Beads—A Sign of the Times?

Hi everyone
thought this article was fun!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

When you hear the word “beads,” do you immediately think of jewelry? Or do you think of Rosary beads or some other non-jewelry use of beads—beaded dresses, headbands, belts? Perhaps you think of a country and western outfit, a studded, head-to-toe piece of jewelry.

The first thought that enters your mind when you hear the word “beads” may date you and give away your age faster than physical attributes. If you’re a product of the 50’s, your mind may wander to pop beads, those plastic pull apart, pop together baubles that have risen in value from pennies to $20, $30 or more. If you’re a product of the 60’s, you may think of “love beads,” which complemented the long-haired, unkempt look, or your mind may wander to the long strands of beads that once adorned inside doorways in Haight Ashbury with sounds of The Mamas and the Papas blaring in the background. Thanks to television, it’s difficult to forget the beaded belts of the 70s.

From Ancient Trade to Modern Computer Applications

Beads predate the mid-20th century by eons. Remember the abacus? Of course, you can’t actually remember back 2000 years unless you possess powers unknown to this author, but you can remember learning about the abacus in school. In Europe, Venetian glass beads and German metal beads served as currency in trade as early as the 16th century. Beads also played a central role in Native American jewelry.

Bohemia (aptly named) was the center of the European bead trade from as far back as the Middle Ages. Through the twists and turns of history, bead making moved to Bavaria and now, has once again found its home in the Chezk Republic, in the Bohemia area, home of Swarovski Austrian crystals.

In 1990, Native American traditional beadwork intersected with computer sciences. Several college campuses introduced a pilot program in which beadwork shaped the foundation for courses AutoCad and other design program courses for Native American students. The popularity and applicability of these courses continues today.

Modern Beads

Now that we’ve strolled down memory lane and taken a quick look at vintage beads, beads no longer in production, where do beads fit into today’s jewelry scene? They’re everywhere you look from casual chokers and necklaces to fine Swarovski Austrian crystal designs.

Think beyond a single strand of beads. Start by thinking of a single strand of beads from which a pendant dangles. From there, think pins—yes, pins adorned with beads, beaded bracelets, barrettes, earrings, etc. In fact, think beyond jewelry to purses and other accessories. If you look closely at your surroundings, you’ll find beads everywhere.

The Many Faces of Beads

Another thing that you might rethink is the composition and shape of beads. Today’s beads come in a myriad of shapes and materials, with Austrian crystal topping the list. Today’s look du jour of transparent, translucent and iridescent beads don the bodies of the rich and famous along with everyday mortals. Venetian glass beads often encapsulate swirls within the beads for a unique, timeless quality.

The latest in fashion trends includes little beaded silk purses. While you wouldn’t want to cover yourself in head-to-toe beads unless you’re auditioning for a singing gig in Nashville, a silk beaded purse with a complementary beaded necklace turns an ordinary evening outfit into a walking work of art.

Open your eyes and look for one-of-a-kind, handmade beaded jewelry. It’s everywhere, and it’s calling your name.

About the Author

M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for http://www.jewelry-4-u.net/beads.htm and http://www.jewelry-4-u.net/ in general. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.

Written by: MJ Plaster

Anything Goes: Life Hurts Today

Anything Goes: Life Hurts Today: "I'm working on a new beading project which I'm calling, 'Russian Sunflower.' Its Russian leaves and then I'll either bead a cabochon, which is highly polished, convex cut, unfaceted gem (so sayeth Mr. Webster) or I'll figure out a centerpiece similar to the one I used in the photo below. The brooch below is made with Czech beads so the leaves are bigger. The one I'm making now, I'm making with Delicas so the leaves are considerably smaller. There will be 12 leaves and then the centerpiece. This brooch includes a beaded bead as the centerpiece.

I don't know if you can tell or not, but the dark beads are a deep cranberry and the green beads are lined with fuschia. Its really beautiful in person, if I do say so myself. "

The original piece is very pretty (okay, I'm always a sucker for green!) and the new one sounds very interesting too - I look forward to seeing a photo.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Collective Sigh of Relief...and angst.

