Do you speak Bead - a very useful guide to beading terms from BeadingDaily.com

Do You Speak Bead? See This Glossary of Must-Know Terms
My husband once overheard me talking to a friend about beading and he gave me the craziest, most confused look I've ever seen. Then I realized that it's probably the same look I give him when he talks about computers!

Peyote, frog stitch (ripppit, ripppit), QuadraLentil, SuperUno, culling, Rizo....the list of terms used by beaders can certainly feel like code words used in a secret language.

Have you ever felt this way when following instructions? If so, these must-know terms will help you when shopping for beads, taking workshops, and reading patterns.

Must-Know Terms

Cull your beads. Remove beads that are wider or skinnier than the average size bead-using consistently sized beads results in uniform beadwork. Keep the beads you removed because beads that are too thin or too wide can come in handy when filling gaps and when making gradual decreases and increases.

Pass through. To pass through means to pass through a bead a second time, moving the needle in the same direction as the way it was initially strung (Fig. 1).

Pass back through. To pass back through, move the needle in the opposite direction as the way it was initially strung (Fig. 2).

Repeat. When the word repeat appears after a semicolon, repeat the instructions that precede it in that sentence only. For example, here you'll work the entire sequence three times for a grand total of 6 stitches and 3A: "Work 2 stitches with 1A in each stitch; repeat twice."

Repeat from *. Repeat the instructions, starting at the text that follows the *.

Row vs. round. Rows of peyote stitch are worked back and forth; rounds are worked in a circle.

Secure the thread and trim. Tie 1 or 2 knots around threads between nearby beads, weave through 3 to 4 beads, and trim the tail close to the beadwork with scissors or a thread burner.

Splitting the pairs. Work 1 bead between the 2 beads of a pair in the previous row/round (Fig. 3).

Step up. Use a step up to prepare for the next row (or round). Unless otherwise directed, do this by passing through the first bead added in the current row/round.

Stitch. When directed to work a peyote stitch, string 1 bead and pass through the next up bead. The motion of stringing the bead you want to add and going through the next bead to lock the bead in place is considered 1 stitch.

Turnaround. Change your stitching direction without exposing the thread or deviating from the established thread path.

Up bead vs down bead. The top jagged end of a flat strip of peyote stitch consists of up beads; the bottom end is made of down beads. The very basic nature of peyote stitch is to string 1 bead and pass through the nearest up bead. The bead just added becomes the new up bead; the bead just exited is now a down bead.

Working thread vs tail thread. The working thread is the end with the needle, doing the work of stitching. The opposite end is the tail thread. 

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Awesome bracelet patterns from DicopeBisuteria

 Just have to tell you about Diana Costa. She is a jewelry designer; I just love her beaded bracelets. She has beautiful patterns for sale in her etsy shop. They are so different, unique and really lovely.

Take a look!





https://www.etsy.com/shop/dicopebisuteria?section_id=6823192

Beads per Inch Chart

Some really useful information from Fire Mountain Gemshttp://www.firemountaingems.com/resources/encyclobeadia/charts/beadsperinch?cid=701034139549611804&_rid=311317.28000.127300&WT.mc_id=NL150922

Beads Per Inch Chart from Fire Mountain Gems

Beads Per Inch Chart

This chart shows you the approximate number of beads for various lengths.

(length of strand excludes clasp)

	1"	4"	8"	12"	16"	20"	24"	28"	32"
2mm	12.7	50.8	101.6	152.4	203.2	254	304.8	355.6	406.4
3mm	8.47	33.87	67.73	101.6	135.47	169.33	203.2	237.07	270.93
4mm	6.35	25.4	50.8	76.2	101.6	127	152.4	177.8	203.2
5mm	5.08	20.32	40.64	60.96	81.28	101.6	121.92	142.24	162.56
6mm	4.23	16.93	33.87	50.8	67.73	84.67	101.6	118.53	135.47
7mm	3.63	14.51	29.03	43.54	58.06	72.57	87.09	101.6	116.11
8mm	3.18	12.7	25.4	38.1	50.8	63.5	76.2	88.9	101.6
9mm	2.82	11.29	22.58	33.87	45.16	56.44	67.73	79.02	90.31
10mm	2.54	10.16	20.32	30.48	40.64	50.8	60.96	71.12	81.28
11mm	2.31	9.24	18.47	27.71	36.95	46.18	55.42	64.65	73.89
12mm	2.12	8.47	16.93	25.4	33.87	42.33	50.8	59.27	67.73
13mm	1.95	7.82	15.63	23.45	31.26	39.08	46.89	54.71	62.52
14mm	1.81	7.26	14.51	21.77	29.03	36.29	43.54	50.8	58.06
15mm	1.69	6.77	13.55	20.32	27.09	33.87	40.64	47.41	54.19
16mm	1.59	6.35	12.7	19.05	25.4	31.75	38.1	44.45	50.8
17mm	1.49	5.98	11.95	17.93	23.91	29.88	35.86	41.84	47.81
18mm	1.41	5.64	11.29	16.93	22.58	28.22	33.87	39.51	45.16
19mm	1.34	5.35	10.69	16.04	21.39	26.74	32.08	37.43	42.78
20mm	1.27	5.08	10.16	15.24	20.32	25.4	30.48	35.56	40.64
21mm	1.21	4.84	9.68	14.51	19.35	24.19	29.03	33.87	38.7
22mm	1.15	4.62	9.24	13.85	18.47	23.09	27.71	32.33	36.95
23mm	1.1	4.42	8.83	13.25	17.67	22.09	26.5	30.92	35.34
24mm	1.06	4.23	8.47	12.7	16.93	21.17	25.4	29.63	33.87
25mm	1.02	4.06	8.13	12.19	16.26	20.32	24.38	28.45	32.51

