In Designing Jewelry Making Beads Is Part Of The Fun

By Author: Wendy Baca
Total Articles: 38
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For the artisans who enjoy designing and making jewelry, making beads is all part of the fun. There are many types of beads an individual can make at home – from clay to stone – but the process can be time and labor intensive. Most beads are made commercially, and the artisan need only concentrate on jewelry making. Of course, either option offers advantages and disadvantages to both the artisan and the customer.

Handmade Beads

There are so many ways to make beads that it truly boggles the mind. Many of these techniques involve little by way of materials, but a certain level of skill. Polymer clay beads are inexpensive to make but to create some of the beautiful mille Flore patterns, can take hours upon hours.

Paper beads have taken on a remarkable popularity around the world as women use this craft to support entire communities and rise out of poverty. They are easy to make, utilize trash materials, and their designs and shapes are only limited by the creativity of the artist.

It is even possible to make glass beads if you have the equipment and technology. Heating glass has certain risks ...
... involved, but for the committed artisan, sometimes it is necessary to make things from scratch to achieve a specific look. Of great popularity lately are dichroic beads which are made from multiple layers of glass that have a thin sheet of metal fused in between.

Commercially Made Beads

Commercial beads come from, literally, all over the world. There are so many different types of beads it is futile to try and mention them all. Part of the pleasure and challenge involved in creating unique pieces of artisan jewelry is learning what goes well with what and how to get it all together to create a pleasing and uniform whole.

Commercially produced beads offer a much more consistent look allowing the artist to create a more symmetrical piece of jewelry. For some this is appealing, while others prefer jewelry that is more free form. Fortunately, with all the different bead styles and manufacturing processes there is something to suit everyone’s tastes.

When it comes to jewelry making, beads offer tremendous diversity, selection, and flexibility. Whether you have a preference for simple strands, a complex woven bead choker, or earrings sporting large colorful beads, you will find something you like; and if your beads are a reflection of their distant home, it is a wonderful way to celebrate this era of global citizenship.

To know more about jewelry making visit design jewelry.