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Creating Beaded Jewelry is not difficult or expensive

by Wayne Wargo (PenWay.org)

Creating beaded jewelry is not difficult nor does it have to be expensive. Making beaded jewelry is both a fun and inexpensive and hobby that anyone can do. The materials needed are readily accessible and inexpensive. Aside from the requisite thread, needle and the beads, there are also some other materials that the hobbyist can use in making beaded jewelry. Hobbyists can also experiment with various beading techniques to make interesting and unique creations.

There are several techniques available when making beaded jewelry. Stringing is one, and wire working with beads is another. Various types of string are available such as cords, plastic and twine. Additionally, silk and nylon threads can also be utilized in making beaded jewelry. Using hemp fiber in beaded jewelry making is a nice touch - it makes for an unusual product and would also be a great topic for conversation. Wire comes in various thickness and is used to make items such as necklaces, hairpins and earrings, and to attach clasps.

Beads for jewelry come in all shapes and forms as well. In spite of beaded jewelry's reputation for being inexpensive, a person can also use precious gemstones like pearls and precious metals, such as gold and silver, to make beaded dress accessories. For beginners, however, less costly materials are widely available for making beaded jewelry: glass, crystal, and coral, to name a few. Whatever materials the artist uses, he or she is easily able to customize the type of beaded jewelry to be worn personally, given as a gift, or sold to beaded jewelry enthusiasts.

To enhance the overall visual effect of the beads, a number of knotting and stitching techniques are recommended. There are simple knots and stitches for beginners, and with practice, the beginner should be able to progress to the more complicated and fancier methods used in making beaded jewelry. It's interesting to note that knots have mystical connotations in some cultures. For some East Indians, knots can be used to curse a person. In Gypsy lore, it is important to untie knots in the clothing of a woman in childbirth. The expression 'tying the knot' comes from the days of the Roman Empire when the bride wore a girdle that was tied in knots. The groom untied the knots prior to the consummation of their marriage.

People from all over the world are fascinated with and enjoy wearing beaded jewelry. In the past, beaded jewelry was used to denote wealth and social status - only the highest class of society was allowed to wear it. Making beaded jewelry is an activity that requires no special training and technical skills. Dedication, creativity and fun and are the only things you will need when making fashionable items. One of the nice things about beaded jewelry is that you can use an infinite amount of color and shapes to form what you want. The possibilities are endless.

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Creating Beaded Jewelry is not difficult or expensive