Collective Sigh of Relief...and angst.: "I think I'll be beading some later this evening. YAY! While Baby napped today I actually did something more constructive than sitting at the computer or wandering around the abode spot cleaning. I cleaned, and organized, my bead area. Not just the desk, the whole area. WOOHOO! Although...I'm not 110% sure I'm going to keep doing this MBB deal. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE it...it's just that it isn't any different from what other people are doing. Here in my little corner of the world not many people bead outside of it being for themselves/family/friends. On the Internet, however, bead sites are a dime a dozen. It's a bit dejecting because, obviously, these people aren't afraid to spend big $ on materials w/o knowing if they will sell or not. Possibly they wear them themselves if they don't sell? I don't know. I wouldn't, personally. Then again, I don't wear much jewelry. (Go ahead and laugh...I know, it's funny) My designs and materials are just as good, if not better, than other sites I have seen. Yet, I keep my prices just above my cost while others are charging (at least) 3x as much as materials. I don't get it. Yeah, yeah, yeah...profit and all that. BAH Plus, have you SEEN some of the crap these people are selling?! A plastic name bracelet for $45?? They have GOT to be KIDDING me! I just want to have fun and bring smiles to faces of people I've never met. Yet I have to wonder if it is worth it to continue. Believe it or not, being a WAHM is a LOT of work. Not only do you (well, me) have to make what you are selling, you have to promote it, ship it, keep up with customer service (e-mails, questions, face-to-face deliveries), make contacts, keep up with the trend; all the while keeping an eye on how much "

I found this post really interesting. It certainly raised a few questions for me. I'd be interested in some feedback or answers to some of the questions raised here.
I can certainly relate to the WAHM (work at home mum) scenario!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

This and That � Winter W/1 Bead Soup Eye-glass Necklace

This and That - Winter W/1 Bead Soup Eye-glass Necklace: "I really needed this necklace as I have glasses all over the house now that I don't see close up like I used to. It is a pain in the butt to fine them and having them hang from my shirt neck is not always convenient or safe. I have dropped them several times. Since there was a discussion on bead soup I got some of mine out and added some long silver bugles and some shorter ones to add. I used beading see thru thread and clam shells to hook it together. No clasp just the clam shells hooked together."

This is very pretty. But I'm curious - what exactly is "bead soup"? Anyone care to enlighten me? It's not a term I've heard before.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Bee Knits: Belated Merry Christmas!

Bee Knits: Belated Merry Christmas!: "Besides knit, I also made some beaded earrings. Yup, beading is my next love after knitting. Maybe one day I will make more of this to sell on eBay. What do you think? Will you buy my beaded earrings?"

Well, what do you think - would you buy these earrings?
I wouldn't - because I don't have pierced ears!!! hehehe I'm more of a bracelet kinda girl. They'd make nice gifts though.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

xelona: What I've been up to, and stuff like that.

xelona: What I've been up to, and stuff like that.: "I've mostly been spending my time indoors, reading and beading. I've been creating some rather lovely pieces lately. I even sold three of my bracelets to my Aunt Marilyn, for her to give as gifts. I'm starting to get to the point in my beadwork that I could potentially support myself doing it."

It's great to see someone starting out and beginning to realise there's a potential home business in their passion for beading.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

The Crabs that Ate My Brains

The Crabs that Ate My Brains: "I went to the holiday party for the women patients at my doctor's office, and my doctor, a very cool lady, taught us how to make these:"

What a different idea for a bracelet. What a different doctor!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

:: Wonderful Memories ::

:: Wonderful Memories ::: "We went for beading classes together at Yishun. Woot.. I know how to make my own earrings now! *beams*"

Great effort for a first timer! Well done.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Beading Is Fun!

Hello everyone!
Hope you all had a great festive season, I know we had a great time catching up with family. I'm very fortunate that my kids are still young enough to really get caught up in all the excitement, although I think I've seen enough Christmas lights to last me a lifetime!!
One project I've been working on for a while is a site about beading, and I've just started to release it on the internet. If you'd like to take a look, it's at http://www.beading-is-fun.info
I'd love to get your feedback on it, good and bad! I plan to progressively add a lot more stuff to it over time, but it takes time - something I suffer a severe lack of, particularly now my kids are on school holidays.
Anyway, happy new year to everyone!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Learn How to Bead

Learn How to Bead: "Learn How to Bead
A new listing of the many beading lessons available on this site. Learn Beading and Beadwork contains links to everything from an introduction to beadwork and bead stringing through the many variations of Peyote and other beading stitches. "

There's some good stuff at this website to help you learn different types of beading.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Existence: Beaded Creation - Sweet Embrace

Existence: Beaded Creation - Sweet Embrace
"Neckace info:

This was created of the basic african net design as you can see in the center and i just designed from there the rest. Hope u like it!
P.S. All my pieces are for sale just inquire if your interested!"


