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Archive through March 22, 2009

Reality TVClubHouse Discussions: General Discussions ARCHIVES: Jan ~ Apr 2009: The Hobby Hall: All About Beading (ARCHIVES): Archive through March 22, 2009 users admin

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Tess
Member

04-13-2001

Friday, March 13, 2009 - 11:50 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tess a private message Print Post    
War, sorry I was watching a movie with Charlie. I'll try to remember to take a picture of it tomorrow and then have Charlie teach me how to upload a photo from my camera. I haven't done that yet.

Charlie can't remember who made that rosary either. We wracked our brains but it didn't help. If I cannot get it uploaded tomorrow for you, I'll describe it for you and I am positive you'll know what to do.

Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 12:21 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
Thanks Tess! No rush really, I still have to decide on colors and the medal and crucifix.

And thank you again cuz you just reminded me to grab my camera and put it in my purse for opening ceremonies tomorrow.

Crzndeb
Member

07-26-2004

Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 9:29 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Crzndeb a private message Print Post    
War,

Speaking of seed beads, I made a couple of beautiful Ndebele Herringbone stitched chokers a few years ago with different sizes of seed beads. While they were very time consuming to make, it was a very relaxing project to do while watching TV in the evening. I will try to send you a couple of pics.

I have 2 pairs of flush wire cutters...one's that are already nicked that I use for heavier wire and the ones I use for for my softflex and thinner gauge wire and headpins.

I just made a necklace recently with 1 side copper chain and 1 side pearls, with a dangle at the bottom. I take trips to Nordstrom's to see what's in style and then come home and make my own if I like any of them, in the colors I want. One of these days I may need to start selling the stuff I have made, because I have so much that I don't wear, but it's hard to part with it, when you have put so much time and effort into them. Maybe some of the things I just need to cut apart and recycle.

Also, if anybody is looking for specific colors or certain beads, let me know and I will look thru my stash...I have hundreds of tubes and hanks of seed beads and I can always send you what you you need. I gathered a bunch of stuff years ago when I worked in a bead store and the owner cleaned out a bunch of stuff...I can't turn down any shape or sort of bead..LOL!

Lumbele
Moderator

07-12-2002

Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 12:07 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Lumbele a private message Print Post    
You guys mind speaking English in here, please? Nosy pliers, rich cutters, wire that doesn't forget, pins on the head, wigs doing a jig, Swarovski, multi-sexual cones, seedy beads????? Do I even want to get into this beading business? j/k

Nope, Deb, Michaels is it here in the boonies, but that Firemountain place could turn into one very expensive hangout for me.
War, this should probably go into the "stupid deeds" thread....I printed out a coupon I got in my email, saw "40%" and "regular" merchandise and bought that whack of stuff. At the till I was informed the coupon actually said "40% on the highest priced regular merchandise". But by now I really wanted what I had chosen, so I payed full price (with a 2.40 discount), kicking myself all the way out the door. That outta teach me to just quickly scan stuff.

Now those beads have little stickers saying "Hook D (B,F) and some numbers (26, 9, 4); on some "TC Group 4 (5, 6)". Does that tell anyone what size(s) Softflex I would need? Also....hooks? I was sorta gonna use an embroidery needle to string those suckers.
Should I become more adventurous after this batch, I am hoping my tool-hording better half will have what is needed in regards to equipment.
If not, Michael's here I come again.

Thank you all for endulging a beading newbie.

Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 12:22 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
LOL, I carpool my 14 year old neighbor girl to school and she's gotten to where she won't put her jewelry on til she gets in the car cuz every morning I'm going to ask her to see it. Along with strolling through the stores and catalogs, teenage girls are usually wearing whats in style!

I'd love to see the chokers, Crzndeb! I've never been any good at any type of stitching (don't think I have the patience for it, lol,) and those pieces are always fascinating to me. That's a lot of time put into them!

Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 1:05 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
Sorry, Lum, I hadn't refreshed and didn't see your post before I posted. I have to run right now but I'll be back sometimes later (unless someone else is around to anwer) today or tonight to post. Sorry!

