Beads

Beads questions and answers

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Q: beads!!!!!!!?
ok u know how those beads that u played with when u were little are now all of a sudden "back"...well i can't find them anywhere! know any stores that sell them? and if u could, send me a link of them!!!

A: check with the 80's, they have a never ending supply.

Q: How can I unglue beads from a string?
I inherited quite a few strings of beads from my grandmother. In some cases, the beads are glued onto the string. I'd like to be able to reuse the beads. Does anyone have any suggestions for how I might be able to dissolve the glue, or otherwise remove the beads from the string?

A: Try a hot air blower. Not a hair dryer but the ones they use to remove paint from furniture. You can prob find one at lowes or home depot

Q: how many beads to I need when making a double strand necklace?
My actual problem is the number for the second (outer) strand. For example, if I use 40 beads for the first (inner) strand, how many beads would I need for the second strand? I plan on using multi-strand spacers to bridge between first and second strands.

A: Wigjig is a very helpful site for info like this.

Q: In general, how many seed beads are used in a typical Native American bead and loom project?
I'm just beginning my learning in this area, and I've found places to buy beads and patterns, etc, but I'm not sure of quite how many beads to purchase to begin making projects. Thank you.

A: There are a few things to help you figure out how many you will need. The size of the bead -- (the most common is a size 11 seed bead) - will affect how many you need, as well as how many beads you ill get per gram. Just a note: most say the bead size number will usually let you know how many seed beeds when lined up on a needle will make an inch. However in the real world world the number of beads it takes to make an inch, is usually a bit more. Either way, the larger the number - the smaller the bead. Often a pattern will be kind enough to tell you how many beads will be needed to complete a project. I find that 10 grams of delicas will cover a goodly decent amount. If I have a small amulet bag - say 3x3 inches - I know that if there four colours and I have 5 grams of each color - it will be enough for the project and still have beads left over. If you want to be a bit more precise, a good way to figure for each pattern is to see how many inches your project is in length and width. Then based on what size bead, you will have a guess-estimate on how many beads total you will need to make the project. Take an estimate of what percent of the project is each colour (for example most of your background is about forty percent of the project - so you can get an estimate of forty percent of your total beads. - that will give you a good rule.) Then you can have an idea of how many grams of each colour you will need. Who ever you are purchasing from can give you an idea of how many beads of a given size will be in a gram. here's some charts that are handy: http://www.beadnook.com/BeadSizeCharts.html This one has ave number of beads per grams: http://www.beadworksboston.com/tips-techs/seedbead-sizes.htm http://www.beading-frenzy.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=8 I hope this will help out. I don't do much loom work or square stitch, but occaisionally do design for it. I have some things on my blog (the link to the flick site will have the things that are designed for square stitch/loom/herringbone) you might enjoy seeing. The beadweaving is mostly in earlier articles. http://thebeadkitchen.blogspot.com/

Q: What is the best website to order wholesale beads from?
I need quality india glass beads in assortment kits, swarovski crystal beads and semi-precious stone beads. I don't want to be obligated to make huge quantity purchases but I will be using the beads to make art for resale, therefor I need the best price and would like to take advantage of my wholesale id.

A: The Brighton Bead Shop in Sydney Street Brighton, Uk has a lovely selection of beads they sell to the public and wholesale.

Q: What are the best beads to buyfor someone who makes necklaces?
My mother-in-law makes bead items/necklaces and I want to get her some beads for Christmas, but not just crummy ones, any suggestions and links?

A: http://www.firemountaingems.com/ has a wide selection for you to choose from.

Q: What to do with personal beads for grandparents' anniversary present?
My grandparents anniversary is coming up, and I have gathered beads that represent or remind me of each of the grandchildren. Now the question is, what do I do with them? I had thought I might make a necklace (my grandmother loves stuff like that), but then what about my grandfather? So the question is: What can I make, using beads, that would be a good present for my grandparents' anniversary?

A: not sure how many beads but you can make a beaded night light for them for a hallway or bathroom and they'd be sure to think of you often as a constant reminder. lamp or fan pulls beaded wind chimes magnet frame for fridge beads add nice trim to socks, scarves knitted bags mitts, curtains I've also seen small beaded lamps light switch cover pillow fridge Good luck with whichever you choose lots of creativity with beads for sure

Q: How do you learn how to make polymer clay character beads from start to finish like and expert?
I would really love to learn how to make polymer clay beads, specifically character beads. There are so many tallented artists on ebay, and I'd love to become one of them, but haven't a clue how to start other than buying all sorts polymer clay tools and clay. I worked with it a little, but mostly got stuck in the finishing of the beads. Any suggestions on how I can become an expert bead maker from start to finish? Thanks for your help! :)

A: Making Polymer Clay Beads: Step-by-Step Techniques for Creating Beautiful Ornamental Beads (Paperback) by Carol Blackburn is probably one of the best books I have seen on the subject and you can get it from Amazon.com

Q: How do I add beads when braiding friendship bracelets out of floss?
My little niece picked a selection of them our of her bulk of beads she wants me to make a bracelet out.

