Free Bead Craft Patterns

Beaded Flowers, Beaded Ornaments,

Pony Bead Patterns, and More Bead Crafts

Spangled Island Bottle Ski Sweater Matchbox Cover Dutch Spiral Basket

by inga hunter p. 1 by Susan Swanson p. 2 by Alison Eastman p. 3

Beaded Bug Boxes Beaded Easter Egg Herringbone Weave Coaster

technique >> netting

beadworkonline

by Ramona Finocchiaro p. 6 by Yulia Crystal Papakina p. 9 by Beadwork Design Team p. 11

Marguerite Daisy Pin Snowflake Ornament

by Arlene Baker p. 6 by Robin Cowart p. 6

Snowflake Ornament
Contents
Robin Cowart

This festive snowflake has many uses: decorate your holiday packages with it, dangle it
ii
on a small suction cup with a hook in a window, or hang it on a holiday tree.
 Free Bead Craft Patterns
Beaded Flowers, Beaded Ornaments,
Pony Bead Patterns, and More Bead Crafts

Bead crafts have been around for hundreds of years. The •Learn some basic French beaded flower techniques with Arlene
first bead crafts were probably related to adorning clothing Baker’s Marguerite Daisy Pin. Beaded flowers are beautiful at any
with thousands of tiny beads, but artists soon discovered that time of the year, and this one can be made in any color for any occasion.
they could use beads to craft other items such as baskets, jars, •Learn a new beading stitch and whip up a set of easy Herring-
and ornaments. There are many wonderful examples of bead bone Coasters using pony beads for your next party. Choose bright
crafts in museums around the world! colors of pony beads to make your party even more festive! The
But beaded crafts don’t have to be big and elaborate. In fact, pony beads make it easy to learn a new beading stitch!
you probably have everything you need right now to sit down and •Imagine how delightful a basket full of Yulia Crystal Papakina’s
start creating a piece of beaded art. Turn your trash into trea- Beaded Easter Eggs would be—no refrigeration required! Hide
sure by adding some beads! And who hasn’t admired those lovely them in the backyard for your favorite egg hunter on Easter morn-
beaded ornaments that turn up during the winter holidays? ing or tuck them into a little Easter basket with some jelly beans.
We’ve assembled a collection of eight bead craft projects •What would the winter holidays be without a flurry of Snow-
just to give you a taste of what those beads can do! We all flake Ornaments by Robin Cowart? Sparkling seed beads make these
know that beads can be used to make beautiful jewelry, but beaded ornaments an essential part of your holiday decorations, and
with a little imagination, beads can be used to craft all sorts they make great beaded gift tags for your holiday packages.
of items. Yes, beads have the power to turn the ordinary into the extraor-
•Dig through your recycling and find an old glass bottle, dinary—with just a little bit of thread, wire, and patience, you can
then turn it into a piece of beaded home decor by making Inga turn an everyday object into a carefully crafted piece of bead art.
Hunter’s Spangled Island Bottle. The beads and sequins will Now that you’ve seen just what you can do with bead crafts, take a
brighten up any room. look around and see where you can add some more beads to your
•Don’t throw away that empty matchbox! Susan Swanson’s life! You never know where the beads will show up next!
Ski Sweater Matchbox Cover fits like a glove so you can use
that old matchbox to store your favorite tiny bead treasures. Bead Happy,
•Make a decorative basket out of beads with Alison Eastman’s
Dutch Spiral Basket. It’s perfect for a sunny porch or your
favorite kitchen table.
•Take an ordinary mesh bug box and turn it into a work of
bead art with Ramona Finocchiaro’s Beaded Bug Boxes. These
are definitely NOT for the kids! Jennifer VanBenschoten, Beading Daily editor

Free Bead Craft Patterns

editor, beadingdaily JENNIFER VANBENSCHOTEN
designer oceana garceau / photography JOE COCA, ANN SWANSON
Projects and information are for inspiration and personal use only. BeadingDaily, Beadwork, and Stringing do not recommend, approve, or endorse any of the advertisers, products, services, or
views advertised in this publication. Nor do BeadingDaily, Beadwork, or Stringing evaluate the advertisers’ claims in any way. You should, therefore, use your own judgment in evaluating the
advertisers, products, services, and views advertised in BeadingDaily, Beadwork, and Stringing.