Winter Ice lariat - sold

This lariat was made with Amazonite gemstone faceted beads, freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystal and silver chain.  The lariat had beautiful chain tassels at the end.

Chainmaille braccelet

This delicate looking chainmaille bracelet with stardust silver beads is sold.

Useful chip sizing chart from FGM

http://www.firemountaingems.com/resources/encyclobeadia/charts/9210?cid=701034139549611804&_rid=299417.27101.122765&WT.mc_id=CW150529

Gem grading chart

http://www.firemountaingems.com/Resources/encyclobeadia/charts/E893?cid=701034139549611804&_rid=298765.1700.125484&WT.mc_id=CW150525

The little black dress necklace and earring set - Sold!

This gorgeous set is perfect for holiday time parties, dinner, an evening out or even the office.  Very elegant and classy; made with Swarovski crystal and Swarovski channel.The earrings have silver plated lever back ear wires and the necklace has a silver tone bow clasp.

Cloisonne heart earrings - sold!

These earrings are beautiful in warm rich colors of browns, reds and gold.  I used gold tone ear wires and a topaz crystal to highlight the warm colors in the cloisonne heart beads. 

Perfect for spring

This multi-strand seed bead necklace in all the colors of spring is sold. The seed beads are Preciosa glass beads.

Jewelry Guide for Clothing choices - from Fire Mountain Gems

by Leslie McLane, Marketing Content Development Group, Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®

Fashion, including what jewelry you wear, is a reflection of your personality. Whatever your style is, the power of jewelry can make the wearer feel special, beautiful, chic and any number of other positive emotions. Jewelry also spices up your attire, pulling together your ensemble for a statement that truly reflects you. Sometimes though, jewelry can be a little intimidating when trying to figure out how to wear your beautiful pieces with certain articles of clothing. This guide provides a basic outline for figuring out how to make your jewelry and outfits look the best they can. These aren't regulations the fashion police will write you a ticket over, simply use these tips to feel confident that your jewelry is receiving well-deserved attention as it exudes your particular style spirit.

A good rule to follow is the main design of jewelry should lie either entirely against your skin or on the clothing choice. Jewelry that does not follow this can end up hidden beneath garments, which is obviously not where your beautiful fashion sense belongs.

For necklaces, when in doubt, follow the neckline. Necklaces, both short and long, that match the curve of your ensemble will always be flattering. Another tried and true accessorizing belief is the higher the neckline, the longer the necklace. Lastly, when layering necklaces make sure pendants or focal pieces don't overlap.

Necklaces


Turtlenecks look especially beautiful when paired with long necklaces whether they consist of one, five or even more strands. Layering necklaces is a great way to get this look.

Along the same lines of the turtleneck, boat neck cuts always look amazing with a single- or multi-strand design with large components. Longer necklaces will make lower cuts not seem quite as low.

Other wide necklines remain closer to the throat than boat neck cuts. This type of basic neckline follows the same rules as the previous two clothing styles. Long or "large and in charge" will always look chic. Long necklaces are never out of style.


Crew cuts seem to be extremely versatile since longer necklace styles look attractive but bib-style or collar necklaces add embellishment to the shirt itself.

Strapless clothing also provides an open-ended jewelry possibility. Long vintage styles such as knotted pearls down to your midriff look fabulous but bib-style necklaces and even chokers look stunning as well.

Square, scoop or sweetheart cuts supply prime real estate for voluminous pendants, wide chokers and intricate bibs.


