing opinions on using beadtips in making necklaces. Do a lot of you use them, or do you use them just some of the time? Do you think they add, or take away from, the look/q
Ethics Thread.
What is interesting to me, is how this thread points out that when you make something public, although you may have followed all of the legal rules and used your personal integrity to give credit
Bead Embroidery.
I am taking a class this weekend on embroidering 'Ultra Suede' with beads and I am to come with some ideas of what I would like to construct and design. Now I don't have to worry about frames, bec
Crackle Beads.
Does anyone know how crackle beads are made, the kind where the glass is visibly fractured and refused?
New To Beading - Tools.
I need help with tools (pliers). What types of pliers would I get to start with: round nose, chain nose, and wire cutter.... what else? Are chain nose & flat nose the same thing, and what is "cri
Half-Drilled Pearls......?
Someone asked about where to find these the other day. I looked in 'Fire Mountain's' catalog #7233 and they have them in several sizes both in 3/4 and round.
Hot Head Torch Question.
I am new to lampworking and have just had to change my 'Mapp' gas tank for the first time. The torch worked fine before, but now I can only get a tiny flame... when I turn up the gas the torch goe
Newbie Needs Help.
I'm new at this, and would really like some help, please. The bead store where I bought my beads suggested I use 'Soft Flex Wire' .014 clear (3 strands X wires per strand) for single strand brac
"Pixie Dust".
I am new at lampwork bead making and I ordered some "Pixie Dust" to put a nice finish on my beads. Does anyone know what the best way to apply this stuff to your beads is?
Rose Petal Beads.
I have countless recipes for rose petal beads which yield a dull ebony bead. My Aunt purchased a rose petal bead rosary in Spain in the 1970's. It is a soft red color and to this day, still smell
Using Charms.
Does anybody have any ideas or examples for creative things to make with charms? I would like to stay away from a conventional charm bracelet, and maybe incorporate some beads into the design. I
Mirrix Looms.
Has anyone used a 'Mirrix' bead loom, with or without a shedding device for beading? I am very new to loom beading, and I am considering purchasing one, but wanted to see if anyone has had any ex
Supplies For Making Jewelry.
I'm a relatively new lampworker, and would like to start making some of my beads into jewelry. I've been doing stained glass, painted glass, and fusing for a while, so this is just another facet
Pricing Work.
How does everyone come up w/ a price for the items you make? I just go by what I have seen before. Is there an actual formula?
Crimp Beads.
Does anyone know of an online source for "gold" crimp beads?
Software.
I would like to know if is there any specific software for beadcraft design.
Beadwork Software?
Are there any software programs available for either 'PC' or 'MAC' to graft/plan/create bead patterns for loomwork or peyote? Someone posted some recommendations a month or so ago, but the post i
Wholesale Pricing.
I have a dilemma. I make fused dichroic glass beads/pendants. I've often been asked for wholesale pricing, and I just can't seem to come up with a wholesale pricing schedule. I've sort of flip-
Loom Question.
I'm relatively new at beading in general, and loom beading in particular. I find that the most work involved in looming is warping the loom. Is there an easy way to do this? I'm working on a pi
Beads? Not sure. Advice please.
These sound like 'Pop' beads. Is there a hole in the end of a larger circle? Try putting the small end into it - if there is a "pop" and it attaches - taaadaaaa......very desirable for retro 50s/
Selling Finished Jewelry On Auction?
I know I'm not alone here ~ I've heard other beadworkers say that online auctions are just not the best forum for finished work, but I do see a FEW beaders having some success selling on 'eBay'.
Looking For Beads.
Am looking for all types of beads. Where should I look?
Tying Two Threads Together?
I am very new at beading, and I started to do what I guess you would call a "Victorian Weave." I had a long thread to start out with, and didn't know if I would like the look, but I really do, an
Projects As Gifts.
Did everyone get their projects finished that they were making for others as gifts this holiday season? What was the most difficult project you intended as a gift?
Crocheted Bead Rope.
I saw one of these being made at a bead show recently, and I've been thinking about it ever since. It was made by stringing beads onto crochet thread and then crocheting a tube and only the beads
Twisting Multi-Strands.
Hi, I'm trying to make a 3-strand necklace for a Christmas gift, duplicating a necklace I bought. The strands are spiraled. I got the strands beaded, but I don't know how to spiral it. I tried j
Do These Beads Even Exist?!
