Archive for the ‘How To’ Category

Beading Software

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

Technology has made our lives a lot more easier. The Internet and other related technology had not only made life convenient, but also has taught us so many things. Thanks to the Internet we can learn new things every day. There are various type of software’s that are available to teach us to do various things. If you’re interested in learning to work with bead work, you have beading software that you can use to master this skill.

If you look up the Internet, you’ll find that there are various different types of beading software. These software programs teach you to create beading design patterns. Moreover if you want to convert a picture into a beading design, you can take the help of these software programs. And so with the help of these software programs, your able to see the end result, that is you can see what the completed design pattern will look like. Software programs also give you ideas as to what type of beads to use, colors to be used etc.

Beading designs can be quite complex, however with beading programs, these beading designs seem a lot of easier, and the tips and advice that these programs offer are extremely helpful and interesting as well. It really makes beading very easy.

You can also get plenty of information and details on different types of stitches that are used in beading. Moreover using software, you can also adjust rows and columns of beading patterns, thus giving you an idea of what your design and pattern will look once its completed. It really makes things very easy for you. Apart from this, if your not happy with what you see, you can use beading software to change beading patterns by using loom, square or loom patterns.

Some beading software programs also allow you to draw over the beading patterns. They have various easy to use drawing tools, which you can use for this purpose. Thus with these drawing features, you can create the patterns and designs that you want.

Beading programs are plenty, so how do you know which one to go in for? Well, you can start off by using the free basic trial packages that are available on the Internet. The rates for beading software programs vary, and could start anywhere from $100 onwards. If you search on the Internet, you may be lucky and get some discounted rates. But it’s always advisable to try a software before going in for one.

Essentially a beading software program, should help you to understand beading designs and patterns, give you details on the list of things that you would need to make a particular bead work design, such as colors, size of beads, types of beads etc.

Common beading software include Bead Font, Bead Wizard Software, BeadScape etc. Beading software programs are many on the Internet, its recommended that you check the credibility and authenticity of the software before you buy it.

Author: Karen Lincoln
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

How to: Tropical layered glass trade bead necklace

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

I fell in love with this necklace from Elva Fields…

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… but cannot afford to pay over $300.00 for it. :C

So I tried making my own version for less than $30.00!

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This is how:

I found these beautiful beads and gold coated crimp beads. I was going to do all the bead strands in that green, but these sand coloured beads were too beautiful to put down!

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Let’s start beading!

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At each end, there were five crimp beads so that the clasp wouldn’t be crowded by the larger glass trade beads. The length was not premeasured on my neck like I usually would for a single-stranded necklace. This is because the seven strands would cluster and make the necklace seem shorter. So all the strands were beaded, and then crimped at only one end (Remember to leave some room in the loop for the strands to move around on!). Afterward, I took the necklace and tried the length out on my neck.

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Alright! Once the length was adjusted, the other end was crimped around the other clasp  (They don’t have to be clasped in the same order).  All the strands were made to exactly the same length for that clustering effect.

All finished!

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It’s fun searching around for things to pin onto the necklace with a safety pin.You can change the look of the necklace in so many different ways by pinning different things to it.

Doesn’t this look perfect for a day at the beach?

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~Ava Arie

How To Choose The Perfect Necklace – One that Makes You Look Your Sexiest

Friday, November 27th, 2009

Editorial: Continuing from our series of choosing the right necklace, Janice Wee is going give us her tips on other aspects of matching necklace with occasions and dress.

~ Pat Peterson

A perfect Bridal Necklace 200x300 How To Choose The Perfect Necklace   One that Makes You Look Your Sexiest

That necklace you wear can make or break the outfit. Of all the jewelry pieces you might choose, your necklace can make the greatest impact on the overall look.

Take a simple black cocktail dress for example. On its own, is almost like a uniform. You could disappear into the crowd if you are not careful.

Now add on a lariat. A stunning necklace that draws attention. Better yet, if you have the height for it, put on a pearl rope, or a gorgeous necklace that is 37 inches or longer. A really long necklace that makes a grand statement.

Choosing that perfect necklace is all about what suits you. Your height. Your build. Your neck. The outfit you are going to wear.

The right choice makes the overall look simply gorgeous.

Let’s start with the neckline of the outfit. You want the focal part of the necklace to be either against your skin or contrasted against the fabric of your outfit.

The last thing you want is a necklace that is partially hidden in your neckline. That would spoil the overall look. If the pendant plays peekaboo in the neckline, then shorten the chain. Or put that pendant in either a shorter chain, so it sits confidently above your neckline, or go for a much longer necklace that would contrast beautifully against the fabric of your outfit.

Next, look at your neck.

Do you have a long slender neck? If you do, collars or chokers are for you. These ultra short necklaces bring out the beauty of your long slender neck.

If you have a short neck, then make it look longer by wearing a either a long necklace or a lariat. The long vertical line of a long necklace makes your neck look longer. The lariat, with the 2 dangling ends gives the illusion of length. These necklaces also have an overall slimming visual effect on your entire look.

Finally, look at your overall build. If you are petite, go for daintier pieces. If you have a larger build, go for something chunkier. Your necklace should be in proportion to your body.

