patsylabrador Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 Several years ago I made beaded jewellery. I was quite addicted to buying beads and could never have enough. I made so much jewellery for myself and as presents, and tassels for furnishings. I could spend ages in beading shops and I usually hate shopping. Stopping was a simple matter of keeping away from beading shops, especially the one in Covent Garden which I loved. However, my sister asked me to remake one of the necklaces which has got a bit tired and I casually checked out Amazon for some thread. There's loads of beads on there!! It's back, the beast is back. I've already ordered 4 hanks of seed beads. I'm really excited, I hadn't realised how much I missed playing with tiny glass beads! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yvonne Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I bought a small beading kit for a friend's daughter for Xmas and very nearly bought another for myself, if I pass the shop again I think I'll cave in as it really does appeal - any hints and tips for beginners ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted December 21, 2011 Author Share Posted December 21, 2011 Definitely get some nylon thread and some beading needles. They're very fine, twisted wire and the eye collapses so you can use very tiny beads. They're reusable, you just have to straighten them and re-open the eye. Glue to hold knots, crimp beads to hold beads at end of thread and a small pair of pliers to squash them. I found it useful to have a plastic beading tray that has grooves for different sized necklaces and you can try out designs without them rolling all over the place. I got lots of info from American beading sites. It's an absorbing hobby, that's for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yvonne Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 Thanks Patsylabrador, you may have created a second beast - will report back (have bought stuff to make soap first though) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasperaliceuk Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 A lady after my own heart - I have been beading, in particular woven work, for about 7 years now. Haven't done any for quite a few months now as I've taken up needle felting and that has been absorbing my time. For the first time I actually haven't beaded any Xmas decs. Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowberry Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I've only recently discovered beading. I made my first necklace this week for my aunt (on the Christmas thread) & apart from the first strand (getting my head around the tecnique) & last strand (rushing it!) I reall loved it. It's very calming. I have never got on with sewing or knitting (you have to keep them spotless!) but this was easy to pick up or put down. I found a beading mat invaluable; however keep cats away from it. My kitten went to smell the seed beads & got loads stuck to her nose I was worried she may have inhaled one There is a bead shop about 1 1/2 miles from my village & it's like a sweetie shop to me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 Thats no way to talk about the OH Patsy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted December 21, 2011 Author Share Posted December 21, 2011 Good one Ali's girls. It does feel like that most evenings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatieB Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 May be I shouldnt give you this link then (however I'm no expert, all I know is that its in the village near to where I live and I've heard really good things) http://www.spoiltrottenbeads.co.uk/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 Patsy, I have some beads at home which I no longer use, some of them are vintage; PM me if you'd like them sent. You may have to remind me though as I'm pretty busy and likely to forget Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kazzy73 Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 this is my next hobby I want to master,love looking at all the pretty beads in hobbycraft,guess what everyone will be getting for xmas next year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 Awww good for you! Sometimes our hobbies can become an addiction and expensive. But if it brings pleasure then it's all worth it! Doing a hobby is good for keeping your brain active & for relaxation. Nothing more rewarding than something handmade / homemade. Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