Crzndeb
Member

07-26-2004

Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 3:37 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Crzndeb a private message Print Post    
Oh Lum, I wish I was there to help you...you aren't in B.C, are you? You will learn very quickly. Sofflex (or Beadalon), you need to use with crimp beads and clasps, but no needles...it is a very thin coated flexible wire that you can string beads right onto. I have no idea what those numbers and letters mean? They don't sound like bead terms to me. I would suggest googling "basic jewelry making" " and "basic beading". There should be plenty of sites with pictures and if you are a visual person, it might be easier to understand what we are talking about.

Your pics are a little hard to see, but it looks like you might have some stone chip strands in there...those are fun to use either in memory wire bracelets or stretch bracelets. I'm not sure on the others. If you take another run to Michaels, check and see if they have either some basic bead stringing books or magazines. I will look thru my stuff and see if I still have any basic books around that I could send you.

Tess
Member

04-13-2001

Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 3:40 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tess a private message Print Post    
Lum, you're cracking me up!

War, for the rosary with the seed beads, it starts with the crucifix which has a small fixed gold ring on the top. That attaches to the rosary by a small clasp. I don't know the name of the particular clasp and I'm sure it wouldn't show up in a photo but you just press down on the clasp part and slide the flat ring in. That clasp is attached to the rosary with a small flat ring which protrudes from a small gold ball which has an slit opening on one side. The beads are strung on fishing line.

The creator of the rosary then put six clear seed beads followed by a smallish round black bead, same sized pearlized black bead, and finally another black bead.

Then come 10 clear seed beads followed by one round white bead larger than the black beads.

10 seed beads then 3 of the round white beads each separated by one clear seed bead.

10 more seed beads followed by the same 3 bead black pattern right above the crucifix.

6 clear seed beads followed by 10 white round beads each separated by a seed bead and then 6 seed beads, then the black pattern.

And repeat until you have your 5th set of white beads/seed beads combo.

End with six more seed beads and finish off securing your fishing line in that second 3 black bead set. That black bead set takes the place of the medal which is usually there.

If you need to see a picture, I'll try to find a background where the detail pops out. When you see the rosary with the naked eye, it loses most of the detail unless you examine it very closely.

We've still been trying to figure out where it came from and I think I know now. Charlie's mom went to Rome and had a locket and a rosary bless by Pope Paul VI. She gave me the locket and I think this is the rosary she gave to Charlie. His other one is all black beads and he's had that one forever.

Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 7:20 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
Wow Tess, thank you! That's very helpful. I'm going to copy your post and save it for reference.

Those little ones look like chips to me too. I've seen some similar to the bigger ones at Michaels and if they are the same as I'm thinking, they're not too heavy, so a thinner cord/wire will work ok (the beadalon and softflex are pretty strong anyways.)

Lumbele
Moderator

07-12-2002

Sunday, March 15, 2009 - 6:35 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Lumbele a private message Print Post    
Thanks, all!!!

I'll try to take a better pic of the beads later. Shrinking it to post here made things rather fuzzy.

I don't have a clue as to what the different types of thingies are. I just grabbed what caught my eye. The little ones might be shell chips, though.

Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Sunday, March 15, 2009 - 11:07 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
Shell chips are uneven, not all the exact same shape and size.

I meant to say yesterday, Lum, watch those Michaels coupons. Once in a while you will get one that is so much off your entire purchase. And occassionally, ours will print out a coupon (40-50% off) of one item thats only good the next week but once in a while those will be good for your entire purchase too. Also with Michaels, check their sales ads because they always have some beads on sale. They rotate the sales on a pretty regular basis too (once a month or two if I remember right) so one week they'll have crystals on sale, the next glass beads, the next charms, etc.

I love my local bead store, but the price difference between her and Michaels isn't all that much...she's a little cheaper on crystals and beads, they're a little cheaper on wire and findings (and the sales and coupons are really good.) Firemountaingems and auntiesbeads are the cheapest, but I tend to only order from them when I'm ordering a bigger quantity (if I'm doing a project that needs a bunch of crystals) or if I'm buying a bunch of different stuff and it's easier to sit home and search through the websites than it is to go shopping for two hours, lol.

Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Friday, March 20, 2009 - 9:34 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
A few weeks ago, I'd made Kota and my oldest niece the little necklaces in their team colors and thought they turned out cute and decided to make some for all the girls on the team. They're also cheap (it's just seed beads and two crystals on each) and easy to make. Dakota has to take snacks for the team and my plan was to give them the necklaces then...I thought I had several weeks to do it. Realized tonight that her snack day is on MONDAY. So this weekend I need to finish up the necklaces, luckily they are easy to do.

