Bead Weaving

This post has two purposes. One to talk about crafting and the learning process. The other is to show off some of the beadwork I've done this summer.

First, we should talk about that learning process. I have been yearning to work with my beads, and I've been wanting to learn how to do peyote stitch. I checked this book out of our local library at the beginning of June:



I read a few pages. I mean only a few. I looked through the pictures and the projects were beautiful, but reading? I had to start at the beginning, of course, and practice that. I might be able to go back to that book again sometime in July, for project ideas, and further instructions. In the mean time, I can share some of the advice the author gave, and how well that advice has worked for me so far.

She begins with an explanation of many different types of beads, and advises using beads that are very uniform for peyote stitch projects. I dug through my bead box and tried a couple different possibilities, with  varying success. I should also step back and say I also wanted to use beading wire to do these projects, and that has NOT been successful. I have had to use beading thread because basically, the wire has not been flexible enough. I guess with some very large beads it might work, but nothing that I have done so far.

practice, practice, practice

I tried these beads, and although they aren't as uniform as my next attempt, there was some learning done. One thing was that I just randomly selected the beads, and I think I had some directional issues an other placement problems. For my next project, I decided to alternate rows of color so that I could more easily get used to threading through the correct bead.

Piece in process

I alternated rows of a shiny black bead, and a variegated purple. They were more uniform, although smaller than I really wanted. The thread is a spool that I had, and it was pretty easy to use. It had been treated for beadwork although I did wax the tip to keep it from fraying.

almost finished bracelet

To finish the weaving, I wove the thread between the last row and the first row, creating a slip on bracelet. Now, I need to deal with the threads. My plan is a drop of superglue or nail polish on the knots, then weaving the thread between the beads. I think I will have to use a needle to do that, and I don't think needle and thread will fit through the beads I have. Hmmm that might be one of the tips I need to look up in the book next time.

For my next project, I used bigger beads, but still ended up using thread. The wire just wouldn't weave the beads close enough together. This one was worked basically in a spiral so I ended up with a tube, although most of the rest is pretty much like the first one. I may lose this bracelet to Raine, though. She tried it on and walked away. I only got it back so I could take pictures.

coppery tube bracelet

Two things I liked about this project. First, since the beads were bigger, it went a lot faster, and since the bigger beads have bigger holes, I could knot thread together and it would still fit through the beads. Second, since it is a tube, I could hide the thread ends in the center of the tube. I like things that are finished when they are finished.

So, beginner bead weaving... learning from a book. Not the only book I'll be looking at this summer!