I'm searching for beads that are shaped like a hockey puck. They must be quite small (around 5mm across, 2-3mm thick) black, with the hole running through the wide part, not through the thin part.
Nifty Auction Feature...
I just learned about this nifty auction feature on 'Yahoo'. You can set it to alert you when your favorite seller lists items. So, I have it set to alert me when "beckibead" lists new auctions.
Very Tiny Ornaments.
Does anybody have any ideas on what I can do to make REALLY tiny christmas ornaments? I mean, for a 12" tree. I was thinking of putting single glass beads on headpins and making a hook out of wire
What bead loom do you use?
I'm thinking of purchasing a bead loom and would like to hear what other people on this list think of their bead looms? I've done mostly off-loom techniques with beads - brick and peyote stitches.
Manhattan Bead Article Cancelled By 'Ebay'.
I would be asking myself why they were selling it on 'eBay' instead of 'Sotheby's' where there would at least be some research into authenticity. You can't save idiots from themselves, no matter
Clasps And Cords.
Most of what I do is polymer clay combined with other beads. My Q is, how do you tell how strong the clasp and cord needs to be to support the piece? I used 'Tiger Tail' on the heaviest pieces, bu
Where.....?
Where did the people in this group learn to do their beading? Were you self taught from a book, or did you take classes? I am trying to teach myself. I've been visiting your sites and looking a
Problem With Creation.
I'm not so unhappy as it could seem. It's just very, very frustrating because I know somewhere inside of me, there is a creator who wants to work, but where?
Boxes, Etc.
I'm looking for a supplier of things like earring boxes, and those plastic thingamajigs (highly technical term) you hook earrings onto, and the batting-like stuff that goes in the boxes.
Getting Rid Of My Beads.
After much thought, I have decided to give up beading and to get rid of my beads - years worth of buying and collecting....'Delicas', 15s, 11/0s, etc. Lots of colours, and such. I have found t
Working With Chain.
I would like to start using chain in my beaded necklace projects, but know very little about how this is done. What size chain do I use? Does the chain actually go through the bead, or do I use
Crimp Beads - Having Trouble With Strength.
Following everyone's advice (thank you, dear group), I began using crimp beads in my designs (which are slowly beginning to sell in retail - woohoo!). However, I prefer the silver-looking crimp b
REQ: Closure For Bracelet?
Our daughter recently visited from California wearing a bracelet made entirely of seedbeads. It was a woven, daisy-chain that had an interesting closure we are trying to duplicate. It was a "bal
Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater.
I am traveling in this area 2/25 through 3/5. Any good bead/craft stores or shows I should not miss?
More on polyshrink
Has anyone actually tried the sanding method to hold the color onto the finished (shrunk) material? I am afraid that even with roughing up the surface, my inkjet and/or my permanent markers will
Swarovski's.
I'm looking for a good source for 'Swarovski' crystals, especially unusual cuts or colors. I've checked out 'Purple Finch' and bought some things from them. We currently pay about 5.5 cents per
Delicas: how many in 10 grams?
I'm thinking of ordering some Delicas from General Bead for the Basket Bag project in 'Beaded Amulet Purses'. But, I don't have any idea how many beads would be in the standard 10 gram retail pac
'Moretti' Glass Rods.
Any suggestions on where is the best place (price and reliability) to buy the rods for lampworking? I have been using 'CR Loo', and I'm not overly happy with them.
'Soft-Touch' (Hey Becki!).
Becki, I've read how you like 'Soft-Touch' and the review of it in one of the bead magazines was excellent. The review says it lies flat and straight, and drapes nicely. Well, the 30ft spool of
Thanks, And I Have Another Question...
It's not neccesary for me to get one, thanks Holly for the info. I need to buy alphabet beads, ceramic ones, and plastic. Does anyone know of a good online bead store that sells them for retail?
Advice On Gluing Seed Beads To Wood.
I bought an unfinished wood jewelry box and I'd like to paint it and then glue some seed and bugle beads on to it. Can anyone recommend a good type of glue to use? I know alot about beads but no
'E6000' Help.
Can anyone offer some tips or advice to work with this stuff, or another product that maybe isn't so thick and viscous? What do you use it for? What other industrial strength adhesives are goo
Suggestions?
I have just started using hanks of beads rather than loose. They inspire my creativity a lot more, and I like laying them out to see how the colours work together. I am wondering if anyone has
Knots? Need Help.
when I make bracelets or necklaces (beaded), how can I hide the knot? I tie the 'Nymo' thread or elastic on the clasp, then I string the beads. The knot is always there. What can I do? Tips an
Help Restringing 'Opal' Necklace.
