Bead Crafts

The craft of beading is historical, contemporary and international. Adorning oneself in beads is not only primitive, but can be the height of couture. Crafters use beads to make jewelry, handbags, clothing, etc...There are countless beading techniques ranging from very simple to highly elaborate. Depending on the design, the crafter has a wide array of beading techniques to employ and whatsmore, they have a vast array of beads to choose from. The following article discusses various beads from around the world and how they are most popularly employed by today’s crafters.

Highly stylized glass beads from Venice to simple homemade polymer clay baubles—bead types run the gamut and come from around the world. Contemporary beaders have the opportunity to find any type of bead they want in today’s global economy, but many choose to make their own. The material of the bead is also wide-ranging from natural elements like amber and precious stones to the artisan produced bakelite and other plastics as well as glass. Also, crafters use beads made from crude clay, various metals and virtually anything that has a thread hole and can be strung.

Europe and the Middle East have a rich beading history. From Venice we see the intricate and highly prized blown glass beads that because of their beauty (and expensive) are often used as a single focal piece or in conjunction with other styles of beads. Often, Venetian glass beads are found decorated with goldstone. Many imitation beads are available from online stores and in local craft centers. Italy also produces beads made from the red coral of the Bay of Naples and other types of glass beads decorated with gold foil.

Many of today’s beaders craft with Czech glass which is also highly sought after. Germany is famous for its wood beads the Baltic region is popular for its amber beads which come in many different shapes. Greece is famous for its ceramic beads—both glazed and unglazed style. Israel is known for its silver beads which are found embedded with designs. Iran and Iraq and famous for their lapis lazuli which is often made into beads. Although English jet was popular during the Victorian era, it can still be found and used today.

Trade beads are often associated with West Africa, but they are found in many styles of jewelry today. Trade beads are collected by bead lovers worldwide. Some are made from recycled glass; other beads are made from clay and even bone. Some types of African trade beads include: millefiori, chevrons, striped melons, and eye beads. Morocco is famous for beads sporting fine enamel work.

India has a vast array of bead types as well. Decorated or inlaid wood beads as well as silver, ceramic, amethyst, glass, lac, bone and carved cornelian beads are just a few. Turquoise in large natural chunks is most often employed by Tibetan beaders. Pearls and jade beads are usually associated with the Far East and the Native peoples of the Americas have contributed vastly to the world of beads from Navajo silver to Mexican onyx to Peruvian hand-painted ceramics to Ecuadoran gold glass.

Of course, this is generalizing a bit—there are literally hundreds of various beads to be had from all around the world. Consider your design. Seed beads are best for the loom or beaded crochet. Larger stones may be used as focal pieces. Smaller stones are versatile and work in single or multi-strand works. The most difficult part in purchasing beads today is trying decide between them!