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Beads are perforated objects that are most often round or spherical in shape. The word bead has it's origin in the word "bede" meaning prayer. For prayer beads and rosaries.
Beads have been around since the stone age and can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes. Over the years they have been made from various materials such as wood, seeds, ivory, shell, bone, coral, pearl. Amber, semi-precious gem stones, plastics, metals and ceramics.
Pearls and glass beads have been manufactured in Europe since the 13th century and they were very popular for use as jewelry and embroidery. Dresses were embroidered with tiny glass beads, (seed beads), by the hundreds and these beautiful beads were also used for fringe on lampshades as well as decorations for baskets and boxes and other items.
Native North American's have used beads to decorate their clothing and head dresses , They also used beads as a form of money.
Today beads are imported from all over the world. Here are some different types of beads:
Seed Beads - small round beads of various sizes. They are available in solid colors, pearl, oil slick, transparent, color-lined, silver-lined and metallic. These are the beads used more often and they are great to work with.
H-Beads - six sided beads. They can be transparent, iridescent or solid colored glass. They can also be silver-lined, metallic or color-lined.
Bugle Beads - tubular shaped beads. They range in length and are silver-lined. There are three types - round holes, square cut holes (these reflect light ), and twisted bugles.
Roundels - flat donut shaped beads.
Faceted Beads - beads that have numerous flat surfaces that are cut or molded.
Drops - pear-shaped beads with a hole at the narrow end or lengthwise through the bead. They can also be ornamental.
Fancy Beads - these include any bead that does not fit into a specific category.
Pearl Beads - they come in many shapes and sizes.
Sequins - can be metallic or plastic. There are different types of sequins.
Spangles - ( flat discs with center holes ). Cups ( dome shaped discs with center holes ). Palettes ( flat discs with side holes ). Fancy ( any unusual shaped sequin ).
Pony Beads - these beads have a large center hole. They are available in silver-lined or color-lined.
Austrian Crystal Beads - these are beautiful beads to use for added sparkle and glamour. They come in varying sizes but you will be using a 4 mm size most often.
Semi-Precious Stones - available in assorted shapes and sizes. The small ones work best. They are wonderful when combined with beadwork.
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