By Ellen Russell
Beading has enjoyed a resurgence of interest in recent years. Crafters and artisans enjoy creating beaded crafts for a variety of reasons.
Beading offers a level of ease not always found by the novice crafter. Beading is a craft that can be broken into slowly and built upon as experience grows. Beadwork requires very little in the way of basic supplies; a set of inexpensive jeweler’s pliers, beads, wire or string and a budding beader is on their way to creating something wonderful.
While other crafts may require an extensive knowledge base in order to produce something worth having, beading is a craft anyone can enjoy and learn along the way. There are techniques to learn for advanced beadwork, but beading has no hard and fast rules, and so is enjoyed for the freedom to create that it offers.
Beaded projects make beautiful accents throughout the home. Beads are made from a variety of materials, from plastic, glass and wire to shell and even bone. Glass beads are popular in home crafting for their shimmering jewel-like beauty and inexpensive price tag.
Glass beads are especially useful when used as accents on candles and candle rings. Their sparkle compliments candlelight beautifully, and, as they do not melt, glass beads are safer to use where flame might be present. As a display piece, plastic beads are equally acceptable, but they need to be removed before burning the candle (if dripping wax is a concern, remove glass rings to preserve them prior to burning as well).
A set pattern does not need to be followed to craft rings and accents for candles, although they are available for those who feel lost designing on their own. To begin, use a color of wire that will “hide” itself either against the candle or amongst the beads. Make a round base that will be somewhat sturdy, either from a heavier gauge wire or by wrapping several strands of wire together. From there, string beads on the wire in any pattern and form that comes to mind. This can take the form of a continuous strand of beads simply wrapped around the base, tree-like branches of beads from several stems attached to the base, or many smaller spikes of beads attached and bent randomly to achieve the desired effect. A ring or accent for candles could be as simple as stringing a bracelet or necklace of sorts and wrapping it around the candle. Another option, and a wonderful accent to a more heavily decorated piece, is to create a jeweled effect by putting one or two beads on a head pin and sticking them into the candle (this makes burning the candle more of a consideration, but looks lovely as a piece of décor). In addition to making rings for larger candles, small bands or rings of beads can be a nice finishing touch to candle sticks and holders.
Accent table décor by coordinating candles and cloth napkins. Cloth napkins accented along the edges with strung beads are quite striking. With a needle and thread, string beads of the same or coordinating colors and stitch as you go at equal intervals. For a lace-like effect, make small arches one or more strands of beads sewn equally along the edge. Use the same method on miniature versions for pretty cloth coasters.
A somewhat easier and less time consuming project for cloth napkin accents is beaded napkin rings. There is no rule to follow. Napkin rings can be rigidly made from heavy gauge wire or done with a few (or more) strands of a lighter gauge. Using any color and design, finish the ring with some larger beads dangled down the front or embellish with beaded or silk flowers.
Wine glass charms are a simple beading project for the beginner. Rings for the project can be bought where bead supplies are sold. They may be called wine glass, beverage or goblet rings. To make them, buy a set of charms in any theme. These can be all of one kind or a coordinating set. Choose beads to match and apply the beads to the beverage rings so that the charm dangles from the middle. If the charms are all the same, use a different color of beads on each charm so that guests can identify their glass in a crowd.
A striking alternative to wine glass charms is to make a pretty strand of beaded wire that wraps and climbs the stem of the glass. A charm, embellishment or larger beads can be used at the bottom to finish the piece.
These are just a very few of the many possible projects to use to embellish a home and create handmade gifts that are well received. With beads, the possibilities are endless. Novice crafters will enjoy the freedom and creativity beading offers. It is found by many to be a relaxing and rewarding outlet for creativity.
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