Beading – Get Creative!
Beading or beadwork is one of the fastest-growing 
hobbies in the USA. It’s creative, expressive and satisfying. It doesn’t cost a lot to get started and you can work your way up to producing very intricate and eye-catching works of art as well as practical goods and items to wear.
Say ‘beadwork’ and most people probably think of necklaces and bracelets but the beading art is capable of producing a vast range of items. They include earrings, pendants, brooches, cards, window decorations, mobiles, pots, containers, vases, handbags, scarves, placemats and Christmas ornaments. And there are probably many other items that dedicated beaders can add to the list.
Get Kitted Out
The easiest way to start is with a Bead Kit which gives you everything you need to create one or, usually, several pieces. There are several basic bead processes you’ll learn with a kit such as stringing and stitching to join the beads together.
If you’re a total beginner it’s a good idea to try a few different kits so you can see the range of techniques involved in beading and the range of items you can create.
When you have some experience, you can then work from patterns and source your own beads and materials and even create your own designs. While many beaders are happy producing items from patterns, others enjoy creating their own patterns and enhancing existing designs. You can have as much creative input into the finished product as you wish.
A Bead For Every Occasion
The range of beads has grown exponentially as the hobby has developed. Popular types of beads include acrylic, lucite, ceramic, crystal, glass, rhinestones, shell, coral, stone, wood, metal and seed to name but a few!
The vast range of beads means you can find a colour a, shape and texture to suit virtually any project. No two bead projects need look the same.
Beading Tools
As well as the beads, there are several tools. Some are essentially but you can add others as you go along. You don’t need many tools to be able to create a full range of Bead Patterns.
Most people work with a beading mat which gives you a work surface and helps stop the beads rolling around.
A bead scoop will help you pick up beads from the bead mat and putting them back into their storage container.
You’ll need a pair of scissors. Many beadworks use embroidery scissors which are light and easy to use, and their pointed tips makes it easy to get into awkward spaces between beads.
If you do wirework you’ll need a pair of Chain Nose Pliers. However, even if you don’t use wire, pliers can be very useful for pulling needles through bead holes as the work grows. It’s far easier than trying to grasp and pull a needle with your fingers.
You’ll also need a container or three to keep your bead collection. These come in all sizes and configurations but most beaders find a large-ish container divided into many compartments does the job very well.
If you’re looking for a new hobby and would like to do something creative, something that can grow in complexity as your skill develops, take a look at beading. There are always new projects to make, new techniques to try and new patterns to explore.