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Beads are great to make beautiful jewelery and crafts. However, they are a little messy when it comes to work with the beads. You have to be extra careful about not spilling them. Moreover, you need to store them correctly otherwise you might not get your stash when needed the most. Here are certain tips for storing your tiny as well as large beads securely to find them when you want to finish the exclusive piece of that beaded bracelet or the earring!

Vials- vials or very small containers are available in the market and through online shopping. They are perfectly right for storing your seed beads. These vials mostly come in handy case having a nice snap closure that keeps your vials secured inside. The vials have top for easy viewing so that you open just the right container and not the others and save the risk of spilling them.

Bead Cases- There are different varieties of cases with novel features for keeping your treasure secured. Some of these cases have slots for storing bead. Some other bead boxes have acid-free tacky surface on top and bottom areas. Beads can be easily placed on these surfaces and they don’t slip from there. Needles are then used to pick them up from the surface. Some of them even have magnets to hold the needles. It makes them perfect for travel or for using at home.

Bead Organizers- There comes these organizer cases that are made with the purpose of easily carrying beads. These are in fact collections of boxes of various sizes. The large box or the organizer has some medium sized, small and mini boxes to store beads of different sizes. They also have scoops and tweezers in them to make the bead artists’ work simpler.

Bead Storage Drawers- Clear drawers are also very good for storing beads. They can be used individually for one or many beads and also for other accessories. The drawers pull out for easy access to needles, tweezers or other small items.

Plastic Tubes- Plastic tubes are good for storing seed beads. Craft stores mostly sell smaller seed beads and cylinder beads in plastic tubes only. They can even be used for storing smaller gemstone and glass beads. However, the tops should remain firmly closed while traveling or storing.

Plastic Bags- The strands of larger beads like those of gemstone or glass beads and even animal beads can be easily stored in plastic bags. However, loose beads that are small in size should be avoided to be kept in bags as they can spill over when trying to take them out.

Readers are recommended to read article on “tips for buying beads” at http://www.beads-manufacturers.com/articles/beaded-jewellery-christmas-gift-tips.html

Author: Deepa RC
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Beading is a great creative hobby that is suitable for people of all ages. You can also make beautiful and unique creations for yourself, family, friends and loved ones.

Young children love to make beaded bracelets and necklaces. There are also beading kits that are catered for children to learn the craft of beading. Adults who love working with beads can also make a living selling their creative bead work at fairs, online, and opening their own trendy bead boutiques.

Here is how you can get started with this wonderful craft.

The first step would be to find a good local bead shop with good advice of experienced staff. There are also online catalogs and websites that provide great information and sell all sort of the supplies and tools required.

Some stores would also offer beginners’ classes that would help you to learn basic techniques. Some even offer packaged starter kits that may include a beading board, tools, beads, wire, findings, books, etc.

Start with a simple project such as a basic bracelet or necklace, without using too expensive beads and findings. You can use Swarovski crystal, sterling silver and semi-precious beads at a later stage.

To sell more items, you can also consider expanding your bead work to more items than just jewelry. One area that is gaining popularity is bead work on household items. You can add beads to table cloths, lamp shades, or comforters. Beads can really liven up any household piece that you have.

You can also work on seasonal projects, like Christmas bead work for jewelry or household items. Many people are interested in decorating their house during this and other holiday periods and will be more keen to purchase beaded craft.

The only limitation with bead work is your own imagination. Happy beading!

Terence is the owner of http://terence7.blogspot.com. To find out more, you can click here. To get more info on tips to help you bead better for the next 24 hours, click here now.

Author: TereTan BK
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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It’s not often you can go shopping and not see beads which are claimed by the seller to be the “latest thing”. That’s probably just what people were thinking when they started making beads over 100,000 years ago! Recent findings have revealed that beads have been part of human life for that long, if not longer.

Recent examination of beads excavated in the early 1900′s from sites in Israel and Algeria have shown the beads to date from between 100,000 to 135,000 years ago, a finding which pushes the previous earliest known date of 75,000 years back quite some distance in human history. These finding are extremely elemental in building our view of our species history for many reasons, the most important being that it shows beyond doubt that humans were thinking symbolically much longer than previously supposed.