A: There's two options. If you want to knot them in as you go, you should string them on the floss before you start knotting and push them to the end(out of the way) until you move it up to knot into your pattern. The second option is to sew them in later with a separate piece of matching floss. The advantage to the second method is that you have better control over the placement of the beads and if you get tired of them, you can cut the string and remove them and still have the bracelet.

Q: Does anyone know of a site for swapping beads and beading supplies?
I just started playing with beads last year, making necklaces and earrings, and I already have a lot of beads that I'm not sure I'll ever use. Are there any sites for trading these beads, maybe something grab-bag style? It seems like it would be a good idea. I belong to a paperback book swap and I've saved a ton of money doing that, maybe swapping beads would be good too. Any suggestions?

A: Click on Groups, in your Yahoo Home Page. Type in Beading. If it's anything like Artist Trading Cards, you'll have about a gazillion groups to choose from. You can look at their splash pages without joining, (and joining is free anyway), and pick out groups that look like doing the things you like. I've found Groups to be a pretty good resource for trading.

Q: What size beads should you use for hemp necklaces?
I'm making a hemp necklace and I want to know what size beads I should use to put in it. Also, how far apart should each bead be and how far apart should they be from the beginning/end of the necklace?

A: Any size. My friend has a hemp necklace that hangs down to his waist with a HUGE glass bead on hit. Be creative, there is no "right size" bead, the necklace should be your own creation!

Q: can miracle grow moistrue control beads keep my plants alive for a week?
i'm going to be gone for a week and i have some new plants. Has anyone tried the miracle grow moisture control beads? Do they work? Could they keep my plants hydrated for a week?

A: If you are worried about your plants dying while you are away... Fill your tub about 1-2 inches of water or until it reaches the bottom pot holes and let them sit in the tub till you come back.. If they are in terricotta pots the moisture will still soak through... Or have someone come and water them.. Good luck

Q: Where can I find Bubble beads to make necklace?
Hobby Lobby, Joann's, Micheals or Clayton, I have only these outlets at my city for Beads. Please tell which store I can find Bubble bead as I have recieved orders to make necklace,bracelet and earrings from it. Also suggest free shipping stores for beads. Please visit the link, I want the beads shown in this necklace http://www5.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=11848&CatID=47215&CatTyp=DEP&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=1176736&ProdSeq=2&ProdCount=69&Dep=jewelry&RefPage=SearchDepartment&ShowMenu=T&ShopBy=0&SearchString=bubble+bead&S4DeptID=11848&CmCatId=SearchResults|SearchDepartment

A: Because your just starting out I would search on EBay. I've bought Swarovski Crystal and other great gems for dirt cheap. I normally search and buy from EBay Australia because the dollar is worth more so I have more buying power. Another great site to buy beads from is Fire Mountain Gems. The have a great gallery and virtual bead boards to help you plan out your jewelry projects. Register on the site and they will send your their awesome catalog for free. I put the links down for you. Good luck with your project.

Q: Where can I find these silicon beads that you can microwave with plant parts?
Ok, 1.5 weeks ago I saw an episode of Design on a Dime, and the cool artistic guy, the husky blond one, got a microwavable bowl and put a layer of these silicon beads, then added the leaves of a plant, then another layer of beads was added, and microwaved it. Then the leaves were dried, and he added a polyurethane spray that was supposed to make it keep it's color and seel it in. What are these silicon beads and polyurethane spray? Where can I buy them?

A: I just bought some of this stuff this week off of ebay...it's called Silica Gel ..Flower Drying Art. They sell it at Craft stores like Michael's., also Joann Fabrics. If you don't live near one of those just do an online search on Yahoo! shopping for Silica Gel and it will list online sources to order from. The brand I have is Activa and it is reusable...cool stuff! Polyurethane spray is great...you can purchase it at any hardware store or craft store. Craft stores have the lighter stuff that works better on dried flowers. There are different types so read the can...also different finishes...from hi-gloss to matte.

Q: What products can I use to coat paper beads for reinforcement?
I have been folding paper, and i want to make paper beads. Is there a product I can use to coat the beads so that they don't get crushed when they are worn?

A: I have used regular Elmer's glue to hold the paper together and then when dry, I coated them with clear nail polish to seal it up and give them some shine.