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There was lace making and bead weaving and then came “beaded lace.” Traditional lace making takes a very long time. Beaded lace goes much faster. Some gorgeous jewelry pieces can result from beaded lace techniques. If you already have the basics of bead weaving, lace beading will come to you fairly quickly.
Materials to use:
A good choice of beads to use for lace beading is “ Japanese seed beads.” Use sizes 15 and 11 for very intricate and delicate work. You can also add finishing touches using pearls, crystals or two hole beads.
There is metallic, galvanized, and plated seed beads. Galvanized are least expensive. Use transparent seed beads next to metallic beads for the look of gemstone beads. Use opaque seed beads for a solid look. Use matte beads for a soft look. Silver-lined beads will add sparkle in a space too small to use a crystal.
You can also use 2.5 crystals which are a good size just big enough to sparkle and small enough to fit into tight places. Man-made glass pearls are best to use for lace beading. Gemstones can be used in place of pearls and crystals if you prefer.
If going by a pattern that calls for pearls and crystals and you want to substitute gemstones, just be sure they are as close as possible to the size specified in the pattern.
Rivolis is a large faceted crystal pointed on both sides. These large beads are good for attaching to the rest of the bead work by going through their holes making the fit of the bezel less important. Czech fire polished beads do not sparkle like crystals. They do add a softer look to the final piece.
Stringing Materials:
When a bead woven necklace seems to be just too much, use a manufactured chain, a ribbon or a necklace strung of beads. Pearls always add elegance. Crystals or gemstones add sparkle. Smaller beads adds delicacy. Choose a chain that compliments the colors in your piece and in a size that is strong enough to hold up to a lace beaded pendant.
Velvet ribbons add a romantic touch to a lace beaded piece of jewelry. Nylon ribbon might be easier to seal the ends to keep them from raveling by melting them. Hold the end of the ribbon briefly in a flame in a well ventilated area. Ribbons can be tied into a bow or sewn onto a clasp.
Thread:
Nymbo B adds a soft drape to lace bead work. Work with a single ply of thread using a size 12 needle. If you use double thread, use a size 13 needle. Single thread may be best to use as beading lace requires passes through the same beads where double thread may not work. It is important that you feel comfortable with the type of thread you choose to use. Nymbo B thread is not the only type there is. When you start a new thread, use only as much as you are comfortable in using. If your thread knots and tangles, use a shorter length.
Tools for lace beading:
Needles, usually a size 12 or 13
Small pair of scissors
Chain nose pliers
Flat nose pliers
Beading thread
For detailed instructions, check out the book entitled “Modern Beaded Lace,” Beadweaving Techniques for Stunning Jewelry Designs written by Cynthia Newcomer Daniel. She includes 18 different projects with step by step instructions for creating lace beaded jewelry.
Names of some of her jewelry designs include:
Wisteria Bracelet
Hypnotize Me Earrings
Dogwood Chain
Crisscross Bracelet
Deco Pendant
Ruffed Ring
and more, 18 total
Resource Used: “Modern Beaded Lace,” Beadweaving Techniques for Stunning Jewelry Designs written by: Crynthia Newcomer Daniel, Distributed by Canada, UK and Europe
Book Review Written by: Connie Limon, Bead Jewlery Artisan
Carmilita Earrings: https://www.etsy.com/shop/carmilitaearrings
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