TYPES OF BEADS TO USE IN DIFFERENT CRAFTS

What are the types of beads we can use in different projects to achieve stunning results?

 

1. Glass Beads Are So Versatile!

 

Not only are there many different sizes, shapes, and types of glass beads, but you can use them in a wide variety of craft projects. Most of the time, when people think of beads, the first craft that comes to mind is jewelry making, which is a very rewarding creative outlet for using beads.

 

Knitting, mixed media, embroidery, and home décor projects are also great areas where you can use glass beads. Below are five creative craft ideas and ways you can incorporate glass beads into them.

 

Mixed Media Art

Mixed media art has always existed, but recently, framed artworks using all kinds of materials to create unique and eye-catching pieces have become more popular and established within the art world. A canvas doesn’t have to be reserved for painting alone.

 

Instead, you can use charms, pendants, magazine cutouts, lexicon components, and almost anything else you can imagine to create a framed (glass-free) piece that will literally deliver amazing results.

 

Glass beads are also a wonderful addition to this type of work. A great example of this craft is a decorative board where you can use a variety of materials to create a one-of-a-kind project.

 

Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking is another area of crafting where glass beads can become very useful. Use some seed beads to add definition, or combine beads with ribbons to create page borders or frames.

 

You can also take a few glass beads and some wire to create your own page embellishments, such as a beaded wire letter or a wedding bell shape made with crystal glass beads.

 

The possibilities are endless when it comes to incorporating beads into your scrapbooking projects, and glass is an excellent option — especially since glass beads come in so many different shapes and colors at EM ART to suit a wide range of themes.

 

Crochet

Adding beads to your crochet project can bring extra elegance, charm, and class. A clever example is a silk lace handbag. It looks like a regular crochet bag pattern, but the beads give it an unexpected look and texture.

 

The challenging part of using glass beads in crochet is that you’ll need to know exactly how many beads you need before you start, as you’ll have to string them first.

 

Then, let them rest near your yarn ball or skein until needed, and when the time comes, simply slide them up and crochet them in.

 

Silk Floral Arrangements

One area of home décor crafting where you can include glass beads is in creating silk floral arrangements. You’ve probably seen sand and river stones used in vases with silk flowers to create an interesting and unique look.

 

What you may not know is that you can also use glass beads to achieve the same effect.

 

Whether you use chili pepper-shaped beads with red silk roses to create a kitchen accent or simple round beads mixed with other materials, adding glass beads to the vase or base of your silk floral projects is a great way to introduce creativity and individuality.

 

Wreath Making

Colorful accents, birds, nests, butterflies, and many other elements are commonly used by wreath makers. However, adding glass beads to the mix can bring a touch of sparkle to your creation.

 

Try using the wire from a bird or butterfly ornament to string some beautifully colored beads, twist the wire ends with pliers, and then wrap the wire around the rattan or wreath base.

 

Instead of having an unattractive wire that needs to be hidden behind, now you have a beautiful addition to your wreath, making it both decorative and safer to handle while arranging its various parts.

 

Glass beads offer crafters a vast range of possibilities in nearly every crafting field. From beaded lampshades to scrapbooks, mixed media to wreaths, and even jewelry making, there are endless ways to express your creativity using glass beads.

 

 

2. Wooden Beads

 

These beauties are no longer just for kids’ necklaces. A chandelier made of wooden beads is a cool find for any interior, from ultra-glam to minimalist. Making such a chandelier is quick and easy, and the result is simply stunning!

 

Coasters and Trivets

Wooden beads are perfect for such crafts! Simply thread several wooden beads onto strings or cords and shape them into coasters or trivets of the size you want. Here, the neon cord makes the pieces more colorful. You can also add tassels at the ends if you wish.

 

This large wooden bead trivet will protect your counters and tables from heat damage. Paint or leave the beads natural to match any kitchen and thread them onto a leather cord to form a circle.

 

You can also create trendy ombré effects with beads of different shades or try a color-block design.

 

Mirrors

A cool mirror framed with wooden beads! First, decide on the size and color of beads you want to use, thread them onto a cord and frame your mirror.

 

This chic little mirror has a distinct boho vibe, thanks to the beads and tassels added as framing. The mirror’s frame is made of three rows of wooden beads of different sizes, with an extra loop at the top and tassel decorations hanging below.

 

Other Ideas

A creative candle holder made of wooden beads and a bit of cord will look unique in your home. The trickiest part is to cut enough space for the candles inside the larger beads — everything else takes very little time.

 

3. Plastic Beads

 

Want to give your child a fun and unique toy to learn fruit and vegetable names? Sitting pineapples are a lovely way to demonstrate this, made from colorful plastic beads.

 

Dolphin Keychains

Making keychains is one of the best bead craft ideas. Using various colorful beads, you can create keychains in the shapes of dolphins, elephants, and many more for delicate and creative accessories.

 

Wind Chime

Bead art and crafts have given wind chimes a whole new look. The chime is made using different beads that form heart shapes, tied with silk threads to make a perfect wind chime. You can also add plastic beads to the strings. Hang this craft in your hallway or kitchen at home.

 

Pen Holder

When a pen holder is made with lots of plastic beads, it gives a stunning look to your desk décor. Made from different colored beads, they are securely attached to make the holder sturdy and durable.

 

Beaded Rangoli

Small craft beads are widely used to make beautiful rangolis. With different colored beads, they are glued onto paper sheets to create incredible designs. Such decorative beaded rangolis are commonly used to decorate doorsteps.