iii
 Spangled Island Bottle Inga Hunter

Materials
6mm flat sequins, in two greens, I’m a mixed media artist from a series Later, in Australia, I saw another
gold, blue, and iridescent black of islands: Jamaica, my family’s home; exhibition of Haitian art, and bought
Size 11° red, green, and black seed
England, where I was born; and Australia, my first flag, one by Eviland Lalanne—a
beads
Gold metallic Delica beads
that enormous island at the bottom of bit faded but absolutely gorgeous! And
Small glass Tabasco bottle the world, where I live. I first saw the a constant source of technical inspira-
Dark-colored knit fabric (T-shirt exhibition of Haitian flags that inspired tion for me. At the exhibition I saw
fabric works well) me to do sequined bottles at the Uni- many libation bottles and nearly turned
Size A Silamide beading thread versity of California, Los Angeles, in myself inside out trying to see how they
1996 while I was on my way to see my were done; finally I decided to work it
Notions family in Jamaica. Of course I had seen out for myself. In my defense, I felt, and
Small sturdy pillow
photographs before, but the reality is so still feel, that I share a similar back-
Two size 9 milliner’s needles
much more—the brilliance just doesn’t ground with the people of Haiti, and am
Fabric marking pencil
translate. The flags were so beautiful! able to do this work without dishonor.
So colorful! With such texture—and One of the advantages of having
done with a skill that I will never be unknown African ancestors is that you
able to equal. I came away dazzled. can go along with your intuition.
One of the characteristics of Haitian It wasn’t easy. I figured that the bottles
flags which is not so clear in photo- had to be covered with cloth, and the
graphs is the two layers of color. You sequins stitched on, so I covered a little
have the sequin layer underneath, and wine bottle with old T-shirt fabric and
the bead layer riding on top, so that began. Two bottles later, I had encoun-
you can play with colors in a complex, tered a whole heap of difficulties, and I
sophisticated manner. I have been was hooked. Since then I have made
using beads and sequins since I was six- dozens of sequined bottles, and now
teen, but I had never thought of using that I have made most of the common
them in quite this way. mistakes, I feel that I can pass the tech-
I had beads and embroidery gear in nique on to others.
my suitcase, and when I arrived in
Jamaica I was so enthusiastic about Note: One square inch of spangling
what I had seen, that my artist cousin with these sizes uses 36 beads and
Jasmine Thomas suggested that we try sequins. The quantities will depend on
out the technique as soon as possible. the size of your bottle. These are the
Trouble was, no sequins! We searched bead and sequin sizes I used, but you
Kingston, and finally found some white can vary the sizes at will and the bottle
ones that we dyed blue, red, and purple will still work out. It won’t be wrong,
with my hair dye. Although the dye is just different. Spangling is not an exact
temporary when used on hair, it did science, which is one reason I like it—
color the sequins. I have some sequins improvisation is both possible and easy.
left and the color is still there after six
years, so it certainly won’t fade, but it Step 1: Remove the label from the bot-
isn’t exactly perfect—unless you actually tle. Stretch the fabric to cover the bottle
want unevenly colored dull spangles. and stitch it tightly in place. If you leave
But it was all we had, and I did my first piece, it too loose it will be hard to stitch the
a combination of sequins and embroi- sequins evenly. Try to keep the seams
dery. It looks a bit amateurish now, but flat. You may or may not cover the base.
I thought it was wonderful at the time. If the finished bottle will be standing,