This is really pretty!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

The Sardonic Cauldron: Finally...a post

The Sardonic Cauldron: Finally...a post: "I have dove back into my beading and am making lots of Christmas presents this year. I forgot how relaxing and fun it is. Instead of sitting on the couch wondering which chore I should really do since they aren't all getting done, I just ignore them completely and bead."

Now that's the right attitude!!! hehehe
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Enjoying The Journey

Enjoying The Journey: "I got engrossed with some more beading today, and being the time of the year that it is, made some sparkly Christmas decorations using baubles and beads. These were quick and fun and added a home-made touch to our tree."

Sorry no pic, you'll have to click through to the blog to see this gorgeous beaded Christmas ornament. Great idea!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Buzz-A-Roni

Buzz-A-Roni: "One of the Mom's in the group is starting a home business of beading parties. I came on this event sort of late, but it was a Mom's night out where you'd make your own beaded bracelets. If you wanted to make a mother's bracelet, she would order these cute little sterling silver cube alphabet beads.
I picked out lots of purple beads... different shapes and sizes, two Swarovski amethyst (no not her birthstone, but I'm not a fan of rubies, which is my birthstone too!) crystals, and some sterling silver round beads. "

This sounds like a really interesting idea - can anyone tell me what exactly a mother's bracelet is??
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Magnets-Beads-Photography-Life � Blog Archive � Finally, a journey home

Magnets-Beads-Photography-Life-Blog Archive-Finally, a journey home: "My first big bead project is going to be my beaded Santa Claus faces, Christmas Trees, Wreaths, and Snowflakes. I loved doing these and they sold quite well for me in the past. My sister, Jan, has someone at Chrysler interested in seeing them as well. And as Jan wears her pairs, I asked her to be a walking advertisement for me. Also, there is a new web site just for the earrings. www.holiday-earrings.com There will be holiday earrings for all seasons as the year goes along, but right now, it's just Christmas stuff."

I really enjoyed reading the full story of this beader's journey.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

It's Holiday Time

Hi everyone!
Well, I know for most of you winter is fast approaching, but here in Australia summer has arrived, the end of school year bedlam has just ended, and it's time for my family and I to head to the beach.
So I hope now you have lots of cold nights to stay inside and keep warm, you all get lots of beading done!
I'll be too busy spreading sunscreen on my kids and playing in the sea! And even better, having a REST!!!!
I look forward to catching up with all of you again in a week or so.
Happy beading!
Felicity 8-)

Octopus Garden 10 (creativechick.blog-city.com)

Octopus Garden 10 (creativechick.blog-city.com): "I finally finished up the last in my Octopus Garden series this week."

"Octopus Garden 10" 2005

6" x 4"
Mixed media Collage on Fiber

Hand and machine sewn, hand dyed, painted and printed fabrics, beads, and embellished.

On sell at http://creativechick.etsy.com


This is a stunning piece of work!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Lauren's Blog - Another finish!

Lauren's Blog - Another finish!: "Well, it's done! It's a little crooked - the wreath's off-center, because I miscounted and didn't feel like ripping out most of the border. I love beading so much - the scan just can't capture how much the beads sparkle in the light. I really enjoyed working on this, even if the beading needle pricked me 5,000 times "


Another fabulous way of using beads. I think we've all experienced the old pricking of the fingers with the beading needle! Ouch...
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Heather's Little Haven: Some Finishes

Heather's Little Haven: Some Finishes: "I did this last night around 1am, I couldn't sleep

I had to keep taking the thread out the needle as I haven't any beading needles (well I do, they're just AWOL). I've done this one many times in the past, so it didn't take me long to do at all. "

Wow, another great use of beading techniques, I've definitely NEVER thought of something like this.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

yuliacrystal: it's all about beads now, apparently

yuliacrystal: it's all about beads now, apparently: "but, heck, beads! anywhere you'd look they were twinkling with all imaginable colours in places you wouldn't have seen before on a piece of clothing, even in a costume shop. I actually saw garments that were made completely out of beads and sequins, attached to a finest shadow of a material you won't really call fabric.
in a daze, I walked through three levels of clothing, touching things here and there. it will probably sound funny coming from me (and I hope that none of my beady buddies would read this), but it was all a bit too much for me. the sparkle, the colours, the sizes, the amount of beading on a square centimetre of a fabric... I tell you, they've gone mad! =) "


I have to say I've noticed the same thing!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)