Beading Q And A: Seed Bead Patterns (7/4/2011)

BeadGal answers:

“Bead weaving” art

BeadGal answers:

My favorite is http://www.bead-patterns.com, with some free and a lot of paid patterns.

I also recommend http://www.thebeadcoop.com/

And you can’t beat free:

http://beadwork.about.com/od/freebeadpatterns1/a/_Free_Pat_Links.htm

BeadGal answers:

I have done the Peyote stitch. It is quite easy once you get the first row started. For starters, try using a large flat seed bead, they will lay better and you’ll be able to see your pattern easier.

I like using fishing line you buy at a sports shop. The 6 or 8 lb. Weight is sufficient to do a multitude of beading work. I use the transparent line because it fades into the beading work, or if you are using dark colors, the “smoke” color is great. I recommend the Fireline brand.

Some people learn by seeing it done, while others can read instructions on how to do a particular stitch. The Peyote stitch is not something that ordinarily would be taught to the general public at a craft store. It is usually done by beaders who seek a little more complicated, sophisticated look to their work. Go to an independent bead store to see if they have classes and if so, they probably teach it. If not, ask if there is a local beading guild, or, ask them if they have an experienced beader that will teach the peyote stitch.

If you have no luck there, try searching for videos on the Internet. You may be able to learn it that way.

BeadGal answers:

Found this one (free instruction for making the brick stitch style earring).
Http://www.angelfire.com/co2/beltana/cheyenne.html

You may be able to lay out a pattern with different colors if you do not want to use all one color.

Brick stitch pattern for sale (pdf download):
http://www.etsy.com/shop/wolfdendezigns38?section_id=5485548

This site has lots of pictures of earring for sale (if interested).
http://www.crazycrow.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=400-200-500