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page 1
 glue card stock or leather to the bottom later, and stitch alternating sets of Step 5: Move your needle to the space
for a base and don’t spangle there. If the green sequins held down with green on the body of the bottle at the bottom
bottle will hang, spangle the base. The beads and black sequins held down of the green and black oblongs. Add a
same applies to the top opening—you with black beads. Work up until you round of blue sequins held down with
can cover it up or leave it open depend- have reached the halfway mark, about three red beads. Skip the third bead and
ing on the purpose of the finished bot- four rows. To make a subtle design pass back through the other two beads
tle. Use the pillow to rest the bottle on change, stitch alternate rows of sequins into the sequin. Repeat this round at
as you work. in the two different greens in the green the second space at the top of the col-
area, holding them down with the one ored oblongs.
Step 2: Roughly mark the design on the shade of green bead. Once you reach
fabric with the fabric marker. The the halfway mark, change colors. Step 6: At the top of the bottle, stitch a
drawing will be covered up, so you Where you had green sequins held round of red beads with gold sequins, a
don’t have to be neat. For this bottle, down with green beads, change to black round of black beads with black sequins,
mark two lines around the circumfer- sequins held down with green beads. a round of green beads with green
ence, dividing the bottle into three Where you had black sequins held sequins, and cover the top with gold
working areas. On my bottle the middle down with black beads, change to green sequins stitched with one gold and
area is 1½" wide. sequins held down with black beads. three red beads. These beads make lit-
The result will give you alternating tle red dreadlock fringes that finish the
Step 3: Anchor your thread securely in squares of green and black underneath, whole thing off.
the fabric at the bottom of the bottle. with stripes of green and black over the
Begin to spangle (see “Stitches,” page top—an interesting characteristic com- Inga Hunter is a mixed-media arist and writer
84) using the gold beads and gold mon in the Haitian technique. Work up who lives in Leura (near Sydney), Australia.
sequins. Position each sequin so that it until you are one sequin row short of
overlaps half the previous sequin. Work the gold. Note: You get a better result by
from the bottom edge of the bottle, working around the bottle than work-
around and around, moving up until ing in blocks of color.
you reach your marked line, which
should be three rounds of sequins. Vary Step 4: Bead the base by beginning at
the look of the sequins by working a the outside edge; stitch one round of
row or two with a different color of beads. green beads with green sequins, one
round of black beads with black
sequins, a round of red beads with gold
sequins, and finish with a center of red
Spangling beads with blue sequins.

Tips
• Like all beading, spangling is a matter
of patience and rhythm. Woman of Three Islands
• Thread can often catch around
sequins. Experienced spanglers can
tell this has happened by the feel of
the thread, perhaps from the tension
in the thread. If you find your thread
Weave your thread to the second marked is caught, go back and restitch the
line and work gold sequins and beads sequins.
to approximately six rows from the top • Broken threads are always a problem,
as in any beadwork. And in the same
of the bottle, leaving the very top to be
way, you don’t want your work to fall
done later. You now have a space apart. To be sure it doesn’t, be aware
between two lots of gold. of frayed threads. Fraying can easily
Divide the middle section evenly into four happen when you’re dealing with the
Photo by Inga Hunter

wide vertical stripes and mark the fab- sharp edges of sequins.
• If your sequins are overlapping the
ric. Halve the stripes to mark rectan- wrong way, take a needle and flip
gles. Leave one sequin width from the them over or under, however you want
gold so you can insert another color them to lie.

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page 2
 Ski Sweater Matchbox Cover Sue Swanson

Materials
Delicas in matte cream white #352
(W) and matte powder blue #760 (B)
1 ⁄8" doll buttons
Matchbox
Blue paint
Size D Nymo beading thread

Notions
Size 10 or 12 beading needles
Thread Heaven
Scissors
Aleene’s Premium Bond Glass and
Bead Slick Surface Adhesive

I love to light candles all over the house but I can never
find the matches. So I designed these covers so that matchboxes
are pretty enough to leave out on a table. The match safes used in
the 1800s inspired the idea. When matches were invented, they
were highly flammable and were kept in little metal boxes
so that they could be carried around. The metal was decorated
with intricate tooling. The English called them vesta boxes.

