When you get the urge to learn beading you will be all enthusiasm and no knowledge. You will have no idea where to begin. You may even visit beading stores, and, in the end leave without buying a single thing. Frustration can set in and you wonder where you are going wrong. After all, you have the desire, and may be excellent with color and think you know what style you want. These apparently fruitless shopping trips are not wasted. Consider them to be reconnaissance missions. Use them to get accustomed to what's available, how beads and accessories are priced, and how they are packed and presented.



You may feel daunted by the "process," all those containers of beads (usually arranged in bead types and colors) decorating the stores walls, and those bottles (or packets) containing even smaller metal bits and pieces. What's all that wire stuff about? Do you need all those tools? Where should you start? How many beads do you need for your project? What is your project anyway?

By now you will realize that while you have the urge to create, there are quite a few things you need to know before you start. At the very least a little planning is necessary before spending a whole lot of money. You may be lucky and have an artistic relative or friend with the experience and know-how you need. If not, you need a source of information and instructions. To start, find a low cost local course or buy a book on beading. You will also gain lots of motivation from learning more, and build confidence.

At first buy only the basic items, like beading wire, your choice of a few beads, some of those magical bits of metal (after all you've learned what to do with them now) and some basic tools. Starter kits (including tools, beads and accessories) are available to take the pain out of this task. Then decide on your first project. Maybe a modest one to begin with, after all this is probably more about encouraging your self-belief, as it is beading. Look at your favorite items of clothing and take your inspiration and selection of color from those.

Having looked at beads from afar for so long you will get the feel of what types of beads you prefer. Maybe colored glass beads (of various sizes), including Indian glass beads of solid color, lamp work beads (which can include an internal design - like a flower or whirl) and some wonderfully reflective seeds beads. Splash out a bit here and use the best quality "silver lined" ones, they really make a difference. Add some metal beads to the overall design. Plus as a special treat, include a few real crystal beads nothing beats their sparkle.

Over time you will discover your own personal style. You may find you are addicted to reflections, the flash of well-cut faceted beads, or the rainbow like tint from so called "AB" beads (meaning aurora borealis - imagine rainbow like color reflections over a base color). Don't overdo it. Understand these feature beads will make your chosen colors "pop". Or your choice may be beads made from natural materials.

Beads are available in varying grades. Remember that you don't always need to buy first grade beads to get a good result in your finished project. It is possible to create fantastic pieces that include beads bought from bargain stores side-by-side with quite expensive beads. Get out your jewelry box and take a close look at the items you have collected over the years. Don't be afraid to take the scissors to some old items to re-use the beads in new designs. No doubt you'll find something to refresh.

That's the beauty of learning this craft; if you tire of something, or it no longer serves you in its current form, simply re-use the beads in fresh designs to create your very own originals.

There are no limits.