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New to Beading?

Beads are In! Beads are Hot! Look around and you will find beads everywhere. They are used in clothing and furnishings, even on window coverings and door openings, but the most common use is in jewelry.  The best thing about Beading is that it is simple to get started and and a very easy way to express the inner artist within each of us. You can create a bracelet or necklace within minutes. Matching earrings…not a problem. Changes can be made as often as you like. Think of the possibilities.

Here is a list of some items that you may need to get started.

Pliers
We suggest you have a pair of needlenose pliers. They can be purchased online or at you neighborhood hardware store. The smaller the tip on the end the better and if the pliers have an snipper area (normally down by the hinge) even better.  You may also want to invest in a pair of round nose pliers. It is sometimes easier to manipulate and grip wire with round nose pliers. Round nose pliers compliment needlenose pliers when working with two pairs ar the same time.

Stringing material is needed for necklaces and bracelets you need something to string the beads on. You can use string or monofilament (fishing line) to start but eventually you might want to move onto Beadalon, Nylon, Silk, Wire, Leather or other materials. Be creative!

Findings and headpins are normally used when making Earrings. Findings (the thing that attaches to the ear) can be silver-plate or sterling, gold-plate or 14k gold-fill. You may also need findings for un-pierced ears. Headpins are what earrings are sometimes constructed on. Think of an upside down very thin nail….get the picture?

Clasps are used for necklaces and bracelets. There are many different shapes and sizes to choose from. Be creative and remember, everything is re-usable, you may already have some clasps around to get started with.
Glue can be useful in securing clasps. Place a double or triple knot around the clasp and cover with a clear adhesive glue. This can protect the knot from fraying and prevents the clasp from becoming separated.

Bead Boards are helpful if you will be doing a lot of stringing. Bead Boards help you organize your beads and materials with everything laid out. You can easily make changes and look for the perfect combinations.

Finally, you need beads. At BeadEssence you will find beads that you will not find anywhere else. Remember, our beads are Vintage Beads. Besides being of limited quantity each one is a little work of are unto itself. With our beads you can create designs that will not be found anywhere else.

There are many helpful bead books out there. They can help you with little hints, give you wonderful ideas and may inspire you. Before purchasing one spend a little time in the library or a good book store to find the one that will help you express you inner artist. Remember, beading should be fun!

You can also check out the following resourses;

STRING BEADING by Jean Campbell

FINDINGS and FINISHINGS by Sharon Bateman

and believe it or not;

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Beading Illustrated and Jewelry Making for Dummies

  Click on Beads Below to View by Color

At Beadessence, we have constructed this site with ease of use in mind.  You can browse our vintage beads and vintage glass beads by color.  We have Vintage Cabochons, Vintage Metal and Vintage Cameos on their own pages.  Simply click on our bead links that you will find on the bottom of every one of our bead pages.  Your shopping experience with us will be fun and easy and if you should have any questions please contact us atcustomerservice@ beadessence.com

For more information about this site contact; webmaster@beadessence.com

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Brooklyn, New York