Tubelet Beads
I can hear the groans as I type this. More new beads??!!! Well, yes. But I think you might actually want to investigate the Tubelet beads if you enjoy working with traditional seed beads....
Category: Shaped Seed Beads
In this section, I have given you a guide to the shaped seed beads. Now, we’ve had a lot of these coming onto the market in recent years. So, you could be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed and confused. I’m here to help you gain an understanding of all these new materials.
What are shaped seed beads?
Let me list a few examples… True2, Magatamas, Tubelets, Bugles…
Now, I could keep going for pages! How many of those have you heard about? Are you here because you’re trying to find out about a name you don’t understand? Or do you just want to discover some new possibilities?
Either way, I can help. So, what I’ve given you here is a list of the different types of shaped seed beads. In each case, I explain what it is, how you might use it and where you can buy them. I have also included a few links to patterns so you can try out the beads for yourself.
Now, these beads all have a couple of things in common. They are fairly small in size, and they are interesting shapes (so, not a sphere, mostly!). The shapes range from oval, diamond, triangle, square, cube, chevron, ‘S’ and more.
So, they are great for adding interest to your beading designs, without a lot of effort. Now, you’re almost always going to be combining these beads with others. So, you won’t often see a beading project that uses just one of these types of bead.
They are a lot of fun to work with. You can create some amazing designs that your friends are sure to admire. So, how about you start discovering now…?
What are Pellet Beads?
If you are new to beading…or even if you’re not…it is so easy to get confused these days. We have so many new beads on the market, that it’s hard to keep pace. So,...
Bugle Beads
It could be argued that Bugle beads are some of the oldest ‘shaped seed beads’ around. I have classified them as seed beads since they fit into the sizing pattern that means they can be...
Buying Seed Beads
With an overwhelming number of types and colours of seed beads on the market today, it can be really confusing when you set out to a bead shop or bead fair. However intent I...
True 2 Beads
If you are looking for seed beads with a little extra zing, then the True 2 beads may be just what you have been waiting for. Sold by The Beadsmith, I have been experimenting...
Lentil Beads
What are Lentil Beads? Lentil beads looked like round beads that have been squashed into a flattish shape – I say ‘flattish’ because they have slightly rounded fronts and backs which allows you to...
Petal Beads
What are Petal Beads? Petal beads are made from pressed glass that has been shaped to give a slight natural curve, rather like petals. They have a hole drilled through from front to back,...
O Beads
What are O Beads? I first became aware of O beads in 2013. They look fascinating – like little round flat discs – and they first appeared on the beading scene alongside a number...
Dome Beads
Dome Beads As I write this article, Dome beads are pretty new to the beading market. They are made in the Czech Republic and come in two different sizes: 14mm diameter and 8mm thickness...
Magatama Beads
If you’re looking for more weird and wonderful seed bead shapes, then why not try Magatama beads? As with all the other seed beads, these are available in a range of colours. They also...
How do I choose seed beads?
If you’re anything like me, then as a beginner, one of the first things you’ll notice is the overwhelming variety of beads available. So, you’ve probably found yourself asking, ‘how do I choose seed...
Rizo Beads and Daggers
Rizo Beads I’ve chosen to talk about these two different varieties of seed beads in a single post because I think they have certain similarities. Both are essentially small elongated beads with a hole...
Peanut Beads
Peanut beads (major manufacturer is Matsuno, Japan) can sometimes be referred to as ‘Farfalle’ beads (usually Czech made). They are basically elongated seed beads that have been slightly squashed across the centre where the hole...