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page 3
 After I made my first matchbox
cover, I ran across a felt-covered match-
box at a garage sale for 10¢. It reminded
me of the kitschy matchbox covers that
crafters made in the 1960s. I think that
my beaded version is much more ele-
gant. In addition to looking pretty on a
table, your covered matchbox can be
carried in a beading kit for knot-melting .
Step 1: Paint the matchbox cover and
the ends of the drawer. Place the cover’s
seam on the bottom.
Step 2: Using a 4' length of conditioned
thread and leaving a 6" tail, string a ten-
sion bead (see “Stitches,’’ page 80).
Rows 1 and 2: String 5B, 3W, 17B, 3W,
15B for a total count of 43 beads.
Row 3: Hold the string of beads in your left
hand on top of your index finger. String
1B and pass through the first B. Work
the row in odd-count flat peyote stitch
(see “Stitches,’’ page 80) using 7B, 1W,
9B, 1W, 3B. Pass through the first B of
Row 1 to prepare to begin Row 4.
Row 4: Work 1B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 6B, 1W, 2B,
1W, 6B. Remove the tension bead and
sew the thread tail through several beads.
Row 5: Work 6B, 1W, 1B, 1W, 1B, 1W, 5B,
1W, 1B, 1W, 1B, 1W. End the row with
a turnaround (Figure 1). In odd-count
peyote, every other row ends in a turn-
around.
Row 6: Work 1B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 6B, 1W,
2B, 1W, 6B.
Row 7: Work 6B, 5W, 5B, 5W, 1B.
Row 8: Work 2B, 2W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 1W,
2B, 2W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 1B.
Row 9: Work 1B, 2W, 1B, 2W, 2B, 1W,
2B, 2W, 1B, 2W, 2B, 1W, 3B.
Row 10: Work 2B, 2W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 1W,
2B, 2W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 1B.
Row 11: Work 3B, 1W, 2B, 5W, 2B, 1W,
2B, 5W, 1B.
Row 12: Work 1B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 2W,
2B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 2W, 2B.

Figure 1

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page 4
Row 13: Work 3B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 1B, 1W, Row 24: Work 1B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 1B, 1W, Row 105: Work 3B, 1W, 9B, 1W, 8B.
1B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 1B, 1W, 1B, 2B, 1W, 1B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 1B, 1W, 2B, Row 106: Work 7B, 2W, 8B, 2W, 2B.
1W, 1B. 1W, 1B. Row 107: Work 3B, 1W, 9B, 1W, 8B.
Row 14: Work 1B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 1B, 1W, Row 25: Work 3B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 1B, 1W, Step 3: Glue the beadwork to the match-
2B, 1W, 1B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 1B, 1W, 2B, 1B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 1B, 1W, 1B, box like a book cover, leaving the striker
1W, 1B. 1W, 1B. strip exposed on one side. Glue the buttons
Row 15: Work 1B, 1W, 1B, 1W, 1B, 1W, Row 26: Work 1B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 2W, along one edge for a decorative trim.
2B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 1B, 1W, 1B, 1W, 2B, 2B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 2W, 2B. When the matches are gone, refill the box
1W, 3B. Row 27: Work 3B, 1W, 2B, 5W, 2B, 1W, or insert a new drawer. If the striker
Row 16: Work 2B, 2W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 5W, 1B. strip wears out, just cut out a new one
2B, 2W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 1B. Row 28: Work 2B, 2W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 1W, and glue it on the box. Also, you can
Row 17: Work 1B, 5W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 5W, 2B, 2W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 1B. remove the beadwork by soaking the
2B, 1W, 3B. Row 29: Work 1B, 2W, 1B, 2W, 2B, 1W, matchbook in water for a minute. Then
Row 18: Work 1B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 2W, 2B, 2W, 1B, 2W, 2B, 1W, 3B. you can glue the beadwork to a new box
2B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 2W, 2B. Row 30: Work 2B, 2W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 1W,
Row 19: Work 3B, 1W, 2B, 2W, 1B, 2W, 2B, 2W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 1B. Sue Swanson is a bead artist and teacher from
2B, 1W, 2B, 2W, 1B, 2W, 1B. Rows 31–90: Repeat Rows 11–30 three Woodbury, Minnesota. She is a member of
Row 20: Work 1B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 2W, times. the Upper Midwest Bead Society. Contact Sue
at [email protected].
2B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 2W, 2B. Rows 91–100: Repeat Rows 11–20 once.
Row 21: Work 1B, 5W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 5W, Row 101: Work 1B, 5W, 5B, 5W, 6B.
2B, 1W, 3B. Row 102: Work 6B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 6B, 1W,
Row 22: Work 2B, 2W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 1B.
2B, 2W, 2B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 1B. Row 103: Work 1B, 1W, 1B, 1W, 1B, 1W,
Row 23: Work 1B, 1W, 1B, 1W, 1B, 1W, 5B, 1W, 1B, 1W, 1B, 1W, 6B.
2B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 1B, 1W, 1B, 1W, 2B, Row 104: Work 6B, 1W, 2B, 1W, 6B, 1W,
1W, 3B. 2B, 1W, 1B.

