Beads

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An ancient craft

Beading has been around since prehistoric times. It has formed a major part of life in great civilizations and stone age communities. The Egyptians at the time of the Great Pharoahs used them for decoration and in their rituals. At a rock shelter in south-west France, dating from 33,000 years ago, a bead factory producing stone and ivory beads has been excavated. (For more information see 'Secrets of the Stone Age' by Richard Rudgley, chapter 4).

My love of beads is a long standing addiction. Wearing long ropes of rocailles, or chunky ceramic bracelets, to chokers and necklaces of wood or leather or shell in the sixties to making my own ear rings and metallic bead neclaces or pendants in the eighties. It was my love of beads that drew me to lace making. I could not wait to choose beads for the all important spangle on the end of the bobbin. Then in the summer of 1999 while with relatives in Cornwall, I discovered and bought that excellent little book 'Why not make a Beaded Amulet Purse?' by Ashby and Woolsey. It was hard to wait until I arrived home where I could rummage around for the tiny seed beads in my collection so that I could make my first amulet purse following the instructions in that book. I have since made several along the same lines in my own designs, starting with the simple ones shown here, and also more complex ones. Like Topsy my interest has grown and grown. I discovered and joined the Beadworker's Guild and have tried patterns from many more designers. I now use Brickstitch (comanche weave), peyote stitch, daisy chains, ladder stitch, bead ropes, braids and cables. I am continually looking to increase my experience of different stitches and effects. I have made ear rings, necklaces, bracelets, needlecases and look forward to making vessels sometime soon.

The bead purses were made by Jane, and her daughter Allie when she was 14 years old.

You've got to catch me first...!

Do you want to start beading? Then look at some simple stitching suitable for beginners by going to the BEGINNER'S BEADS pages. Just CLICK HERE.

Have you already started beading? For more advanced beadwork CLICK HERE.

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Home The Paintings Beginner's beads Advanced beads