What is this bead craft and how do you do it?
I used to make things like this :
http://www.marcels-kid-crafts.com/image-files/beadtailmaking4.jpg and
http://www.makingfriends.com/images/px_frog.gif
when I was younger.
Is there a specific name for this by any chance? I suppose you could still buy kits for them at craft stores, right?
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In all probability you can get any kind of beads you want at the craft stores. Joann. Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, etc. I checked for bead crafts and this is what came up
http://www.bhg.com/crafts/beads/decorating/
http://familycrafts.about.com/od/beadprojects/Bead_Projects.htm
http://www.craftbits.com/bead-crafts
Scroll down and see the other offers
http://rubyglen.com/craftsbead.htm
And you can make the “Friendship” bracelets
http://friendshipbracelets.wordpress.com/2008/07/17/summer-project-friendship-bracelet-making/
http://friendship-bracelets.net/
http://friendshipbracelets.superforums.org/index.php
It is basically bead weaving. There are a variety of bead weaving stitches, Peyote comes to mind. I would google “bead weaving key chains” or “beaded key chain kits” to get started. But the frog image you have there looks like a pattern more or less for a beaded key chain.
Bead weaving is fairly simple in theory and practice, it just takes some getting used to.
Generally beads that big aren’t used in bead weaving, but if you are using beads as big as the ones for the frog, I suggest using lanyard type thread for it. If you’re going to use seed beads, little tiny beads, for more intricate patterns like a santa clause ornament (if you google what I said above and go to images you’ll see it on the first page of images) then use a thread like Fire Line.
If you need anything else you can email me. I’ve been beading for about 10 years. fablesboutique@yahoo.com =)
It’s a simple type of bead weaving, usually just called “beaded animals” or maybe “seed bead animals,” though other things can be made freehand (not on a bead loom) like this with seed beads in addition to animals:
http://images.google.com/images?q=bead+animals
http://images.google.com/images?q=seed+bead+patterns
And here are some patterns:
http://images.google.com/images?q=bead+animal+patterns
Other gridded patterns can be used too, but with different techniques sometimes for using the wire aor cording, like for pony beads, cross-stitch, needle point, etc–though some will be good for making only on a loom.
http://www.beadpatternsonline.com/articledetail/14/3/Beading%20Patterns%20for%20Bracelets/Free%20Bead%20Patterns/2/How%20To%20Bead%20A%20Diamond%20Motif