Creative Beading

Beads and Bookmarks

The possibilities of working with beads are not restricted to jewelry.  Beads are not just for necklaces or bracelets or earrings.  If you are looking for a new thing to use your beads in, why not decorate your bookmarks? First thing that you need to do is to be certain you have what you need for making bead jewelry.  Ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials available as it can be frustrating having to stop in the middle of a project. 

Beaded bookmarks make for really unique and beautiful gifts.  The indisputable fact that you made it yourself makes it considerate and booklovers would find it truly special.  Top it off with a gift of a book or subscription to a magazine. Artsy crafty bookmarks are always appreciated as small gifts.  The great thing about these book mark gifts is that each and every one is always fully unique. 

If you’re an ardent reader yourself, making and using a beaded bookmark would make your reading experience more fun!  Having beaded bookmarks also adds a fancy style to an otherwise dull shelf of books. 

You can choose to make your beaded bookmarks in two ways.  You may either get a ready made one and create a beaded trimming, or you can create the entire thing from scratch. 

you can decide to start simple and make a store-made bookmark first.  Bookmarks can be found in just about any book shop and you could even find some old ones around your home.  Punch out a hole near the top edge of the bookmark and fasten a tassel on it made of strings and beads of your choosing.  You may use embroidery thread and charms to make it unique. 

You can also make a bookmark yourself by using laminated paper.  This is special as you can opt to print on it an image of your favorite art or you can even make a collage for your mate.  It is better to use heavy paper when doing this so it becomes tougher.  Do a similar thing as when you decorate a store-bought bookmark. 

Paper bookmarks don’t always have to have fancy photographs on them.  Often you can decorate them with beads.  Attempt to experiment with felt paper as it has that good fabric texture that you do not have to sew and most significantly it doesn’t fray.  Play around with curls and other fancy lines.  Finish it off with a beaded tail. 

Another bookmark that you can make is a simple book thong.  These are just cords and strings with beads tied in them.  Decorate these the same way you would a tassel. 

Whichever way you do it, making beaded bookmarks could be a truly fun activity.  It is something that even kids would like and would be ready to do.  Not to mention the end products are helpful, considerate, and really special. There are tons of beading forums that you can find online which will give you some great designs.

Beadwork

Brilliant Bead Rings (Klutz) $7.09 KLUTZ-Brilliant Bead Rings Book Kit. Make your own rings! This book includes simple beads; fancy beads; wire and super-clear instructions for 8 different styles. That’s enough to wear and share with your friends. This package contains one 57 page spiral bound book with detail instructions for 8 different styles; 1300 beads stored in a resealable containers and beading wire. Recommended for ages 10…

Beaded Critters $4.14 sterling publishing beaded critters. what glitters and looks great hanging from windows backpacks zippers and more beaded critters of course the technique is easy to learn and this book gives you all the basics plus over twenty five different bead critter projects. all the projects are kid friendly and feature step by step directions and color pictures. author sonal bhatt. softcover 80 pages. impo…

Making Bead & Wire Jewelry: Simple Techniques, Stunning Designs $2.89 This volume offers 75 pieces of jewellery, made of beads and wire, requiring only a few simple tools and easy-to-learn techniques. The projects include: earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, a contemporary eyeglass chain, hair clip, filigree choker, finger rings, pins and an eyeglass cord. There are complete instructions on bead and wire crafting basics; materials, tips and techniques, tools a…

Alex Toys Friends 4 Ever Bracelet Making Kit $18.41 A Friends 4ever friendship bracelets, made by your kids with this exciting easy-to-use kit, will be a gift cherished by their friends. Packed into a handy carrying case are threads in a rainbow of colors, eight different patterns, floss, beads, beading needle and four color-coded looms everything needed to create the colorful popular bracelets. The Friends 4ever friendship bracelet kit is perfect…

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Stringing Beads with over 200 beads $9.95 Open up your own jewelry-making factory with this Wooden Stringing Beads set. This conveniently packaged, brightly painted set contains more than 200 wooden letters and beads. There are also eight colored cords to make necklaces and bracelets that you can keep or give as gifts. Stored in a durable, handy wood tray….

Melissa & Doug Deluxe First Bead Maze $9.75 Sitting on the floor is much more fun with this fantastic bead maze. It features brightly colored, multi-shaped beads that spin and slide along colorful wire pathways. Toy is anchored by a strong suction cup base. Encourages color recognition, eye-hand coordination and fine motor development through play….