Stupid question time (again :P)

**bustagasket** · 02-08-2009, 05:02 PM

Seed beads, i have seen them mentioned in many places but i just wondered what exactly they are and if they are used for anything specific?

**Di Sandland** · 02-08-2009, 05:39 PM

Seed bead is a sort of umbrella term for a whole range of tiny little beads, the sort that are used to embellish textiles and stuff. They can also be woven, both on looms and off them.

I have thousands of the buggers left over from the time when I used to weave tiny amulet bags (off loom). Some seed beads (those made by the Japanese) are so accurate in size that it is possible to weave them together to make a sort of 'fabric' out of them. Some contemporary artists use them to make the most fantastic 'collars.' Like this:

I was going down this route myself when silver hijacked me

**The Bijou Dragon** · 02-08-2009, 05:40 PM

TINY 1 - 2mm beads coming from India (worst for being uneven), China (Miyuki which are minute and very even usually used for bead weaving) and there are some others which I can't remember the name of for the life of me!

Basically very, very small beads... well, I say small... 15/0 are the smallest (means you can get 15 beads side by side to the inch) and they go up to something around 5/0 I think.

Avoid the Indian ones at all costs they are usually choppy and uneven and dreadful to work with (although cheap the old addage rings true... you pay peanuts you get moneys and these really aren't worth saving a few pennies I end up throwing most of mine in the bin!)

**bustagasket** · 02-08-2009, 05:44 PM

Thanks guys, i love that blue collar. Guess i have something else to put on the "Must have a go at" list yet again lol.

**Di Sandland** · 02-08-2009, 05:47 PM

Su, it is actually quite easy once you get the hang of it - and very therapeutic.

**bustagasket** · 02-08-2009, 05:55 PM

Originally Posted by Moon Cottage

Su, it is actually quite easy once you get the hang of it - and very therapeutic.

looks like i need a book to learn from and some seeds lol, then i can have a play.

**Petal** · 02-08-2009, 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by bustagasket

Seed beads, i have seen them mentioned in many places but i just wondered what exactly they are and if they are used for anything specific?

OMG - Absolutely stunning photos of beadwork Di

Yes, its very theraputic to work with. The threads I use are Nymo and Dandyline, plus some thread conditioner (like wax), which stops it fraying. What do you guys use ?? Also don't lick the end of the thread to put through the needle, as it will make it fray.

If you're going to get some, then get 2-3 matching colours, rather than a random selection (which is how I started) - that way you're more likely to use them - I can't tell you how many beads I have, but I have FAR TOO MANY...

I've got the Encyclopedia of Beading Techniques by Sara Withers and Sephanie Burnham and thats good - What do othes have ??

Nic - was the name you were searching for magatamas??

Oh... time to go, back tomorrow to talk more.... and perhaps get on with some more jewellery!

A hug a day keeps the Doctor away

jules x

**bustagasket** · 02-08-2009, 08:33 PM

Originally Posted by Petal

OMG - Absolutely stunning photos of beadwork Di

Yes, its very theraputic to work with. The threads I use are Nymo and Dandyline, plus some thread conditioner (like wax), which stops it fraying. What do you guys use ?? Also don't lick the end of the thread to put through the needle, as it will make it fray.

If you're going to get some, then get 2-3 matching colours, rather than a random selection (which is how I started) - that way you're more likely to use them - I can't tell you how many beads I have, but I have FAR TOO MANY...

jules x

Cheers for the tips Jules!

**Ominicci** · 03-08-2009, 09:02 AM

Noooooo not theraputic for me...frustrating...and the same reason I gave up cross stitch ... didn't seem to have done much after an hour at it lol!

**The Bijou Dragon** · 03-08-2009, 10:48 AM

It does take a looooong long time to do things like bead weaving but it does look stunning when it's finished.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stripyp...7620811750655/

That was one of mine, totally NOT commercially viable as it took me 8 hours to do but it's done with extremely small 1mm Miyuki beads and 4mm faceted beads with a Sterling Silver clasp. I don't think I'd do another one anytime soon... might make one for my Mom for Christmas though!

It's easy to learn, just look for tutorials online, there's hundreds!!

@ Petal - No, I think it was rondels perhaps, the smooth even sized rounded ones