Go Back to the Future with Timeless Bead-Weaving Trends

Have you noticed lately that what’s old is new again? Recently, the styles of the 1960s and 70s enjoyed a resurgence. And retail stores are currently selling a lot of 1980s-style clothing. Older bead-weaving trends are making a comeback, too. For example, we get a lot of requests for “classic” beading projects using seed beads or Delicas. And recent bead-weaving trends on Facebook include beaded vessels and boxes, as well as beaded holiday décor, much like projects we’ve published in the past. Certain beaded designs never seem to go out of style, including “old-fashioned” French beaded-wire flowers, beaded chart patterns, and nature motifs such as flowers and butterflies.

If you’d like to jump back in time and create some timeless beadwoven projects, consider investing in an older Beadwork Collection. Our collections from 1999-2003 offer a number of traditional projects and techniques that are still very much in vogue.

Beadwork 1999

The Winter 1999 issue of Beadwork includes an article on French beaded-wire flowers, which are still as popular as ever. Beaded spice bottles grace the Spring 1999 cover, similar to the beaded vessels currently trending on Facebook. The Summer 1999 issue features several pattern charts, including one of our most popular: the Hummingbirds and Trumpet Vine Cuff Bracelet. Fabric and paper beads are still fashionable; for a primer on how to make these beads, see “Rollin’ Rollin’ Rollin’” in the Fall 1999 issue. Get these timeless beading projects and more in the 1999 Beadwork Collection.

Beadwork 2000

French beaded-wire flowers again take the spotlight in March/April 2000 Beadwork. The May/June 2000 issue contains a feature on bead looming, as well as directions for a beaded box cover that’s as trendy now as it was 17 years ago. Dragonflies and butterflies remain some of our most popular beaded creatures; the July/August 2000 issue includes a simple dragonfly pattern. Beaded beads are always fashionable, and the September/October 2000 issue presents a quick method for making them. The November/December 2000 issue offers several holiday-themed projects, including beaded cards. And the December 2000/January 2001 issue includes a classic necklace design made from peyote-stitched tubes. Find these ever-popular beaded designs in the 2000 Beadwork Collection.

Beadwork 2001

In the February/March 2001 issue of Beadwork, French beaded-wire techniques are used to create gorgeous, timeless beaded butterflies. Cabochons are always popular additions to bead embroidery or just to bezel; learn how to create your own cabochons from batik material in the April/May 2001 issue. The tassel trend never seems to die, and beaded tassels such as those in the June/July 2001 issue add a stylish touch to your jewelry or home décor. Retro purses have made a comeback recently, especially the boxy styles of the 1950s. The Bug Box Purse in August/September 2001 Beadwork uses a unique bead looming technique to create a darling purse from a classic bug box. Geometric beaded beads are still popular — check out the cool icosahedron variation in October/November 2001 Beadwork. Bead crochet remains a favorite beading technique; the December 2001/January 2002 issue offers a bead crochet feature article to help you get started. Get all these trendy techniques in the 2001 Beadwork Collection.

Beadwork 2002

We recently discovered that the turquoise/gold/white color combination is trending on Pinterest, and we’re working on a blog post featuring projects in this colorway. In the meantime, enjoy a fun beaded bookmark in turquoise, gold, and white from Beadwork February/March 2002. The April/May 2002 issue features the ever-popular beaded butterfly, with more than a dozen examples to make. Beaded flowers are always a favorite, and the June/July 2002 issue includes a sweet pair of Lady’s Slipper beaded earrings. We consistently get requests for stash-busting projects; August/September 2002 Beadwork’s Therapy Necklace fits this bill nicely. Mindfulness is a growing movement — and what better way to practice mindfulness than to bead a mandala such as those presented in the October/November 2002 issue. Holiday-themed projects are increasingly popular around the end of the year, and it’s never too early to consider making the miniature holiday bulb charm bracelet from December 2002/January 2003 Beadwork. Discover these perpetually popular trends in the 2002 Beadwork Collection.

Beadwork 2003

Beaded vessels have maintained consistent popularity, as this spangled bottle from the February/March 2003 issue of Beadwork illustrates. Try a new twist on the classic wire-beaded flower with a double-sided tape technique in April/May 2003 Beadwork. Collars seem to always be in style; the June/July 2003 issue features a striking version based on netted Saraguro designs. For a really unique take on the beaded tassel, check out the variation in Beadwork August/September 2003. The lariat is another trend that seems to have been around forever; consult the October/November 2003 issue for a primer on the multiple methods of tying a lariat. For beaded holiday décor, you’ll have a hard time deciding between the December 2003/January 2004 issue’s sweet beaded snowmen and classy French beaded-wire poinsettia brooch. Get these classic designs and more in the 2003 Beadwork Collection.

Happy beading!
Lavon Peters
Managing Editor, Beadwork magazine

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