Spirit Beads: why you should love them!
If you’re new to beading (or even if you’re not), you might be wondering what spirit beads are. So, let me start by explaining that, then tell you why you should love, not fear...
Category: Basic Beading Techniques
Joining Fireline Beading Thread
Finishing old threads and weaving in new ones has to be one of the most tedious parts of any beading project. Now, there are loads of different ways you can do this. So, I...
How to use jump rings in jewelry making
Have you got questions about how to use jump rings in jewelry making? One of my ‘Become a Better Beader’ members does. So, I’m guessing she’s not the only one! Now, you can use...
Working with wire: getting great results wrapping and twisting
My own personal experience of working with wire is mostly for French beading. However, the secrets I am about to share with you are also applicable to other types of wirework. So, even if...
Free French Beading Tools: do you know about them?
If you’re reading this because you already love French beading, then you probably know about the basic tools. But, did you know there is a whole set of free French beading tools? I use...
How to Follow a Peyote Stitch Chart
Have you been mystified by a beading pattern in which you needed to follow a Peyote stitch chart? Do you even know what a Peyote stitch chart is? If you answered ‘no’ and ‘yes’...
How to get good beading tension
How to get good beading tension is a question that often comes up in my classes. I am constantly thinking about how to help people improve. My thoughts led me to consider how different...
Starting Tubular Peyote
I came up with this idea after watching so many people struggle with starting Tubular Peyote. If you have ever tried this, you will understand what I mean. If you haven’t, then I do...
Beaded Spiral Rope Variations
One of the first beading techniques I learned was one of the beaded spiral rope variations, known as a Spiral Staircase. Since then, I have learned a lot more different types of beaded spiral...
Beading Patterns: 3 Handy Hints
What are beading patterns? This may sound like a blindingly obvious question, so I hope the answer won’t surprise you. Beading patterns are the instructions for making a project using beads. This could be...
How to finish beading thread: 2 options
As my beading has evolved, I’ve found new ways to end beading thread. I have also experimented with different types of beading thread and have found that different threads sometimes need different ways of...
Beading Terms Defined
Beading patterns can be a little confusing if you are a complete novice. Like any other craft, beading has its own language and terminology that might seem strange when you start out. Here I’ve...
How to thread a needle
How to thread a needle? …It sounds like a pretty simple task, that is, unless you’ve ever tried it! This post looks specifically at beading needles, but the advice it offers on how to...
How do I add a Clasp?
Whenever you make a piece of jewellery, you will need to decide how to fasten it. This usually means using a clasp of some variety. Once you have decided which clasp you are going...
