B

e

a

d

s

This comes from Nancy Thompson. She thought it would be of interest to those looking for beads: http://www.ysbeads.com/

Here's how I did it. First of all, find an assortment of beads that you like in a color that you love. The beads I used were from a package of glass mini-beads in a topaz color assortment from Blue Moon Beads (http://www.bluemoonbeads.com). Measure a bracelet that fits well to figure out how many beads you'll need to string. My favorite bracelet measures 7-1/2 inches in length. Cut several lengths of .5mm stretch cord in 14-inch lengths and set aside. I know this cord looks really thin, but it's incredibly strong. Out of all the bracelets I've made (and the total may be well over 200, because I like to give assortments of them as gifts), I've only had one break.

Now comes the first fun part. Empty the package of beads onto a paper plate lined with a folded paper napkin. The paper napkin helps keep the beads from rolling all over the place. Look closely at the beads and see what sizes and colors make up the mix. Start dividing the beads into piles -- you may need another plate. I sorted mine into large frosted light topaz, small frosted light topaz, light and dark topaz seed beads, large and medium shiny dark topaz, dark and light topaz bugle beads, and dark and light topaz rectangular specialty beads. Your assortments will vary, of course, but this will give you an idea of where to start.

Once you've decided on the beading patterns, remove one of the 14 inch cords from the group you set aside and tie an overhand knot about ½ inch from one end. Tie a second knot directly over the first one. This will keep small beads from slipping off the end as you're stringing them. Because stretch cord is firm and doesn't ravel, you won't need to use a beading needle. Now just slide the beads on the cord until you have the predetermined length of your bracelet. I always string 7-1/2 inches of beads. If you're stringing just larger beads, add another ¼ inch or so extra length. Larger beads make the bracelet fit tighter. Because the holes of larger beads are proportionally larger, I usually string a seed bead first to keep the larger beads from sliding over the knot.

When you've strung enough, bring the ends of the cord together and slide the beads so that they're directly in the center of the cord. Tie an overhand knot close to the beads. I use the same technique as when I tie off balloons -- wrap the cords around two fingers, slide the ends through the loop and tighten the knot, sliding it up against the beads. Sometimes the knot will slip inside the center of larger-hole beads; sometimes it won't. It doesn't matter. Make sure the knot is tight, and trim the cord about 1/16 inch away from the knot. Because the cord is clear, the knot becomes virtually invisible when you're wearing your bracelets. If you've strung a seed bead first to keep large beads from sliding over the knot while stringing, slide the seed bead close to the knot and keep it away from the other beads as you're tying off the stretch cord.

When I visit bead shops, I usually buy one or two larger beads that I just can't resist. Sometimes I'll add one of these to a bracelet as a focal point. It's also simple to create necklaces using the same technique. Because the beads weigh more in a necklace, it's a good idea to use a 1.0mm stretch cord for added strength.

Use your creativity when you're creating bracelets or other jewelry. Use color combinations in assortments to contrast or match your favorite outfits. Don't hesitate to try unusual stringing patterns. If you don't like the result, it's easy to just unstring the beads and start over.

• Beading Instructions
• Beadweaving Basics
• Beading (several lessons)
• Learn Beading
• Basic Peyote Beadweaving Instructions
• Making Beading Samplers
• Bead Crochet Lessons -- right or left-handed
• Beaded Crochet Rope Instructions
• Beaded Flowers
• How to Make a Beaded Shank Button
• Perline Lezioni this is not in English, perhaps French but there are lots of diagrams...