From Crimp Beads to Wire Wrapping Techniques: Stay Tuned For An Online Collective Of Beading Insight

There are quite a few beading and jewelry making sites that cover an enormous amount of related topics. From crimp beads to wire wrapping techniques you’ll find an overwhelming selection of sites.

Over the next few weeks we plan on posting YouTube tutorials that explain different beading techniques and the process involved in completing a jewelry making project from start to finish.

One particularly useful site is http://jewelrymaking.about.com/. It is maintained by Tammy Powley who is an author of several books such as ‘Making Designer Bead and Wire Jewelry’ and ‘Jewelry and Beading Designs for Dummies’.

For all you beading novices you might find her section entitled ‘Beginners Corner’ useful http://jewelrymaking.about.com/od/beginnerscorner/
Beginners_Corner.htm. You’ll come across helpful beginner hints on topics such as crimp bead size vs. size of beading wire to the foundations of bead stringing.

Please stay tuned and let us know if you can suggest some other sites that amateur jewelry artists might find useful.

Swarovski Vs. 'Regular' Glass Beads

When creating your first beading/jewelry project, the option and choice, that might come to mind is Swarovski Crystals or Glass Beads.

Swaroski Crystals have an elegance and majesty of fine European design http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swarovski. You purchase a refined feel of beauty known across the globe. Its trademark and reputation are world class and recognizable.

On the other hand, you can select a glass bead http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass_beadmaking that is defined by its unique appearance and personal appeal.

It really comes down to personal preference and/or budget.
If you desire the authentic look and feel of a known and recognizable brand. Swarovski is the way to go.

However, if your taste is more towards a unique flavour catered to your own tastes, glass beads may be your choice.

One of the great things about beading is the fun and excitement of selecting your own beads. You’ll come across an infinite amount of choices which will inevitably come down to one thing … what your overall feel of the piece should be.

Beading Party Galleries

Please take a look at our growing gallery of beading party pictures at http://www.beadingbuds.com/beading_parties_gallery.html. We're looking at complimenting these parties with an options to "make your own" beading party. More details will follow over the next few weeks.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day Everyone,

Mother's day is always a great time to make something unique and special for Mom. Whether it's a fancy necklace or a simple key chain you'll find that Mom will always appreciate that extra something you personally made with love and affection.

Let us know if you've made something special this year. We'd love to show off your beading Mother's Day gift.

Basic Beading - YouTube Video

Take a look at the below YouTube clip. It's a great tutorial for those just starting the beading journey and is something that we suggest our novice beaders look over before attending one of our www.beadingbuds.com beading parties/classes.