Halter and V-neck lines for Y and V-shaped necklaces will complement the clothing's cut. Angular necklines such as these are perfect for designs with angles themselves such as a triangle pendant, multiple flower petals or graduated layers coming down to a point.

Collared shirts and button-ups are friends with choker styles but certainly aren't limited to them. Pendant necklaces also play incredibly well with these types of clothing, drawing attention to your carefully chosen focal piece.

When wearing a sweater or outer jacket keep the lines simple, following the cut of the garment so as not to have your jewelry disappear underneath clothing.

Solid color shirts work great with boisterous and multicolored designs. Make sure if your shirt is busy, your necklace doesn't get lost in the noise and vice versa. Loud necklaces will sometimes clash with a print that has lots of color or movement. Don't allow your jewelry and clothing to duke it out for attention; it should instead be a harmonious relationship complementing each other's highlights. While clothing and jewelry shouldn't fight, jewelry itself shouldn't fight with other pieces. Remember jewelry is meant to enhance your beauty, not weigh you down and make life difficult. When sporting an over-sized necklace opt out of other jewelry or wear smaller types of earrings, a ring or other accessory.

Jewelry sets can be a bit intimidating to wear. Have no fear--there is nothing wrong with a matching necklace, bracelet, earrings, ring, etc. for formal and yes, even casual wear. For those not so sure about full sets, follow the rule of two. Match your bracelet and earrings, your ring and necklace, necklace and earrings and on and on. Whatever two you pick, the set still matches without feeling overwhelming. Another way to feel not so overdone is try a set of colors, metal tone or style. Jewelry sets need not be made for each other; wear a bunch of red jewelry together for a unique set or all of a certain type of gemstone for a cohesive look.

Other Jewelry

There is more to jewelry than necklaces! Don't forget that other accessories are just as fashionable and can make beautiful statement pieces all on their own. Cowl neck cuts, shirts with ruffles and scarves are some examples of items that are fun and flirty but can easily hide jewelry. Also, when wearing larger styles of necklaces that have some weight, ruffles can even become mashed and lose their appeal. Clothing with these attributes is great for an armful of bangles, sparkling rings or face-framing earrings rather than a necklace. Necklines that are heavily embellished, such as with sequins, lace, beading or other bold patterns, look best without a necklace as well. Instead, throw on an attention-grabbing bracelet or larger earring styles that match the type of embellishment currently on your clothing.

Bracelets can be a great way to accessorize. Stack bangles in varying sizes or add a watch into your bracelet mix. Just don't add so many, or those of different styles, that they end up clashing or jingling so much you can't stand the commotion. Mix up the materials of your bracelets as well as wearing one or two types to bring emphasis to your decorated wrist(s). Short or rolled up sleeves are considered the easiest styles to wear multiple bracelets. A singular wide cuff looks just as trendy though, slipped over a long-sleeved article of clothing.


Statement earrings will receive their due time in the limelight when they are the highlight of your accessories. Wear a simple chain in a metal tone that matches your earrings for easy style that won't look overdone. Chandelier, dusters and other long styles of earrings pair easily with lower necklines. Stud, drop and other earrings that remain close to the face are the perfect choice for clothing with higher cuts. For a guide on picking earrings that will bring out your facial features take a look at ''The Right Earring Style for Your Face Shape'' article.

In regards to rings, use lavish styles with your cocktail frock or other sassy ensembles. When wearing large rings, usually one (or one on each hand) is more than enough. For smaller styles, stacking rings is just as popular as stacked bracelets. To layer rings, choose styles with flat edges or single stones that easily twist to fit snugly against each other.

Often overlooked, the accessorizing power of brooches and pins is far from minimal. Wear them literally anywhere and on anything. Aside from clothing, brooches can help tie your handbag, belt and even shoes into your jewelry ensemble. Use them as scarf pins and hat pins as well. For feminine touches to masculine or androgynous pieces, wear brooches on blazers, button-ups and vests. Even grouping smaller brooches together, as long as they remain in the same style, is a great way to wear this type of jewelry. The most common place to wear these is the shoulder but this versatile accessory is certainly not limited to one spot. And of course, there are opportunities to wear and embellish toe rings, anklets, belts, head and hair wear, purse charms, phone charms, multiple pairs of earrings, ear cuffs and even beaded shoes. Your ensemble is yours for the making. Shop ... Everyday Jewelry™ Additional Resources ... ''The Right Earring Style for Your Face Shape'' article ''Necklace Lengths'' chart ''Style Snapshot: Cocktail Rings'' article ''Style Snapshot: The Brooch is Back'' article