Stash Buster: Bead Looming with Your Bead Stash
I found myself in a Zen-looming mode while preparing a bead looming segment for Beads, Baubles & Jewels. You know, that groove you get into once all the parts and pieces are in place? It was just the loom, thread, my bead stash, and me. Okay, scissors, a beading awl, Bead on it Board, and some binge-worthy flicks, too.
I had a ball creating new patterns. I kept the design to certain parameters, which helped keep me from getting completely lost in the process. Once I had a few patterns, I enjoyed playing with colors. First, it was colored pencils on paper, then for real with real beading supplies. The “for real” part was really enlightening. You know when they say the finish on beads matters and will change the whole look of your design? Well – it’s so true! I stuck to the beads I had on hand knowing they wouldn’t be quite right — and they for sure were not RIGHT!
I came away from this weeklong beading session feeling refreshed and quite satisfied with all the beading I got done. And I was amazed at how well the process used up my bead stash! Not that I’m going to run out beads anytime soon, but still, this turned out to be a great way to use up leftovers.
Speaking of leftovers, Julianna C. Avelar, inventor of the Jewel Loom, shares this design with you, step by step. It’s a project sure to use up leftovers: A Free Loomed Beading Pattern to Clean Out Your Stash: Mixed Weave Cuff.
MADE FOR TV
For the Beads, Baubles & Jewels segment, I showed how to bead on a loom but also how to add some fun embellishments and edging. Be sure to check out episode 10 for all the details. You can find the show on your local PBS station (check your local listings) or download the whole series so you can access all the shows anytime!
Here’s a quick picture of Katie Hacker (the amazing host of the show) and me on set with a few looms and Brett, one of the camera guys.
BEAD LOOMING
If you’re new to looming, you might want to start your journey with some basics, which you can find in the Learn How to Bead on a Loom Course. In this course we take you from start to finish on the basics of looming. The goal of the course is to show how to loom so you could bead on any loom you want. In the video, I primarily use the Little Ricky loom, which I have to admit, I did fall in love with. Like the Jewel Loom it’s portable and really held up to hours upon hours of beading.
Another great resource for bead looming information and patterns is Julianna’s book, Jewel Loom Inspiration. For great tips on looming, Julianna also shares 5 Things I wish I knew When I started Bead Looming a great article you’ll find useful even if you’re a seasoned bead-looming professional. Megan Lenhausen penned How to Use a Bead Loom: 10 Things You Must Know, which you might also find helpful.
When it comes to looming, we’ve got you covered. To sweeten the pot, please feel free to download this patriotic-themed pattern, perfect for using up some of your bead stash.
Enjoy a gift from us! Download this Free Patriotic Loom Pattern today!
Happy beading!
Tammy
Editor, Beadwork magazine and Group Editorial Director, Bead & Jewelry
Use up your bead stash with these great bead looming resources.!
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