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Beads
are simple decorative pieces
with a hole through the centre. They may be of any
shape and size and can be made from a variety of
materials such as metal, glass, plastic, fiber,
nylon, shells, woods, seeds and even semi precious
stones. Beads fascinate both the discernment and the
elegance. They sparkle and simmer thus adding richness
and depth to any work done by beads. As societies
grew more sophisticated and stylish, new materials
and techniques were used in the art of beadwork.
Women
were keen to wear heavily beaded dresses especially
during weddings and celebrations.
Today,
beaded fashion is widely found in all accessories and apparels. Beads are manufactured to
a greater extent to create a new revolution which
is trying to explore its beauty in all possibilities.
Working
with beads or making them is a very interesting area
and also will be a potential profit making business
for interested students and housewives. They can
make and sell accessories, jewelries and apparels
made of beads.
Working with beads
is
totally a beautiful and creative art, no craft. Let
us learn about the different types of beads.
TYPES OF BEADS :
Bugle
Beads : These are narrow glass tubes, readily
available in variety of sizes and colours.
Drop
beads : Appears like a tear drop normally used in
the finishing part of the work.
Metal
Beads : These beads often have stylish shapes in
brass or copper. Also available coated with silver
or gold. They are often used in jewelry or in fabric.
Natural
beads : Beads made from seeds, shells, bones are
natural beads. They are most suited in making photo
frames and other frame works.
Wooden
Beads : Soft beads made from wood give very
lively touch and look to the fabric or jewelry.
Semi
Precious Stones and pearl beads : Stones such as
coral, amber, turquoise, jade, lapis, pearl are used
in making exclusive and expensive antique and jewelry pieces.
Artificial stone are also available.
Some
other stones widely used are crystals,
sequins, pottery beads, glass beads and many
more.
EQUIPMENTS / MATERIALS :
Needles
: Various sizes of dress making needles can be used.
For tough materials leather needles are also used.
Embroidery
threads : These are cotton or woollen threads
available in a wide range of colours.
Nylon
wires : On major projects, stronger Nylon wires are
also used.
Beading
wires : Gold and silver coated wires are widely
used in making show pieces.
Twine
: For heavy beads such as pearls and semi-precious
stones twine, which is thicker than polyester thread
is required.
Pins
: Drawing pins and dressmakers pins are used
while working with beads.
Easel
or Embroidery hoop : Two tightly fitted rings
to hold the fabric tight.
Scissors
and Wire cutters : Sharp scissors are used
to cut and trim the fabric while wire cutters are
used for bending and cutting wires.
Sewing
Machine : Used to stitch fabric or for doing embroidery.
To be
continued>>>>
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