I want to start on some spring pieces and need to spend some more time considering the Rosary. My nieces also recieved some jewlery sets from a friend today and they wanna come over and have me show them how to do them. I think Kota still has one bead set she got for Christmas left that she hasn't done so it'll be fun for all 3 girls.

Beekindpleez
Member

07-18-2006

Friday, March 20, 2009 - 10:21 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Beekindpleez a private message Print Post    
War...maybe you could show them how to do it by having them string some of the beads for the team necklaces, which I think is a lovely idea! Once they get the hang and move on to their own stuff, you might have a few partially strung necklaces to help cut down on the work.

Sigh. I'm feeling a little sad I never had a daughter to do that sort of thing with and that my GrandDaughter is living so far away. I'm a little jealous of you. Have fun with the girls.

Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Friday, March 20, 2009 - 10:55 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
LOL Bee, I tried to get Kota to do one earlier. She's not real impressed with the seed beads since they're so small and decided against it.

Caleb's actually done enough beading to have made a bracelet for his (now ex) girlfriend. He's not too interested in it, but I do have one nephew who just loves beading. He's more into boy type jewelry, necklaces and bracelets made with shells but does occassionally ask me if he can come raid my stash or has his dad take him to Michaels to find pretty beads so he can make his mom something pretty. He also loves to bake, along with football, nascar, basketball, and wrestling. He's a very complicated little boy.

Bee, I know it's not the same thing, but have you looked into maybe volunteering to teach a craft class for a girl scout troop or something like that? Or people with kids who may not know how to do something you can do? I keep little craft kits for when the kids friends come over and they get bored. Sometimes I'm a bit surprised by how many of the friends never do crafts at home.

Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Friday, March 20, 2009 - 11:09 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
Oh, I'll add a story here about having skills parents don't, lol!

When the girls started the softball season, they had to sell the raffle tickets. We sent them over to my aunt's neighbor (she's a friend) and as soon as she was done buying tickets, she popped her head over the fence and caught my sis. She was so excited, had no idea the girls were playing softball. She told sis she'd played little league her whole childhood, played in high school and went to college on a softball scholarship. For years she'd wanted to go watch the little league games but didn't want to be seen as they creepy lady lurking around who didn't belong to any of the kids, lol. She asked sis if we'd mind her coming to some of the practices and games and if the girls needed any help, let her know.

Sis told me she went to the game tonight (Kota had to stay home with strep) and had a blast and is looking forward to going to more games. Sis told her we were planning on talking to her about helping Kota with pitching and catching and niece also needed some help if she really wanted to do it and I guess she jumped at it. We're tickled pink about it! Neither sis or I played softball growing up and Darren and bil didn't play baseball so when we go out to practice with the girls we're kinda winging it. We can't give them pointers cuz we don't know, but the neighbor played every position growing up so she'll be able to guide the girls much better than we can. I didn't get to talk to her but from what sis said she was pretty excited about being asked to help them.

Beekindpleez
Member

07-18-2006

Friday, March 20, 2009 - 11:53 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Beekindpleez a private message Print Post    
LOL..

You know, I have thought about offering my services, but I'm a bit like your aunt's neighbor. I don't want to be seen as the creepy lady. LOL
I used to do a lot of sewing, beading, etc with little neighbor girls, but they've all grown and gone. We haven't had young children on our street in years until about three months ago when a family with a little girl moved in across the street. They've been so busy working on the house that I haven't had much time to really get to know them yet, but I'm working on it. LOL. I was hoping to see her selling Girl Scout cookies, but haven't yet.

I could never get my sons into beading. They always preferred painting and drawing and music.

My GrandDaughter is supposed to be coming for about two weeks this summer, so you can bet I've already been thinking of stuff to do with her. I can't wait! Last time we got together, I began teaching her embroidery. Just a running stitch and a blanket stitch. We had sewn pillows and blankets for her dolls, so she's been embellishing those. Fun.

I like that complicated Caleb of yours. And your nephew. I like a well-rounded, interested, willing-to-try-all-sorts-of-things kind of kid!

Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Saturday, March 21, 2009 - 12:55 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
LOL, thinking of you as the creepy lady cracks me up as much as it did when my aunt's neighbor said that! On a serious note though, it's kind of sad that people who have something to offer to children and have the desire to share that have to worry about being percieved as creepy. There's so many kids who could benefit from knowledegable, caring adults and so many adults who could benefit from spending time with kids.

I know with the little league, to volunteer in any position (even one that doesn't work with the kids like groundskeeping) you have to pass a pretty strict background check plus come armed with references and really prefer (though I don't know if that's a requirement) that you've done other volunteer work. Wonder if it's the same with girl/boy scouts. I'd think there's plenty of troops who'd love to find someone who can do multiple types of crafts and is willing to share that.

I'd love to have someone who could teach Kota sewing and embrodery. She wants to learn and I can't do either. Little "adopted" sis offered to teach her how to knit or crochet and she's pretty excited about that.

How old is your granddaughter? I love the ages where they think everything you do is cool, lol. They're willing to try anything and usually end up loving it.

Lumbele
Moderator

07-12-2002

Saturday, March 21, 2009 - 9:10 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Lumbele a private message Print Post    
Yep, War that’s what they look like – uneven and varied in shape and size.
That nephew of yours sounds like quite the Renaissance man.

LOL, CreepyBeek, I’d let you hang around my place to teach me embroidery. I have done petit point and cross stitch stuff, but ask me to do any kind of crewel stitches and I am in trouble.
But I know how you feel, I just had a boy, too. Hopefully, he will eventually provide me with a girly-girl grandchild.LOL
Do they have a Big Sister organisation in your area? Or maybe those busy neighbours would love to have someone keep their daughter occupied while they renovate?

Spent 1 ½ hours at Michael picking and choosing beads the other day. They are having a 40% off sale. But again – I didn’t read the fine print. So I’ll have to go back *this* week. Why don’t all the local stores get together and all start their sales on the same day?
I was very proud of myself, though; this time I firmly resisted temptation and left the whole shebang with the teller.

Beekindpleez
Member

07-18-2006

Saturday, March 21, 2009 - 10:19 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Beekindpleez a private message Print Post    
Oh dear. I sure hope my moniker doesn't become CreeBee. lol

GrandDaughter is six. She is so amazingly dexterous. She was braiding my long hair when she was only four!
And she loves the details of things. Like cutting pictures from magazines for decoupage with quiet determination.
She knits, too. And has knitted scarves for herself that are so long she has to wrap them three or four times just to keep from tripping on them. Ha!
So fun for me to be crafty with her. She's SO different than any of my boys were.

Last weekend there was a bridal dress place going out of business and they were having a clear-out sale in an industrial park. I got bags and bags of beads, crystals, laces, fringes...just all kinds of embellishments....for like $25! I'm in Craft-Cave heaven! (My craft room is in a smaller windowless room in my house, so I call it the Craft Cave) I haven't even had a chance to sort it all out yet. Wheeeeeee

Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Saturday, March 21, 2009 - 10:52 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
Bridal places! I was thinking I might try looking in secondhand/thrift stores and yard sales for jewelry that I could cut apart, clean up, and re-string for cheap, never thought about the bridal stores. I know they usually have big sales around this time of year getting ready for prom. I'll have to check them out.

$25 is a steal, Bee! I'd have been running out of the store like they were going to chase me down, lol.

Lum's got the beading bug, Lum's got the beading bug!

I'm heading over to Michaels in a bit, going to drop the girls off at softball practice and then go to Walmart and Michaels while the girls are there. I need some of the wire guardians (or guardian wires?)

Oh, your granddaughter is the perfect age for crafts. The bonus of teaching her now is that she'll always enjoy crafty stuff and she'll always have grandma to do that stuff with!

Beekindpleez
Member

07-18-2006

Saturday, March 21, 2009 - 10:56 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Beekindpleez a private message Print Post    
I was, War. lol
I kept going down the line of tables and just handing DH bags of stuff. We were both loaded down. Then, the guy just looked at both of our arms and said, "How about $25?"
I practically threw it at him as I was pushing DH out the door. It was a blast.

Have fun at Michael's!! Wheeeeeee

Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Saturday, March 21, 2009 - 12:29 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
LOL, that does sound like fun!

