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Welcome to Beader's Showcase, one of the premier websites for artists working with beads, polymer clay, PMC, lampwork and much, much more. We have artists with skills including stringing, embroidery, weaving, clay work, lampwork, silversmithing and loom work. But it doesn't stop there. You will be amazed at what our artists can do with some of the most basic materials. Given a few glass beads, some wire, a little material, a feather, a couple of silver or even pewter findings, they will create a masterpiece. Please enjoy, and if you are an artist come join us. Jeff & Ann   |
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Hi Ann. Thanks for all the messages. I have been terrible at responding. I am currently in physical therapy for an on-going sciatica problem and I've even had 3 back surgeries to try and deal with this. Anyway I have not done very much beading lately and definitely need to get out my bead stash (or stash's) and get to work. This group looks like it is one that I definitely want to be a part of. Thank you again for the welcome. Holly
HELLO ANN,
THANK YOU I AM SURE I WILL BE INSPIRED BY OTHER MEMBERS.
YOU WILL HAVE TO FORGIVE THE LARGE LETTERING,I AM GOING BLIND AND IT MAKES IT EASIER FOR ME TO SEE WHAT I AM WRITING. THAT IS ANOTHER REASON WHY I AM REALLY GOING TO ENJOY BEING APART OF THIS GROUP.
THEY ARE SO TALENTED AND WARM.
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THE WELCOME.
HUGS - KATY
Hello Ann,
Thanks for the welcome, I look forward to learning and meeting new fellow beaders! Only a beader can understand another beader!
Hi Ann, thanks for the warm welcome. I use nymo thread to do my bead emboidery jewelry. I think you have to consider the weight and the type of seed beads you are going to use.If the beads have sharp edges i would use the thicker count. For me It does not matter what size I use. If the seed bead or bugle beads has sharp edges then I put on a seed bead before abd after the bugle bead so the thread won't break. I love using nymo because it comes in many colors. It makes your out come look better.
:-)
Hello Ann ,
thank you for adding me , iam a new comer to this site as you know .... but i find it so interesting & wonderful ..... Many Blessings To You
Thank you, Ann, for warm welcome:) I will try to upload some photos today and introduce myself to all members.
Happy to be part of your group:)
As far as experimentation goes, currently the benefits of the beginner's mind lead me to try techniques such as different stitches, or different materials such as wires and even thread, to help guide what I learn from books and online. I found that beginner's books, albeit excellent resources, were rudimentary almost immediately. The books that stay on my table tend to focus on a particular technique or on something specific like color theory. Online can be a huge time sink! There are so many creative talented people and too many inspirations to chase after if you know what I mean.
My worst trial and error problems were with getting the right thread and finding one I liked to work with. After 10 months Fireline is the best for me. Sigh of releif. And big eye fine needles. Those hands down made the biggest different in the work.
A example of a successful experiment I just finished a bracelet after a few failures with this concoction: Miyuki Toho "frosted jet" 3mm cubes and silver 3mm metal cubes using an even count peyote stitch to about 1" width (6 rows) and a three loop magnetic slide bar clasp in silver. I started it with gold metal cubes but the clasp was impossible to find so took it apart and redid it with silver. It looks like a watch band - very nice and easy to work up. It could be unisex as well since the pattern of the silver cubes could be less decorative or more so. It's the first piece I think has enough quality to give to my mom for her birthday and that I'm even a little proud of. Otherwise there's earrings that were inspired by some bumble bee pewter charms and I like those too.
My early experiments were focused on wrap bracelets using leather and other cords along with all kinds of beads and stones as well as micro macramé. What was good about that was seeing the result of colors and texture and allowing the beads to inspire me completely. Right now am currently experimenting with some wonderful new stones of amethyst, agate, blue sapphire jade and labradiate from a great Indian shop in San Jose and my favorite store Sew Bedazzled, which has wonderful Czech glass and good variety of everything...and great owners.
I suppose it's also the people who are involved in the craft that make it a rich and rewarding hobby. I took it up when my dad was ill in the hospital and through the mourning process after he passed away. It kept me sane, and the people with the same experience were very supportive and warm. It's something I cherish. Now it's consumed my free time and some of my not so free time but I'm okay with that!
If I can get good enough photos of my good enough work I will post them and thanks again for the warm welcome.
Thank you for the warm welcome!
Ann, after using several types of beading thread, the one I find works best is "One-G". Whist Nymo and C-Lon used to leave me in a tangled mess, One-G flows smoothly and effortless through my beads. It does not fray. The thread can be used straight away without any conditioning whatsoever. I found that once I started using it, I could not go back to anything else. My second favorite is Fireline or Wildfire, and I use these in cases where the piece is required to be very strong. E.g. Large heavy necklace.
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