A Blast from My Past…



This week we are going on a family camping trip to the North Georgia Mountains. I must admit that I love camping, but I get a little stressed when children join the adventure. I don’t have kids of my own, but I did acquire a whole collection of them when I got married. I’ve learned that kids can get in trouble quicker than…...well, quicker than I can keep up with them.



So, too ease my nerves and keep their attention focused on something other than getting in trouble, I’m putting together a camping bead craft kit. I may be dating myself, but I’m going to revive a skill that I haven’t used since the late 70s. We will be making friendship bracelets using macramé knotting techniques. Making friendship bracelets is a fun project for any age, and with so many patterns available, there is a design that is right for any skill level. Hopefully it will keep them amused and out of harms way. 

Did you ever give/receive any friendship bracelets? In the 70s you were suppose to wear it until it fell off as a sign of friendship with the gift giver. I wore one from a best friend for several years in High School.

Trying something new....Beadweaving.

While visiting the blogs of the Bead Soup Blog Party participants (see pervious blog post for my Reveal), I found that I was captivated by the designers who used bead weaving techniques to complete their projects. I was so taken with their designs that I did a little research today to learn more about bead weaving….

Great Book by Ann Benson

The art of weaving in general is a process that I’ve been exposed to for many years. My Grandmother spent hours weaving cloth (to use as farmhouse rugs) by means of a huge loom, so I have a basic knowledge of how to weave. However, my research illustrated that many different weaving techniques and stitches incorporating beads have been used throughout history. I have a lot of catching-up to do…

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

From my research I’ve found the term “beadwork” seems to be misunderstood (I wasn’t using it correctly). Many people do not realize there is a difference between "beadwork," and "work done with beads."

“Work done with beads” is typically a group of beads strung together, as with a necklace. The stringing is simple and straightforward, we focus on the beads. The beads by themselves are interesting, and the placement on the string ideally enhances the beads. My lampwork bracelet below is considered “Work done with beads”.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67705564/lampwork-bead-bracelet-handmade-monets

“Beadwork”, it's just the opposite. The beads in beadwork (basically -- don't hold me to this rule in all instances) are plain and do not hold great interest by themselves. However, their placement pulls together the overall pattern; it’s viewed as one design, not individual beads. This technique demands precision, patience, consistency, and vision. Beadweaving is considered “beadwork”. Check out an example below....

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49667731/bead-weaving-cuff-bracelet-bubbles

I found that there are literally hundreds of stitches and variations of the different stitches allowing bead weavers to make jewelry, decorations, and even 3-D art with beads. Many free tutorials are available on the internet. The process seems time consuming, but in the end well worth the effort. Below are some examples of amazing beadwork I found on Etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73492056/reserved-nightingale-necklace
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76512144/bead-embroidered-necklace-summer-skies
http://www.etsy.com/listing/72614230/edoras-lord-of-the-rings-pectoral
http://www.etsy.com/listing/77689479/wrap-beaded-bracelet

So...I’m ready to give it a go! I’ve found lots of information about the tools needed to get started. I’m off to the local craft store to purchase needles and string. I already have some larger seed beads that I will use to practice. I read that starting with large beads makes learning the technique a lot easier. Wish me luck!