Once you have evaluated yourself, pick a selection of necklaces that flatter your body, in colors that match your outfits. A few signature pieces are all you need.

Author: Janice Wee
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

10 Tips for Choosing Necklace Length Based on Height, Figure, and Face Shape

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

Editorial: Necklace can be long, very long, or short, sometimes very short. The key is to match the necklace with your figure.  The following are very practical tips.

~ Pat PetersonChristian+dior+pendant+necklace+long 225x300 10 Tips for Choosing Necklace Length Based on Height, Figure, and Face Shape

Here are some of the useful tips you can use in order to choose the best necklace fit before you can decide on buying wholesale necklace for your business or for personal use.

Tip1:If you have a large breast, you can choose necklaces that are more than 22″ in length. It will be uncomfortable if you try to choose longer than this length.

Tip2:If you are flat chested, long thin chains will look nice on you.

Tip3:If you are below 5′4″ in height, collar or princess length necklaces look best. V-Shape styles or Matinee necklace length will make you look taller.

Tip4:If you are from 5′4″ – 5′7″, you can wear necklaces of any length.

Tip5:If you have full figured body, do not wear necklaces that lay on the breast line. Again, you will not make you feel good.

Tip6:If you are over 5′7″ in height, you can wear longer necklaces any length.short large liquorice balls necklace 280x300 10 Tips for Choosing Necklace Length Based on Height, Figure, and Face Shape

Tip7:If you have an oval face, you gain flexibility in choosing a necklace because an oval face shape suits any necklace lengths.

Tip8:If you have a round face, an Opera necklace length will be much better.

Tip9:Heart shaped face balances with choker necklaces because they soften and diminish the sharp angle of your chin.

Tip10:Rectangular and oblong face shapes are great for choker necklaces with higher length because they reduce the length of the face.

Buying a necklace is not that hard as long as you now the basic. You will find these tips useful on your buying experience. Additional information and updates related to this article can be found at http://www.necklacetips.com

Author: Ramir Sarmiento
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Beading: Discover the Fun, Benefits and Beauty of this Popular Hand Craft

Saturday, October 31st, 2009

Editorial: once in a while, we shall invite beading experts to share their knowledge and skills of beading. Today’s guest is Rose Mary.

Beaded items are very popular nowadays. In shopping malls, department stores or designers stores, we will not fail to find lots of beautiful beaded items for sale such as bags, purses, bracelets, necklaces, wall hangings, cushion covers, etc. A lot of people find beads not only attractive but irresistible. Beads come in many different shapes, sizes, textures, colors and designs. Designers of accessories, jewelry, and interiors make use of the richness of their colors and the diversity of their shapes to create astounding pieces. Items made with beads are indeed captivating and useful. People use completed beading items such as bracelets and necklaces as accessories to enhance their appearance, while beading items like wall hangings, cushion covers, etc are used to decorate their homes. Fabrics with beads could help to add to the decor of homes.

Beads have been valued for centuries. Since early times, people have been acquainted with beads, primarily in the form of berries, seeds, stones and shells. Later, beads came to be manufactured from clay, glass, metal and crystals and, more recently, acrylics and plastics. People have been involved in beading for a very long time. They enjoy selecting beads and combining them to form an attractive piece of work. It is a very popular form of craft work for both old and young. Some do it for work, others do it for hobby. People enjoy beading because they find it extremely rewarding. It offers them an opportunity to unleash their creativity and helps to enhance their lives. There are those who believe that beads can become an obsession. Some say that it could be addictive. Nonetheless, it is indeed satisfying to use beads to make beautiful masterpieces for yourself, for your home, or even as gifts for your friends.

The beauty of beadwork is its versatility. There is a wide range of beads you can choose from the market. An extensive range of beading supply is available. You can select the types, shapes, sizes, colors and textures of the beads to create the pattern you want. Besides, there is a wide spectrum of beading techniques that can be applied to beads wiring, threading, weaving, sticking and embroidering. You can choose to use the method you like. Beading techniques could be either threadless or threaded. Although there are relatively few ways of uniting beads without thread, such as with glue or tile grout, however, there are hundreds of ways involving the use of thread. As each completed item would be a result of your own selection, creativity and skill, you will certainly derive great satisfaction from your work.

Beading is considered an economical craft work. You do not need a special workshop. You only require a table, good lighting, some beading equipment and selected beads. With these, you can design and make really exciting pieces of beaded items. You can even create a piece of jewelry that will become a family heirloom!

The basics of beading are easy to learn. There are many resources available with step-by-step beading instructions to enable a starter to learn doing beading projects. When you have learned the basic techniques, you can go ahead to create even more pieces using a multitude of your own ideas. This could be as simple as changing the colors on one of the beading patterns you have learned or using beads of a different size. You will be surprised at how much these small changes can alter the look of the original piece. The possibilities of creating new designs are endless. You can attempt to test your design after creating it. If you find that your idea doesnt work, you can take it apart and try a new one. Beading is fun and interesting. Be adventurous, always experiment and youll enjoy it.

More information on beading techniques can be obtained from => Beading Instructions

Author: Rose Mary

Article Source: EzineArticles.com