The Basics: the best of the basics online
April 29, 2008 by Cyndi Lavin
Filed under Basics - Getting Started, Bead Embroidery, Bead Stringing, Bead Weaving, Beading, Tutorials & Techniques, Wire
In the ocean of information that is the world wide web, there are a few websites that rise to the top when it comes to covering the basics of beadwork. Not surprisingly, one of them is the Beadwork Site at About.com. Paula Morgan has compiled the very best tutorials on just about every aspect of beading that you can imagine: bead weaving stitches, stringing, wire work, and loom weaving. So really, this is the place for you to start.
One other brilliant site has made my list of the best of the best: Beads East has animated tutorials on many of the most popular off-loom bead weaving stitches! This is one of Ann Benson’s sites, and if you haven’t seen Ann’s beadwork before, prepare to be amazed!There are a few additional sites that each have great tips to offer:
Bead Jewelry Making
Some harder-to-find seed bead instructions
Beading Help Web
Well-written articles and tutorials geared mostly for beginners
Jewelry Making at About.com
Tutorials and tips on all aspects of the art, including business
BeadStyle Magazine
Some good tips on working with wire
Fire Mountain Gems
How to use specific tools
Bead&Button Techniques
Pdf downloads of instructions available
Ruby Fischer’s Tutorials
Well-illustrated instructions for lots of designs
i have been beading for about 3 years now and have a blog but i am only selling at markets in rockhampton, qld, australia. Having a get back to basics page like this handy is always a good idea with so many techniques it is easy to get jumbled sometimes. Will be bookmarking this page for sure
Thanks for including me in this list. There are some other excellent links here too.
Sandra: Fabulous! I’m glad this will help you.
Tammy: Of *course* your site is included! Your directions are excellent
THANK YOU Cyndi and Ann for providing this information! I have been looking forever for a tutorial to help me with Peyote. I just did not get what was written in the books I had. Now I can see why! I have so many seed beads just waiting to be made into something beautiful~now I can do it! Now I have to find a tutorial on how to finish it up and put findings on for jewelry.
Thanks again!
GREAT Kelly! I’m so glad this animated link helped
Thanks so much for the write-up, and for including me in your links list! This blog is really great!
My pleasure, Ruby! Thanks for all the great tutorials!
For Kelly: Thought maybe this might help you with finishing up peyote
http://tinyurl.com/bqzceb
Have a great day!
Thanks for that great link, Pat!