Any bead weavers here?

[RoseMead]

I've been doing off-loom bead weaving for a bit, mostly square stitch and flat peyote. I'm about to attempt some tubular peyote soon (I really want to work my way up to covering glass bowls and vases in peyote stitch).

So, any other bead weavers here? I'm basically teaching myself using some instructional books and online sources. I'd love to talk to some other folks who do this kind of work. :)

[la la]

1. me. me.

< raising my hand and waving>

I pretty much taught myself many years ago--There were aol boards years back, with lots of helpful people and sites. There is so much more help now, than there was back in the early '90s. I really enjoy doing it, surprisingly enough, it relaxes me!

I have much of my beadweaving on etsy---http://cigarboxbead.etsy.com

PM me if you'd like some helpful sites and free patterns, etc-

lala

[RoseMead]

2. Thanks so much!

Sorry for vanishing for a couple of days. We're in the middle of changing our Internet service and I haven't been able to get online.

I hope to get some pictures taken of the bracelets I've been making, maybe you can let me know what you think. :) Also, do you buy your beads online? I've been working with what the local craft stores have in stock, and the selection isn't the best. Any recommendations for bead sources?

Thanks again!:hi:

[la la]

4. beads

I've been buying beads for years---I'm a bead hoarder! ;>) I started with some cigarboxes of vintage beads from a swap meet, and it's gone from there! I get some in local bead stores, some on line--ebay has some good sellers.

Let me know and I'll help you as much as I can-

( go to etsy.com when you have time and put in 'beadweaving' and you'll see some gorgeous work!)

[madmax]

6. la la can you help me with a problem?

I have a chain link bracelet that has the lobster claw clasp. It's a pain in the but for me to get it on. I want to attach a toggle clap but, I'm having a hellava time trying to attach the jump rings. How do you get those tiny little suckers to open and get them onto a link? Is there some sort of tool needed.

Thanks - any help will be greatly appreciated :hi:

[MagickMuffin]

7. Jump rings can be a pain

even with tools. I use needle nose jewelers pliers. I have used tweezers and finger nails (not the best tools to use) before getting my pliers. I also have a magnifier glass with light inside that helps a lot.

It will also depend on the size of the jump rings, the bigger the better when working with them.

Hope this helps :hi:

[eridani]

3. Now that I've taken early retirement, I certainly intend to try! n/t

[la la]

5. good for you!

I retired 5 years ago---and haven't regretted it yet! no $$ but, oh well! ;>)