Beading By Leisure Arts

Beaded Jewelry | Beading Ideas | Beading Techniques

Beads History - The Development of Beading

The art of stringing beads together has been known to mankind since ancient times and has been practiced for many reasons including symbolizing religious beliefs. In the ancient world tribes would use the bones of animals and string them onto fibers and would wear them believing that they would protect the wearer from bad spirits.

As human civilization advanced beading progressed as a result of man learning how to pierce objects through drilling holes. Necklaces were created out of many objects such as seed pods, seashells and nut shells as well as many other objects. Bead development would later progress by coloring the beads. Clay beads would often be coated in enamel.

The Egyptians were masters of glass making and they would revolutionize bead making as glass beads were far more beautiful and could be used to make the most wonderful necklaces. They would use glass of many different colors and combine these colored glass beads with precious and semi-precious gemstones. Silver and gold would also be added.

Beads would become in great demand and would become a valuable trading commodity and were traded and exported all around the world, even as far back as ancient times. Many cultures would embrace beading especially the Chinese, Babylonians and in ancient India.

The Romans also had a great influence on the development of beading and they would trade beads all over the different parts of the Roman Empire. This influence would spread to to the Vikings and the Celts who would develop wonderful amulets, necklaces and bracelets. The Native American Indians would also embrace beading and their works are still used today in modern fashion such as turquoise colored watch bands, belts and necklaces.

Beading was and still is an integral part of Native American culture. Many America Indian tribes would train their women to become adept in the art of beading. A technique called bead quilling was considered sacred. It was the art and workmanship of bead quilling itself that was considered sacred and not the finished beaded products themselves. That is rather different to the norm in Western societies where the finished product is what is valued most and not the workmanship that created it.

This article about beads history was originally published at http://www.beadyeyez.com, please visit for more information and ideas about beading.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sally_Hemmings

How To Make Millefiore

Beading Techniques

There are two huge hints I can give you concerning how to make millefiore (which means "a thousand flowers"). The first involves a new book by Leisure Arts called, "I Can't Believe I'm Creating Millefiore." Long known for their numerous how-to books, Leisure Arts offers this new book on this Italian art form involving intricate designs in glass rods. Because the patterns are stunningly simple to recreate in polymer clay, it's a fun way to make unique gifts and original jewelry.

This great book starts with the basics of basics. It tells you about all the supplies you will need, offers finishing tips, and then dives right in.

I was surprised to discover that one of the most used tools invoves a pasta machine! Of course there are handling tips for polymer clay and lots of projects. This craft technique involves making what are known as polymer clay canes. This book teaches 12 different canes which can be used on many projects.

You will be able to amaze your friends with your creativity while you fall in love with a fantastic art form that's super-easy to learn!

Designer Anne Igou shares her techniques for making millefiore not only in this new book, but also in a new video class on how to make millefiore offered by Leisure Arts. You can take this class by visiting ICantBelieveIm.com and signing up. There are video lessons, and downloadable instructions make it easy!

It can't get any easier than that! Two great ways to learn how to make millefiore.

Meet Anne Igou

For Anne Igou, creativity is just a natural part of life. Anne is a renowned polymer clay artist who teaches workshops and demonstrates clay techniques all over the country. She has made return appearances on such television shows as HGTV's "The Carol Duvall Show" and DIY Network's "Jewelry Making" and "Craft Lab."

When the Humboldt Country, California resident isn't busy creating or teaching, she's usually traveling with her freinds and her partner Ness, or playing with her pets – a dog named "Eeyore" and a cat named "Lorax." Anne also enjoys concerts, festivals, hiking, and the beach.

"I like to embrace the fun and whimsy in life," Anne says. "My love for creating jewelry started in my early teens. Since I rarely was able to find pieces that appealed to me, I began creating the type of jewelry I wanted to wear.

"It's the flexibility of polymer clay that makes it so easy to use. It's very forgiving. The more you put your hands on the medium, the easier it becomes to make what you envision."

To learn more about Anne and view her gallery of imaginative creations, visit her web site at BlushingMarie.com. You'll also find Anne's calendar of classes, shows, and events.

"I feel that the next most rewarding thing to creating," Anne shares, "is to show others they also have the ability to create."

Design Submissions Guide by Leisure Arts

Beading Ideas
Did you know that Leisure Arts is one of the nation’s largest publishers and distributors of lifestyle and instructional materials? While our focus changes with trends and marketability of particular categories, over the years we have maintained strong name recognition and a reputation of publishing excellence.
Read more... [Design Submissions Guide by Leisure Arts]

How To Make A Beaded Coaster by by Javier Amor

Beading Techniques
Here's a really simple way... Beaded Coasters add a sparkle to any occasion.
Read more... [How To Make A Beaded Coaster by by Javier Amor]

Passing On Generational Crafts by Sarah Maple

Beading Ideas
I was sorting through my attic recently and I came across the bead collection I've had since I was a teenager. Where once these beads were neatly sorted into separate compartments, now they are a mix and match effect, having been thrown around during too many moves.
Read more... [Passing On Generational Crafts by Sarah Maple]

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