The first beads that we know of were shells. Perforations in shells are often from natural causes such as parasites, but humans still had to think of a means to string them together which shows their ability to use chords – and to tie knots or make clasps. Because these shells were found in areas that they would not occur naturally, we know that early people sought them purposely and possibly even traded for them. We also know that these early bead makers had a sense of self and an idea of self adornment, were thinking symbolically, and had an understanding of art.

These points and other factors about beads and bead making also reveal that human social units were much more complex at this time than previously realized as well. Beads throughout history have been used to show social association or class, as an indication of wealth or prestige, as gifts, for beautification, and for currency meaning that complex social units existed from the beginning of bead crafting. Bead materials, bead crafting, and finished product has been an important indication of intra-cultural crafting trade since the earliest of bead making cultures as beads of materials from far away lands were seemingly the most significant to a culture’s people and carried the most importance and prestige within a group.

As time went on more and harder materials began being used for bead making. These items included seeds, teeth, bone, eggshells and ivory. Holes were drilled using the method of rotation. By 40,000 years ago stone was being used for bead work. By 28,000 years ago beads had become quite elaborate masterpieces and true marvels of skill mastership.

As civilizations flourished, so did the art of bead making. Today we still value our beads, whether they are an expensive string of pearls or just a few colorful ceramic baubles. Examples of beads from around the world testify that in the vast history of humans, no civilization was, or is, complete without beads.

2010 Sally Taylor
You don’t have to be Indiana Jones to find gemstones and fossils or prospect for gold and artifacts. Come on over to http://www.rockhoundstation1.com and learn how easy it is to turn those dull weekends into a life of adventure.

Author: Sally Taylor
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Fun alphabet bead jewellery can make a great gift for children or teens. Each letter bead is ordered separately for placement in a sterling silver or gold chain. Very pretty beads are available with sterling silver or gold edges that surround a brightly coloured alphabet letter in the centre of the bead. Alphabet bead children’s jewellery can come in necklaces, bracelets, and other fashion accessory styles that allow beads to be placed onto chains.

Alphabet Bead Gift Ideas:

The letter beads are high-quality jewellery items that can be purchased one piece at a time. When a grandparent does not live in the UK with their grandchildren, they might decide to send their grandchild a sterling silver necklace first. Next, a new letter bead can be delivered to the child every so often to remind the child how much they are loved by this missing family member. Americans can order their grandchild jewellery from an online UK jewellery store for delivery in the UK to save money on shipping.

The child-size sterling silver or gold letter beads are not simply bangles on a high-quality necklace or bracelet chain. As children are learning to read or to spell their names, the alphabet jewellery creations can become a teaching aide. The pretty silver, gold, or colourful enamelled beads can be purchased to represent every word or name. There are also dotty beads, animal beads, and butterfly beads available that can be used as the spaces between multiple word phrases.

When there is a new baby, the parents can order their baby’s name on a quality jewellery bracelet to include in their baby memory book. When friends are going to a baby shower, if the baby’s name is known, the mother-to-be can be presented with an alphabet letter bead bracelet to wear until it is time to tuck that jewellery away inside of the baby keepsake box. Jewellery beads come in very pretty gift boxes or velvety bags just like all other elegant forms of jewellery.

The children’s alphabet letter beads that come in sterling silver or gold are sometimes used as dangles that are attached to wedding invitations or anniversary notices. Young people in love can exchange jewellery letters in the same manner as friendship bracelets. Personalized messages can be created through the use of these jewellery designer bead letters that will delight children of all ages for every type of gift giving occasion. Children’s alphabet letter beads and chains are sold through online jewellers.

Lovejewellery is a new online channel which offers a whole host of children’s jewellery to suit all ages. From infants to toddlers, pre-school to high school sweethearts, there is a time and occasion for a new piece of children’s jewellery to be bestowed upon that special someone in your life.

