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Off The Bead'n Path

© Christine Barron

Boy, oh boy. I really have learned quite a bit trekking around the net in search of beading sites to share with you! I never realized the vast array of options available to the aspiring beader. There's no wonder that beading is an addicting pastime...once again I've found an art that is absolutely unlimited in potential. If you've ever had the inkling to try out beading, or would like to just check it out, you have come to the right place. I decided that while beaded jewelry is indeed beautiful (and will be covered here at General Creativity sometime in the future!), I wanted to look down a different path, which is a habit of mine. I've gone to places with all kids of different beading ideas, from beaded perfume vials to amulet bags. So join me in my journey..."Off the Bead'n Path."

First we must hit the basics of beading: different types and sizes of beads, and some of the tried and true tips for beaders. Check out these sites: http://members.tripod.com/~meiwei/snake2... and http://www.road-to-utopia.com/bead/hints... These are two very nice sites with lots of good ideas.

For some inspirations and ideas, please take a look at these clever sites: http://www.mcs.net/~simone/beadnet.html and http://www.angelfire.com/co2/beltana/gal...

If it's terminology you need a little help with, I suggest this site: http://beadwork.about.com/msub21.htm.

To get a look at supplies you will need, from basic to more advanced, go here: http://beadwork.about.com/msub12.htm. These sites will be a nice stepping stone into more advanced beading.

In the beading world, amulet bags seem to be very popular. For a very nice representation of them, go to http://kathilawson.com/ap.html.

A beaded amulet bag and some beaded bookmarks are some gorgeous treats you will find here: http://go.webring.org/go?ring=beadthing;... What a wonderful, personal gift these items would make.

Another truly original idea is a beaded flower (http://dba.dreamhost.com/foreverflowers/... which would be a beautiful tie-on for a wedding or shower gift, or in a little bouquet, all on their own.

And I have to say that this idea tops it...a beaded pen. Very original, and while I have seen them in the past, this site really goes into beautiful detail and spells it out very clearly, even for a novice beader. Please take a look: http://go.webring.org/go?ring=beadthing;... There are even details about beading a necklace perfume vial and a letter opener there. Definitely worth a look. After looking through those sites, I'm looking around the room with a whole new set of eyes, wondering what else could be beaded!!!