| Craft beads have been used to create jewelry and | | | | individual beads will be determined by what they are |
| other decorative pieces for hundreds of years. In | | | | made of, their use, and their age. You can even take |
| ancient times, stone, turtle shells, animal horns and | | | | beads from an old necklace or other piece of jewelry |
| hooves, and fresh water clams were used to make | | | | and craft them into a new piece that you will love. |
| decorations. Now, beads can be made from | | | | You can create unique jewelry for yourself or create |
| semi-precious stones, wood, glass, and plastic - just to | | | | decorative gifts for loved ones. If you are going to |
| name a few. The possibilities with craft beads are | | | | create your own design, be sure that you have all the |
| endless. | | | | craft beads and other supplies you will need. You |
| Craft bead projects range from beginner to advanced, | | | | can do this by drawing out a detailed plan or diagram |
| complicated designs. You can purchase craft bead | | | | of the piece you want to create. |
| kits at your local craft store or online. If you already | | | | To complete a project, you will need craft beads, wire, |
| have a supply of craft beads, you can find free | | | | wire cutters, and crimp beads. Crimp beads are soft |
| patterns and designs online. There are even kits and | | | | metal and are used to complete a strand of beads. If |
| patterns available for children. | | | | you are creating jewelry, you will need the appropriate |
| By far, the most popular use for craft beads is | | | | clasp also. If you would rather follow a pattern, there |
| creating jewelry. They aren't limited to use in jewelry, | | | | are books available at your local craft store, or you |
| however. You can make holiday decorations, like | | | | can find hundreds of free patterns online. Those |
| beaded Christmas trees, or you can put beads on | | | | instructions should give you a list of needed supplies. |
| household items to give them a new flare. Another | | | | You can purchase craft bead projects that are |
| interesting project to try is to weave small beads | | | | already completed at craft shows, stores, and online. |
| together in intricate patterns to create stunning flowers. | | | | The price of these items will depend on the type of |
| Craft beads are made out of a variety of materials | | | | beads used and the intricacy of the piece. You may |
| including glass, metal, terracotta, wood, plastic, stone, | | | | also be able to find older beaded pieces or ethnic |
| bone, horn, ivory, wood, ceramic, fiber, shell, pearl, coral, | | | | pieces. Native American, Mexican, and African bead |
| gemstones, seeds, resin, and clay. Beads can also be | | | | craft are beautiful and unique. |
| fashioned into many shapes including melon, oval, | | | | Whether you are a beginner or an advance crafter, |
| barrel, cylindrical, round, square, star, butterfly, heart, and | | | | try doing some bead work. You will come to love |
| flower. | | | | using craft beads for their versatility and beauty. You |
| When you consider the vast number of beads | | | | will also love the jewelry and other decorative pieces |
| available, the possibilities are endless. The cost of | | | | you are able to create! |