Author: Gareth K Parkin
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Have you got old clothes in your closet that have gone out of season but are still in love with? Don’t you simply wish you might do something to spice it up a little to make it look new again? Well you absolutely can! It is all pure and simple! All that you need is some beads in all the perfect colors and voila! It will be as good as brand new! You won’t ever know the power a few dainty beads and some thread can do for your attire. Now take some time to sort out those old clothes, give away those that are not useful for you anymore, and keep those that you can still boost through beadwork.

Are you just not glad how a few beadworks can save you a lot of cash in buying new clothes? There are so many things you can benefit from it. Now let us begin with a few tips we can use in spicing up that horrible and plain wardrobe.

Do you have a shirt with a boring, faded print? Why not highlight that print by stitching some beads on their outline and straight into the cloth? You’ll certainly be dazzled by the amazing results.

Do not be worried if your old wardrobe has complicated swirls or plain cuff trims because whether it is a blouse, a pair of old jeans, sweaters, tank tops, tees, coats or jackets; beads will continue to be a fun and classy way to bring out your standard wardrobe.

Beadwork does not only do wonders on old clothes, it’s also just about popular as an accessory. If you’d like to give a new look to your clothes, some striking accessories on the neck, ears, wrist and fingers will surely do the job. Or you can add beads to your purses, gloves, scarves, slippers, hats and even head bands!

Having a quiet dinner with your better half or some friends? Are you dying to make a statement as a host? Apart from the soothing cast of candlelight over your silverware, you may jazz it up by sewing some sparkly and glittery beads on your placemats, napkins, hang some on your candelabrum or your centerpieces.

There are endless ways to creatively use those beads even in your own home! Sew them on your towels and pillows, or your blankets and curtains, even on wall sconces and candle holders. Make your door appear more inviting by draping it with a curtain made out of pretty bead strands.

Also, never forget to hand wash your beaded items. Never put those in a washing machine or else you may never see that gorgeous and complicated beadwork again!

Getting organized in your jewelry business is important to get the most out of your business and our beaded jewellery software is designed to do exactly that. We have a range of free jewelry business information and a free jewelry pricing calculator to help you improve your jewelry business.

Author: Gary A Capps
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Want to try your hand out at some creativity? Try bead jewellery making which opens up the wide world of creating something different and new. Mix and match colours, shapes to churn out new pieces of jewellery.

Beaded jewellery is pretty simple to make provided you get hang of certain basic techniques involved. You do need to get the knack of twisting wires, tying knots and even stringing as the case arise when you are making earrings, bracelets, necklaces, hairpins and many more costume accessory items.

Enrolling for a beading class is the most sensible thing you could do because a beading class will train in the perfect method and technique and you get your basics straight right from the start. Moreover when you practice collectively in a group, you are sure to get more ideas and inspirations from others apart from making new friends.

Beading classes usually have two levels viz. Beginner’s Beading Classes and Advanced Beading Classes apart from which you could check out a wide range of specialized sessions which train you in themed bead jewellery making such as Christmas Special, Wire Wrapped Jewellery, Bead Weaving Techniques and lots more. Beading Classes could also teach you the basic elements of design, bead stringing, wire twisting and bead appliqué as well. The number of bead classes you attend entirely depends upon you, your interest in bead making and your budget. You could attend either one or them or all of them

Also these beading classes give you the opportunity to try out designing your own piece of jewellery under the guidance of an expert and you could truly give shape to an idea which you have imagined for yourself. Well, if you are learning bead jewellery making at a personal and amateur level, you could very well design jewellery pieces which can be offered as personalized gifts to your near friends and relatives.

In case you wish to further diversify into bead jewellery making as a business you could always delve deeper, create more and more designs. But for this you do need to join up for the advanced beading classes and also practice and innovate on a continuous basis.

I am an expert writer for beads and jewellery related articles. I am providing useful information about Beading Classes for those who are interested in bead making & looking out for such classes. To get brief idea of bead classes you could visit: http://the-beadshop.co.uk/

Author: Matthew Kersh
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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I have been getting requests on how to make these napkin rings. So I have decided to start with probably the simplest design – the spiral napkin rings. These are fun to make since we will be using a lot of beads. And it is up to your own imagination and creativity in deciding which type, and sizes of beads, and color or combination of colors to be used. I am using plastic beads this time to show how even the least expensive of beads can be made into a pretty stunning napkin ring.

