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How do I string the perfect necklace? What do I do if a bead breaks? Find out here.
Bead&Button Associate Editor Anna Elizabeth Draeger answers your questions about beading techniques - stitches, tools, design, and more - in this monthly column.
Click here to submit your question.
Meet Anna
Posted by Anna Draeger · July 1, 2009
Q Is there a chart somewhere detailing the number of 11/0 cylinder beads needed per size of rivoli when bezeling it? It was mentioned by our instructor at the Bead&Button Show, but I've not been able to find it. Thank you. Libby Ungar A Thanks for your question, Libby. Our online Resource Guide lists important information and extras from Bead&Button magazine and our special issues like Brilliant Crystal Jewelry 2 . Many of the projects...
Posted by Anna Draeger · June 1, 2009
Q How do you add thread to continue a project? I realize this would depend on the project, but I'm new to beading and am "testing the waters" with square stitch and peyote. Thanks, Gary Hawkins A Great question, Gary, and an important one too. If you don't add and end thread properly, you will compromise the integrity of your work, or end up with bulky and obvious areas of thread and knots. When you are stitching with square or peyote...
Posted by Anna Draeger · May 1, 2009
Q After years of bead weaving with waxed thread, I've begun making necklaces and bracelets, stringing the components together with beading wire. I am finding that when I finish crimping the project there is too much play in the wire; not so much a problem with necklaces, but with bracelets it is too much and the finished product is unacceptable and I have to start over, sometimes three times, until I get the tension correct. The crimps are tight...
Posted by Anna Draeger · April 1, 2009
Q I've been beading for 3 years, making simple jewelry. Now I am ready to start learning stitches so I can make more advanced projects. What is the easiest stitch to learn? The easiest pattern for a bracelet/necklace? What kind of thread should I use on the seed beads? I don't knit or crochet, so I'm lost there. I love making wire jewelry but want to try the patterns for seed beads, or is it not for me since I don't knit or crochet...
Posted by Anna Draeger · March 2, 2009
Q I have printed the peyote graph paper from the "How To" section so I can draw my own pattern. If I want the finished piece to measure 5 x 7 inches (13 x 18 cm), how large will my pattern have to be? Thanks! Rachel Morris A I am glad you are using the free graph paper , and that is a really great question! The answer depends on what size beads you will be using. I have decided to make up 1-in. (2.5 cm) samples in several bead sizes for...
Posted by Anna Draeger · February 1, 2009
Q I am making a necklace for my daughter's wedding, and I like the style of a Y-necklace. Although I like this style made with chain, I want to incorporate a lot of beads, so how do I accomplish this style using beading wire? -Patty LaBar A Thanks for your question, Patty. Luckily I have an easy answer for you. Y-necklace with a chain base. The Y-necklace has become a classic style that is as versatile as it is beautiful. A common and quick technique...
Posted by Anna Draeger · January 1, 2009
Q I've been enjoying making a variety of tubular bracelets that require using a bead cap to cover the last row on each end. I then stitch the clasp in place. I'm not happy with how it looks as sometimes the last few rows end up looking flattened where the cap sits. Do you have any tips that can help me obtain a finer finished look? I look forward to your response. Diane Speirs A Great question Diane. I think I have an idea that will help the...
Posted by Anna Draeger · December 18, 2008
Q I am confused about bugles. Sometimes the size is listed as a number (example, #1) and sometimes it is listed in millimeters (3 mm). Is there a standard way of measuring bugles? -Alyssa A I am glad you asked, because I have been working with bugles lately, and have had some frustrations of my own! Several sizes and styles of bugle beads. Before I talk about bugle bead sizes, I'd like to cover a little bit about bugles in general. Bugle beads...
Posted by Anna Draeger · November 1, 2008
Q I am just getting started beading and was wondering what are some of the essential tools and supplies I should always have on hand? Some tools you will find in my bead bag. A Wonderful question! Especially since it touches on my favorite subjects: containers, tools, and bead supplies. First of all, I mainly like to make projects that include stitching. I don't work with wire or other materials very often, but I have a good basic set of tools...
Posted by Anna Draeger · October 1, 2008
I decided to compile a list of some questions that I receive frequently. I will continue to add questions with answers over time. Q What are Japanese cylinder beads? A Japanese cylinder beads are seed beads that are manufactured in Japan. These beads are uniform, have thin walls, a cylindrical shape, and large holes. The two primary companies that make these and other beads are TOHO (their cylinders are called Aikos and Treasures), and Miyuki (their...
Posted by Anna Draeger · September 1, 2008
Q Is there a formula, or easy technique to blend colors from one end of a crochet rope to the other? Jennifer Pender A Thanks for your question, Jennifer. The more colors you use, the less obvious the shift in color will be. I love working with color, and I have a realm of comfort that I rarely step out of when it comes to color use in design. Color gradation is just one of those techniques that you really have to have a feel for in order to achieve...
Posted by Anna Draeger · August 1, 2008
Q How does one "load" and follow a pattern for flat peyote stitch ? I'm talking bead by bead. I realize it will vary pattern to pattern, but I have bought a lot of books, but none of them spell it out in a very specific way. If someone would just describe it for one pattern, I'm pretty sure I'd be able to apply it to all such projects. I can figure out odd vs. even, but changing colors to follow the pattern mystifies me. Thanks...
Posted by Anna Draeger · June 30, 2008
Q How can I keep the twist in a twisted necklace? A I have received this question more than once, and I had to play around with the idea for a while. I have decided that the easiest way to keep a twist is to work with wire instead of flexible beading wire. Multiple strands hold their shape when wire is the stringing material used. After many failed attempts and some lame outcomes, I decided that there is a reason I don't do much stringing. But...
Posted by Anna Draeger · May 30, 2008
Q How do you come up with designs for beaded jewelry? A I've been asked this question countless times while teaching a class, or at the Bead&Button Show. Crystals are my favorite design element Most of the time when I sit down to create a new pattern, or incorporate a cool new style of bead into a design, the act of just working with the materials ends up resulting in some sort of jewelry. Not right away, of course, but if I work long enough...
Posted by Anna Draeger · May 13, 2008
Q I have been attending gem and jewelry shows for a while, and it is really hard for me to buy pearls. I always find myself wondering what is fake or just low quality. Often strands of pearls look the same, but the price points are starkly different. How does a beader buy the best pearls and know she is getting quality? Andrea L. Dono Falls Church, VA A That is a really good question, Andrea. There are several things to consider when buying pearls...
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