I ended up not making it to Michael's. Usually when the girls practice on Saturday's, practice will run 2 hours. As sis and I were leaving though, coach warned us it was going to be a short one today, an hour tops. So, we went through Walmart, looked at the clock and decided we'd better get back to the park. We pulled up just as the girls were packing up their stuff.

I'll either go later tonight or tomorrow. Decided I'd better finish the necklaces, plus Kota reminded me I have to make her ponytail holders. Those are simpler than the necklaces, you take a regular elastic band, cut up some scraps of fabric and tie them around the band to make a cutesy ponytail holder. I'd been promising her and niece I'd make them in team colors cuz ya know they have to look cute when they play.

Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Saturday, March 21, 2009 - 10:51 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
I managed to finish all but one of the necklaces this evening while watching Grease. I did two ponytail holders, will finish the rest tomorrow.

I'm going to have to spend some time this week straightening up one of my bead boxes. Had it sitting on the couch and Harvey jumped up and hit it. I didn't have to pick anything up, but everything kind of jumped from compartment to compartment. Course it isn't anything easy to sort out, lol, it's all my silver findings (jump rings, split rings, crimp beads, crimp covers, etc.) That'll be fun.

Lumbele
Moderator

07-12-2002

Sunday, March 22, 2009 - 9:28 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Lumbele a private message Print Post    
I'm afraid you are right, War, the bug has bitten.

Haven't made it to Michael's yet either, but will probably tomorrow, unless this rain that's coming down now freezes into a skating rink.

So, if I want to start something simple with wire, what would I want to do (jewelry-wise)? What would I need for it? Michael's has 40% off "findings" as well (whatever that is).

Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Sunday, March 22, 2009 - 10:17 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
Softflex wire?

Starting with tools, I'd at least get a pair of bead crimp tool.

Also a pair of flush wire cutters.

Those are the two tools you'll absolutely need to work with the wire. I know Darren has a set of flush wire cutters in his tool box (as does most the guys I know) but you'll want a pair made for making jewelry because they're smaller and will work better for what you need. The other two basic tools to have, but you don't absolutely need them, is a pair of long nose pliers and a pair of bent nose pliers or flat nose pliers. I think most people prefer the bent nose for working with jewelry cuz you can get into small spots with them, but I've never had much luck with them and use the flat nose pliers (disclaimer: I have bad wrists though and sometimes can work my hands into certain positions which might be why I have trouble using bent nose pliers properly!)

You can get a cheap set of jewelry making tools at Michaels, but make sure that it has the crimp tool, some of them don't. I just picked up this set the other day for I think $19.99 and it doesn't have the crimp tool, but does have a bead reamer (to make bead holes bigger,) the round nose pliers, and the tweezer/scoop tool. Round nose pliers are used with the harder wire or headpins.

If you have a tool box around the house, you most likely have what you will eventually need, except for the flush wire cutters and crimp tool. If they're anything like Darren's tools (dirty and bigger) you'll want your own though!

Ok, findings. You'll need crimp beads. Actually, crimp beads are the only thing you absolutely have to have. I like to use crimp covers though to hide them and I like wire guardians (or guardian wires, can't remember what they're called...they're horeshoe shape little metal pieces, you run the wire through one side and then the other to protect the end.) Oh, you will need some clasps, like any jewelry. I'm getting to the point that I prefer the magnetic clasps, they're easy for anyone to use, plus if your jewelry gets caught on something, it'll pull apart instead of snapping. I'm not too sure they're practical for bracelets, while the magnetic clasp does pull apart instead of the bracelet breaking, I find myself constantly having my bracelets fall off!

If you want, you can also use jump rings (look like tiny keychain rings) or split rings to put your charms/focal pieces on and your clasps.

Something else I've just found that I love love love! Bead stoppers. They're a little spring, you bend them and put your wire in it and let it close...you don't have to worry about your beads falling off the wire while you are working. I'd seen them forever in Michaels, but had no clue what they were. Stumbled on them online and figured out how they work and bought a set (quite expensive) then was in Michaels and saw the same ones I'd seen all that time for quite a bit less, lol. Could have kicked myself.

Since my post is long and all over the place, lol:

Absolutely need: crimp tool, flush wire cutters, crimp beads, clasps.

Makes life easier: bent nose pliers, long nose pliers, round nose pliers, flat nose pliers, bead stoppers, split or jump rings.

Makes your jewelry look nicer and more finished: crimp covers, wire guardians.