Materials you will need:
Beads, Thick Wire (about 1.2mm gauge), Headpins (x2)

Tools:
Round-nose pliers, Flat-nose pliers, Tube shaped object

Step 1:
Wrap the thick wire around the tube several times to create a spiral. Remove the wire carefully without pulling it out of shape.

Step 2:
By using the round-nose pliers, bend one end of the wire into a small loop.

Step 3:
Insert or thread the beads on to the spiral wire.

Step 4:
Once all beads are threaded, make a similar loop at the end of the wire.

Step 5:
(This is a tricky step and can be skipped. If this step is skipped, then just use the flat nose pliers to pinch the end loops down so they stay somewhat hidden from view.)
Time to dangle some beads on the end loops. To do this:
a) Slide a bead onto a headpin and with a round-nose pliers firmly grasping the wire just above the bead (this is called the neck), bend the wire down to a sharp angle
b) Slide the headpin through one of the loops of the napkin ring
c) Use the round pliers to grasp firmly at wire just above the bead and hold the tail wire with a flat pliers and create create a loop by wrapping it around tip of the round-nose pliers then slowly wrap the wire around the neck of the headpin several times
d) Cut the rest of the tail wire

And voila! Your very own simple but yet elegant little napkin ring is finished.

Article with pictures:
Beaded Napkin Rings

More about – napkin rings

Author: Selina Stephen
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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A Seed Bead cost me .015 at a bead store in The Mall of America. Looking back, this is why I am so passionate about a community of beaders whose purpose is to help other beaders come into their own. It may be a lofty goal, and not completely altruistic (I have to pay for hosting after all) but it is a sincere goal of mine.

I want to provide a safe place for beaders. I want to provide a place that is safe for people to try free tutorials, to learn new weaves to use with their Seed Beads and a place where people can have fun enjoying their hobbies. I want to provide valuable information, and first rate resources for beaders – experienced and new alike.

I do not want to have a place where people aren’t welcome because of their gender (I am a male, after all). I want people to come regardless of their specific art form, regardless of their media, as long as they are working towards the same goal: Seed Bead knowledge and love.

When I first began shopping for Sead Beads, the very first day even, I spent over $100 and I had absolutely no idea what I was getting. I chose mostly Czech Seed Beads because those were the most prominently displayed. Normally this would be a first good bet for beads, but at almost $7 a hank for some truly unremarkable beads, most of my money went to the invevitable markup in a place like the Mall of America.

Before you go on your first Sead Bead shopping trip, make a list (there are a few on the internet). Stick to your list, and only buy things that are very pretty, and are things you will actually use. For example, I buy tiger’s eye because it is one of my favorite stones. I never have any idea on what to do with it, so it sits in my bead stash growing old. Even though you like it, if you wont use it, pass on it.

Second. For your first shopping experience at a local bead store, do not spend a dime. You want to go there to feel things, to find what catches your eye, and find out what is tactically and visibly pleasing to you. Is a “Japanese Barrel” Seed Bead more to your liking, or would you prefer a Czech Seed Bead. No one told me that the Japanese Barrel beads would be easily 10 times as expensive, but 100 times more useful.

I forgot to buy findings, threading material, needles, and the necessities. I hope no one goes through the problems that I have, and I believe that this community will be a hope for others!

Seed Bead [http://www.seedbead.net]

Daniel B. Karpouzian‘s Associated Press Articles.

I am a Thirty Something with a lovely wife and a 1 yr old baby boy. I love crafting, and especially Beading!

Author: Daniel Karpouzian
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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While it is simpler to buy tools and materials on-line, you’ll find it useful if you’ll attend some bead shows each year to know what is hot and what’s not. At a bead show you are going to be able to see the different latest jewelry items with different trendy colors and designs. You will be able to snatch the opportunity as well as discovering new concepts from other creative artist, by speaking with them while having some fun. There are some bead shows conducting manuals and seminars, this is a good method of learning new beading techniques and developing your potential as an artist as well . Most of the time you’ll find jewelers working as they are selling and you can pick up ideas on jewellery making tools and their proper usage simply by walking around and observing.