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page 5
Dutch Spiral Basket A llis o n E ast m a n

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page 6
Materials Step 2: *String 1 bugle bead and 1 A and Step 4: String 3 B and 1 A. Pass through
5 gr size 3 Czech bugle beads pass through the first seed bead of the the next A. Repeat eight times.
5 gr size 11° Czech seed beads A
next set (Figure 2). Repeat from * for
(contrasting color to bugles)
5 gr size 11° Czech seed beads B the desired height of your basket; these Step 5: String 2 B and 1 A. Pass through
(same color as bugles) samples have seven bugle beads in each the next A. Repeat eight times.
Size O beading thread vertical row.
Step 6: String 1 B and 1 A. Pass through
Notions the next A. Repeat eight times.
Thread conditioner
Size 12 beading needle Step 7: String 1 A. Pass through the next
Glue or clear nail polish
A. Repeat eight times.
Scissors
Figure 2
Step 8: String 1 A and pass through the
next A. Pass through the next A without
adding another bead. Pull tight. Repeat
three times.
I developed this basket while work-
ing on a Dutch spiral bracelet. I thought Step 9: String 1 A. Pass through the next
that the stitch would lend itself well to Step 3: String 4 B and 1 A. Pass through 2 A. Repeat two times around the basket.
a bag. So I set about making a Dutch the next seed bead (Figure 3). Repeat
spiral bag. A wonderful thing happened eight times around the basket. Step 10: Pass through the last 3 A
halfway through. I looked down at my added, tie and glue the thread, and trim
partially finished bag and saw the cut- close to work.
est ring basket! It was the perfect size to
hold earrings and rings on top of the Allison Eastman has been beading for close
dresser. This project can be made with to ten years. Over the last several years, she
any number of combinations. For has turned to sharing her knowledge of the
art through teaching and designing beading
instance, you can use large bugle beads,
kits. To reach her regarding this project, or for
or you can make the basket monochro- Figure 3
this beading kit and others, go to
matic, or make each row a different
www.wonderlandbeadworks.net.
color. Fringe can even be added to the
top. The variations are really endless
and the project is quick enough for you
to try them all.

Step 1: Using a yard of conditioned

thread, string 2 A and 1 bugle bead.
Repeat eight times. Tie into a circle so
that the beads are snug, but not taut
(Figure 1). Pass through the first seed bead.

Figure 1

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page 7
Beadweaving on Fiberglass Screen
R a m o n a F i n o cchi a r o

