learn the art of bead jewellery

I’ve been on a couple of courses and am really enjoying my new hobby!

I went to the Sewing for Pleasure show at the NEC today. I picked up a kit to make a necklace, and i’m really enjoying threading beads!

I went to my first beadwork class today. We learned how to make a bracelet and a pair of drop earrings. We were also told about how to set up the beads on a beadboard (those things are very handy!), and about the colour wheel (what colours go together). I think it was money well spent.

We also learned how to use the pliers and cutters. I found out that I should also acquire a set of needle-nose pliers. If I can’t find one at Daiso (the Japanese loonie store for loonie Japanese people), I guess I’ll have to go back to the bead store. Again.

Most useful tip: when cutting the head pin, put your hand over your work while you’re cutting (or grab the other end of the wire)—it keeps bits of wire from flying around.

I didn’t leave the bead store without spending money today: I bought beads to make the mate to the earring that matches the bracelet (I made one earring and one other dangly thing that I immediately took apart and attached to jump rings when I got home—they’re going to be stitch markers), beads to make more stitch markers, earring hooks, and more head pins. I get this feeling that you can never have enough head pins. I also picked up a copy of Beadwork magazine because I was fascinated about an article on charms and charm bracelets.

I signed up for a Basic Beading course at one of our local bead stores. It’s not for a few weeks, though. Hopefully, I’ll get some guidance in using the stupid pliers!

my last class (out of 4) will be this Tuesday night 28 June 2005. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend this to anybody who loves to create things or love bead jewellery or just simply likes to try new things.

I will be sad that Tuesday will be my last session but I hear there’ll be more in due time. Which is good because by the time I get around to fixing up the bracelet I stuffed up the other night, I’ll have more time for it!

I want to make my own stitch markers for knitting (the ones I see on knitting blogs are like drop earrings, only instead of hanging from a hook, a hoop, or an earring back, they hang from a ring). I tried making some, but I can’t get the loops perfectly round; the best I could do was an oblong loop.

Maybe I’ll sign up for a basic beading class at one of our area bead stores.

too too less to do! I love my lessons and i wish it could go on for longer. we have so far made a necklace and earring set and another necklace – made in two different ways both with beading wire. I wore my second necklace out the other day and had had many comments on it so far! I love my necklace!! hoping to get my own tools soon so i can practice at home!

Well, I just enrolled and paid for the course. I can’t wait. Except I know it’s going to be stressful that night. We’ve actually booked into to see a concert as well, so it’s like both my son and I have to finish our classes that night a little earlier and then madly rush into the city with my daughter! Phew! Still I’m sure it’s going to be worth it!

I’ve just found a course (and relatively cheap!) – starting next month! It’s local to home as well. And the best thing is that is using beads from one very funky bead shop (which is called Bead Street) I love going to AND being instructed by the jeweller who works in the shop, Simone Pont! Simone has exhibited her work around Canberra and in NSW. She also does specialist and bridal pieces. Her work is contemporary and uses a strong mix of colours.

WOOHOO!!