Seed Bead Jewelry Designs

From LoveToKnow Crafts

Seed bead jewelry designs can be used to create handmade accessories with a delicate appearance.

Seed beads make great handmade jewelry.

About Seed Beads

Seed bead is a generic term that crafters use to refer to any tiny bead ranging in size from under a millimeter to several millimeters. The most common seed bead size is 11/0, but sizes range from 24/0 to 5/0. Seed beads come in translucent, matte, opaque, and luster finishes as well as silver, copper, or bronze lined colored beads.

Seed beads are extremely versatile. In jewelry making, they can be used as spacers between other beads or as the basis for intricate multi-strand necklaces. Loom or off-loom bead weaving is also quite popular among those who wish to make seed bead jewelry designs with a Native American feel. Projects can be created using one type of bead for a uniform appearance or a mix of seed bead styles for a more eclectic look.

Seed beads are generally available for purchase wherever jewelry making supplies are sold. Some are sold by weight, but others are sold by a unit bundle of strands known as a hank. If you’re looking for beads with a fairly uniform size and shape, check the labels to search for Japanese seed beads. Avoid seed beads made in India, Taiwan, or China; these beads tend to have a highly irregular finish and poorly drilled holes that can make them difficult to work with.

Bugle beads, although also very small and delicate in appearance, should not be confused with seed beads. Bugle beads are longer than they are thick, creating a tubular shape.

Working with Seed Beads

When working with seed beads, patience is key. Since seed beads are so tiny, they can be rather difficult for the novice to string. A beading mat can help prevent your beads from rolling around on your work area, while a small triangle scoop makes it easier to clean up when you’re finished working. If you’re planning to store your seed beads in their original containers, you can re-bag by making a funnel from a piece of scrap paper and pouring the beads from your triangle scoop back into the container through the funnel.

If you’re having trouble keeping your beading thread from tangling, consider investing in a small container of thread conditioner. Synthetic beeswax, also known as microcrystalline wax, is a great choice because it will add to the longevity of your work without the sticky feel of regular beeswax.

While some seed bead projects are fairly quick to complete, others are much more involved. To avoid straining your eyes when creating intricate seed bead pieces, make sure you complete your project in an area with a quality light source. Take frequent breaks, stretching often to relieve tension in your neck and back. If possible, use a size 10 or 12 needle for your beading projects to help avoid the fatigue that is often the result of fussing with a flimsier needle.

Seed Bead Jewelry Designs

If you’re looking for seed bead jewelry designs online, check out the following helpful links:

Additional Information

If you want to learn more about the art of seed beading, LoveToKnow Crafts recommends these great jewelry making idea books:

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