A friend gave me an 'Opal' Rondelle necklace to restring. It is currently on 'Tiger Tail', and looks awful. It is stiff and requires leaving a visible tail to lie correctly. He told me it could no
Opinion Please.
If there were a magazine dedicated to seedbead work, would you buy or subscribe to it?
Bead Embellished Dog Collars?
Does anyone have info on where can find instructions for a beaded collar for a large dog? I don't want to use seed beads, but perhaps plastic pony beads or bone pipe beads for an Indian look? I
Source for Blue Tiger Eye?
I've never seen it in bead form, but have conceived a great desire for a blue tiger eye necklace. Do such beads exist? Are they very much more expensive than the ordinary brown stuff? Are they
Using 'Stretch Magic'.
Is there a way to tie off a bracelet using 'Stretch Magic' so that the knots are bumpy, and so that they stay secure?
Need Help with Perler Fusible Beads, If You Don't Mind.
I know 'Perler' beads are at the low end of the bead spectrum (if they're on there at all), but I really have nowhere else to turn. My local craft store is dropping them from their stock. What I'm
QUESTION.
Does anyone know a bead store online that sells the magnet closures for necklaces and/or bracelets?
Struggling Beginner - Beaded Bracelets.
New to newsgroups - new to beading! Please can anyone help. I am following a pattern and once I have done two rows, they seem to form themselves into a circle. I cannot get the rows to sit parall
Short Needles And Leather Beading.
I wouldn't be surprised if 'Sandi Graves' at 'Stormcloud Trading' in Minneapolis carries them. I don't have her number handy, but her ads are in 'Beadwork' and 'B&B'.
Jewelry For People Into Swing Music.
So many bare ears, necks, and wrists!!! I on the other hand, weighed 5lbs extra dripping in my own beads. I can't figure out what the folks would wear. Most are very young, and I don't think spark
Glass Vs. Plastic.
I have been making polymer clay beads and jewelry for about five years now, and I never used to worry to much about what my "filler" beads were made of in my jewelry, but now, I'd prefer to use gl
'Swarovsky's': Quartz Or Glass?
Being new to beading, I'm not sure which beads are quartz and which are glass. I had a customer a while back back out of a custom piece that I had ordered some crystal beads for. I recently deci
Glass Beads?
I'm looking for glass beads in the crow or pony styles. Anyone know where to get them? I'm in San Diego and would prefer a store in the area as opposed to mail order if possible. They don't hav
Fake Vs. Real 'Lapis Lazuli'.
Having acquired some 'Lapis Lazuli' chips as a gift. I am curious as to how I can tell if they are real or dyed.
High Tech Bead Wire
I always use two rounds (usually 6 mm) with the crimp bead in between at the end before the clasp and I use a crimper tool that mashes and then rounds the crimp. What's your experience? What size
WWW.BEADESCAPE.COM
This is a new site that has handmade beaded jewelry. http://www.beadescape.com/
Newbie Needs Bead Stringing Help!
In this month's issue of 'Bead & Button', they had a review of a new kind of clear glue that they used for stringing those "illusion" necklaces. I'm sure this would be helpful to you, as they used it
Stinging Beads.
I do lampwork, but am new to making jewelery and just made my first necklace. I used some of my lampwork and some bought spacer glass beads (larger than seed beads - round and diamond shapes). F
'Bead Societies'.
Does anyone know if there is a 'Bead Society' in Boston, Ma, or in other cities and towns of Massachusetts? I recently started a jewelry business and need information about local craft shows in
Angels.
Can anyone tell me where I can get a pattern to make angels out of crystal beads, or pearl-like beads, and what I can have for wings, could that be 'Filigree'? I am also thinking of birthstone an
Help With Twisting Netting.
I'm trying netting for the first time, and decided to try out the netted evening purse from the August issue of 'Bead and Button' (pg 52). The project starts with 144 beads (I'm using 'Delicas')
Plastic Tubes.
Does anyone know where I can get plastic tubes (the kind used for storing seed beads) in quantity reasonably? I am looking for 6", and possibly 3 or 4".
Using Vintage Beads.
Are there any legal problems associated with using beads from old jewelry and remodeling and selling? Like, if I buy old necklaces at yard sales and make new ones, are they considering my crea