During bead shows, you may either ramble around or look for jewellery items that catch your eye, or you can start comparing costs of different jewelries. But , it is advisable not to make any purchases first, it’s much better to use the bead show as an opportunity to make informed purchases rather than purchasing things and maybe ending up with a bad deal. You may find hand-crafted glass beads, fimo beads and any other type at many alternative stores and taking your time will make sure you get the best bargain.

Having some company during bead shows is another way to help see if you aren’t missing any important items you need to have. And by comparing with each other, experiences and bargains you have seen, you will get to know if there are some interesting items and ideas that you should see during the show that sadly you missed.

Ask for business cards from sellers, particularly from those you have bought from. It is an simple way for you to get in contact with them when you run out of items you need.

Bring along with you a small notebook with the list of items you need, and you may also list down all of the information about new styles, colors, designs, and even interesting concepts you gathered during the show. You can annotate their name and contact information of the different merchants and their booth locations. When you have all of the required information, you have the opportunity to visit them again to compare costs of items with other sellers, and the chance to visit their own website to get some more information.

Don’t take a bag with you to carry all of your items, but rather employ a large backpack with heaps of pouches to store different items in, use the pouches at the top for more delicate items with the heavier ones at the bottom. This way your products will be protected and you’ll be able to view items simpler with both hands free.

Enjoy your time at the bead show! This is a great experience where it gives you different concepts and latest trend in joining the creative arena of jewellery making. As this is going to be your craft remember to have a good time at the outside craft show, it is business, but also it can be fun at the same time.

If you need help with your jewelry business then our beaded jewelry software is guaranteed to get your business organized. We also have free free jewelry business tools and a free jewelry business book all designed to help you get the most out of your jewelry business.

Author: Gary A Capps
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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African trade beads owe their unique creation to the need of traders plying the route between Africa and Europe and the affinity of Africans for beads of all types. European merchants created these trade beads to barter items of value from African people. Some of the items found in Africa that were particularly coveted by the Europeans include gold, ivory and palm oil amongst other region specific things.

The history of African trade beads can be traced back to the 15th century, when Portuguese traders reached West Africa and discovered that the people of Africa attached a lot of importance to beads made from a variety of items such as iron, gold, ivory, bone, organic things etc. Simultaneously, the European traders also discovered that the land was full of resources that Europe was in desperate need of.

Resultantly, the shrewd business minds of the traders decided to use beads made from glass as leverage to barter goods and raw materials with Africans. The material of glass was picked out primarily because the continent of Africa was still to discover glass working techniques, and its people were found to be in awe of the exquisite glass beads that the Europeans showed up with. An alternate name for these items is slave beads as they were used to barter slaves in addition to basic goods and services. These African slave beads were also known as aggry beads.

During those times, although the whole of Europe was rushing to produce them and siphon off the maximum amount of African resources, the leading producers were artisans from the city of Venice that is famous for its rare and unique glasswork even now. Other leading African trade beads producing centers of Europe include Bohemia and the Netherlands. The most popular type of African slave beads is the millefiore form that can be translated into the ‘thousand flower’.

In terms of the current day and age, African trade beads have become items that have a lot of value owing to their exotic nature and intriguing history. As per some historians, the African slave beads became popular in the western countries during the decade of 1960 which saw a lot of people from the US and Europe traveling to Africa and discovering the beauty and value of these African slave beads. Resultantly, jewelry made from African slave beads was transported back to the western world where it immediately captured the fancy of the majority of consumers.

Furthermore, it should be noted that there was no standard production of African trade beads and they were produced on the basis of particular demands instead. This has resulted in individual African trade beads items that draw their value from the fact that there is no other item like it. Therefore, the originality and the unique workmanship are the driving force behind jewelry made of these famous African beads becoming extremely coveted in the present day.

If you want more information about African jewelry then check out this great African Trade Beads website or another alternative is this African Trade Beads blog with plenty of advice.

Author: Conan Jason
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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