Learn the Basic Beading Terms

If you wanted to learn beading, apart from the learning the materials to be used and the techniques, you also need to know the basic terms used in beading. You should familiarize yourself with the commonly used terms found in the instructional materials such as books and web pages if you really wanted to learn beading.

Doing this will help you study the craft more efficiently and learn beading even without much help from an expert. To help you start to learn beading, here are some of the popularly used terms in beading. You may already be familiar with some of them.

Bangle – It is a closed bracelet similar to a ring and is usually made of plastic or metal. This was a popular accessory in the 80's.

Baroque – If you wanted to learn beading styles, you should be able to identify this design. It is characterized by the use of elaborate techniques and ornaments. It may also refer to an irregularly shaped pearl or bead.

Braid – Braiding, as is done with the hair, is the weaving of three strands by folding one over another. Once you learn beading, you can braid cords, wires or leather to create a certain style for your beaded jewelries.

Bullion – As you learn beading, you'll find out that this is one of the important materials. The bullion is used to close the ends of jewelry pieces. It is usually used for fancy jewelry. You might encounter this term as Gimp or French Wire.

Lampwork beads – These are beads that are made through melting glass rods over a torch or any open flame. A mandrel, which is a thin metal rod, is used. The melted glass is wrapped around it and the rod leaves a hole within the bead. A kiln is used to prevent the glass from cooling rapidly which will lead to cracking. The process is called annealing which result to more durable beads. You will encounter the complete procedure for lampwork bead making as you learn advanced beading.

Loom – Instead of doing beading by hand, using a loom makes the task easier and faster. Inexpensive small wire looms can be purchased from most bead shop. As you learn beading, you will also learn to make a loom form wood. This is important especially if you will be working on large projects.

Rattail – This is a satiny and thick cord used instead of thread. It is preferred for use with beads with no sharp edges as it has a tendency to fray.

Round-nose Pliers – When you begin to learn beading, have a pair of round-nose pliers ready since you will use this for loomwork and weaving. Different styles, finishes and colors are available.

Thread – By now, you may have learned that beading thread is usually made of nylon. Some decorative cords are also used such as rattail.

Tigertail – This is a flexible and strong wire preferred for stringing necklaces. By the time that you have learned basic beading, you will know that Tigertail may kink, which is why some choose the Soft-flex wire. The only drawback is that Soft-flex is more expensive.

These are just some of the terms that you will encounter as you begin to learn beading. There are other materials and techniques that you need to familiarize with as you advance your knowledge in beading.

Beading Supplies Articles

Welcome To The Wonderful World Of Beading
Shopping for Beading Supplies
Learn the Basic Beading Terms
Instructions for Making Beads
How to Use Beading Patterns
Choose A Free Beading Pattern For Your Beading Skill Level
Benefits of beading patterns
Know Your Basic Beading Techniques
The importance of beading kits
Beads on A Wire – Using the Right Kind of Bead Wire
Beading Tools – Getting Started on Your Own Jeweler’s Toolbox