Ask Anna - All Comments

re: Reading a pattern for peyote stitch

LAURELBEADS — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:58:05 GMT

I would like to print an article regarding questions and answers on HOW TO READ A PATTERN FOR PEYOTE STITCH. I do not want to print the whole page (ads., etc ) Is it possible - how? Anna Draeger is not the only one. I have that problem, too!!! H-EEEE-L-P!

thanks

re: Multistrand twisted necklaces

Beelilly — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 03:51:52 GMT

In your April issue, you show a picture of a necklace on page 30, netted cage. I would like to have the instructions or pattern.

Thank you.

re: Spiral rope for a beaded necklace

seedme — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 23:52:35 GMT

thank- you . i now have a new idea for spirals

re: Spiral rope for a beaded necklace

Anna Draeger — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:07:15 GMT

Hi Seedme,

I used .014 Soft Flex, but any flex wire should work between sizes .012-.015. You just need enough room between the wire and the beads for your thread to pass through several times.

I used size 11 seed beads in the spiral with size 8 beads as an accent. I used size 8 cylinders for the base since they have large holes, and are consistent in size.

re: Spiral rope for a beaded necklace

seedme — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 23:17:27 GMT

what type of flexabale wire are you using.?

will it work with size 11 seed beads in the spiral?

re: Multistrand twisted necklaces

ncanne — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:11:06 GMT

I would love to hear some comments on constructing multi-strand necklaces. I have made several and when adding the clasp always second-guess myself in attaching the strands in a straight line or crossing over a strand or two. Hoping this makes some sense - and also that someone who works with multi-strands has a formula for this.

Avoid low-quality, premature pearls

Bead&Button Blog — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:44:55 GMT

In the latest Ask Anna column, Andrea L. Dono asked about what to look for in quality pearls, and how

re: Liquid silver

Roberta F. — Sat, 24 May 2008 00:23:16 GMT

My liquid silver necklace is strung on that fine bead chain. I think most of the Native American jewelry is.

re: Meet Anna

beadybird — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 01:03:26 GMT

Hi Anna,

I am thrilled to know you are here to help with our beading questions. I am even happier to know your area of expertise. Although I am relatively new to beading, I also love designs in Peyote, Ndebele Herringbone, and RAW. So far I have only made a Peyote necklace, and RAW bracelet. I would love to make the tubular Ndebele Herringbone necklace on the cover of the April 2008 issue of Bead & Button magazine. My problem is that I have great difficulty in understanding the illustrations. I can't seem to follow the thread directions, or the layout is confusing. But since you are an expert with this particular stitch, you and I will definitely be chatting. Thanks again, Anna. Now that I know you are here, I am very much encouraged to try it.

re: Stretchy Cord

Auntie Smedley — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:40:49 GMT

Stretch magic is the only stretchy cord I use. I don't make rings, just use it for bracelets, so I almost always use the .8 size which is thin enough for size 8 seed beads. I have had it break - a watch band I made for myself eventually bit the dust, after about 3 years of daily wear. It was strung through large metal spacers, however, probably hastening the decomposition.

I've never tried the floss, it just looks too flimsy for my projects.

re: Stretchy Cord

silverbelle56 — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 06:15:06 GMT

I have used stretchy cord off and on for several years and I agree with the previous poster, Stetch Magic is the best currently available.

I have a few comments on the way that I work with it. First, let me say that to date, none of my stetch cord bracelets/rings have ever broken (knock on wood...lol). I started pre-stretching my cord a couple of years ago. I pull and pull on the cord. If it breaks while doing this, I cut out a foot after the break and start again. By pre-stretching, I am imagining that it will not stretch out of shape as quickly?? When ending my piece, I have been successful using a large seed bead (size 8o) with a 3mm crimp cover over the knot. If my end beads have large enough holes, I can just get the knot into one of them. But more often than not, I can't get that sucker hidden. Like I said, so far, so good. No breaks and a neat finish.

I guess I'll know more about my theory of pre-stretching in a year or so. I'll keep you posted....lol.

re: Stretchy Cord

b3llad0na — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 16:56:26 GMT

I have been using stretch 'thread' for a number of years, and I find Stretch Magic to be superior. I use the .05 size, and if you 'squash' the end of the thread flat with a pair of pliers, you can thread it onto a very small needle, allowing you to use it with even small beads, since the thread "thins" when you pull on it.