If you haven’t noticed recently we’ve seen an explosion in beads and the art of beading.  Since the dawn of humankind humans have found ways to wear beads in the form of shell bones, rocks, or anything that they could find and use to ornament their bodies.  They would use leather or vine to wear their piece around their neck or head, or perhaps on their wrist or around their ankles.  Beads have had many uses in history, whether it was for protection from evil spirits used in spiritual rights or as a tool for religious ceremonies.  Closer to our time beads’ popularity really took off in the 1920s with the flappers.   The flappers were the first to enjoy the world’s first plastic beads made from a substance called bakelite.  And who could forget the beads used in necklaces and headbands of the 60s? After WWI  and WWII, the plastic revolution took a firm hold on the popularity of beads.  These beads mimicked natural stones which were much more expensive such as those made from garnet, turquoise and other semi-precious gems.  With the cost of bead manufacturing going down we are now seeing a resurgence of beads made from glass, metal, and ceramics which can be imported from many countries around the world. 

 Jewelry stores have caught on to the bead revolution by offering beads designed and made by companies Pandora and Zabel. However, you don’t need to go to a jewelry store to buy beads. Beads are available online from several companies; one that is highly recommended is Beads-Supply.com.  This company has just about any beads you could imagine. Whether you’re looking to add beads to an existing bracelet or necklace, or to create something from scratch, this is definitely the place to check out. If you’re looking to create something from scratch, this site also can supply you with clasps and tools, wire and cord, and even packaging. 

 

Another note of interest for the person interested in beads or beading is the book The Complete Bead Guide. This guide covers such things as how to choose the right types of string, thread, or wire and where to find free bead patterns complete with instructions.  It even teaches you the healing properties of beads.  Tradeshow locations are also included .  This is a perfect how-to-book for the beading beginner.   The best thing about this e-book is the price, just  $14.95.  It also comes with several other reports for FREE!  You CAN’T beat this deal!