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page 8
 explore this fascinating technique. one intersection before the first bead,
Materials
Who knows? Given enough time and with the thread and needle below the
One wooden bug box
beads, maybe a beaded ­window or door mesh. Following your graph pattern,
12" piece of fiberglass screen
screen? A parade float? Happy beading! string the first row of beads. Note:
15° seed beads (approx. 240 beads
per square inch) Count and recount! If you pick up an
Size B beading thread in color to Step 1: Beg by disassembling the bug extra bead or two you may be able to
complement beads box. Unscrew the handle and remove get rid of them by smashing them with
1 1 ⁄4 yards gimp or braid the doorknob if you are going to needle-nose-pliers.
Small brass hasp (optional) replace it with the decorative hasp. PT the mesh intersection before the
One piece of 9" × 12" plastic canvas Remove the twill tape covering the last bead at the bottom of the row. With
Paint or stain (optional)
edges of the screen mesh and remove the thread held taut, force the beads
notions the screen. You probably won’t be able one by one into the holes of the mesh.
Size 10° beading needles
to salvage this screen, because it will Size 15° beads vary considerably, but
Hammer probably tear when you remove it. most should pop right into the mesh
Screwdriver In making my own screen for the holes. Once the first several beads are
Indelible marker box, I like to work with two pieces of in their holes in the mesh, carefully PBT
Glue mesh, rather than one long continuous the beads on top of the mesh. Continue
Small nails piece; these are easier to handle, there through all the beads on the row, taking
are fewer beads to count for each row, care that the thread is over the inter-
and the handle will hide the gap section of each mesh to insure that all
between the two pieces. For each piece, the beads stay in place. PBT the mesh
My experience with bead weaving measure from the center of the screw hole where you began. Carefully pull the
on fiberglass screen began several years on the top down to the base, about 5½. thread taut so it is smooth and even
ago when I was looking for a technique Measure the width of the box, between all the beads. Rep until you’ve
to make strong and flexible panels for a almost to the edge, which will be about completed the needed number of verti-
lampshade. I found that 15° seed beads 6". Cut two pieces of the screen a little cal rows. Tie thread ends to the mesh.
fit in the mesh holes of ordinary fiber- bigger than your measurements to At this point, you may wish to paint
glass window screening and could be allow an edge to grab onto as you bead. or stain the box to complement your
secured by adapting the sewing technique Remember to check the orientation of beaded design.
of loom bead weaving. The screening is the screen so that it matches the direction
very durable and can be cut and draped, of the rectangular beads. Reinforcing
then glued or sewn to almost any sur-
face. The possibilities of this technique Step 2: To determine the actual amount Step 4: Cut the plastic canvas right at
are endless. Since my first lampshade, I of screen you will be beading, lay the the outside edges of the box. Center the
have made jewelry, purses, pictures, cut piece of screen up against the box. beaded sections on the canvas and sew
ornaments, and even garment insertions. You will need about ⅜" of the screen for them in place. Nail the pieces to the
Depending on the type of bead you use, the margins, sides, top, and bottom. box, taking care not to ­hammer the
the finished work resembles stained The part you will be beading will be just beadwork. Once the pieces are nailed,
glass (transparent beads) or mosaic one row more on each side to cover the ­measure, cut, and glue the gimp or dec-
(opaque beads). edges of the box. Count the screen orative braid all around to cover the
I graphed my first designs on regular holes from top to bottom. Mark the nailed edges. You will need one con-
square graph paper. This is all right in borders of your piece of screen with an tinuous piece for the front curved part
some cases, but since the size 15° indelible marking pen. Choose any and another for the back curved part;
Miyuki rocaille bead is essentially rect- design your heart desires. Many of my glue the final piece of trim all around
angular, measuring 1.15 mm in the designs come from Dover books. You the lower edge. Reattach the handle.
direction of the thread and 1.55 mm can graph any design on regular graph
wide, I created my own graph paper by paper or, for less distortion, on a pho- Ramona Finocchiaro is a longtime resident of
photocopying the screen and enlarging tocopy of the screen mesh. Las Vegas, Nevada, where she is a member
the copy. of the local Fiber Arts Guild. She enjoys
I hope this article will inspire you to Step 3: Using 1½ yards of thread, tie it to spinning, weaving, and knitting in addition to
original creations. I am continuing to the intersection of the mesh at a corner, beading.

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page 9
 Beaded Easter Egg Y u lia C r ystal Papa k i n a

Materials
Size 11° seed beads or
Delicas in main and accent
colors
(A and B)
Size 1 cut bugle or hex beads
101 freshwater pearls, crys-
tals, or any 6–8mm beads
Wooden egg
Heavy beading thread or
Fireline 6lb test

Notions
Size 10 or 12 beading needles
Scissors

Finished Size 3" high

Turn an ordinary wooden egg into something extraordinary!

Weave freshwater pearls, bugles, hexes, and seed beads into a
rich-looking netting that will dress up your egg and make it the
treasure everyone wants in their Easter basket this year. Or use
several to create an unforgettable centerpiece for the holiday table.

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page 10
 Figure 1
Step 1: Using 11⁄2 yd of thread, string 3A and
pass back through the first bead leaving a 4"
tail. * String 1A and pass back through the last
bead strung. Repeat from * to make a two-
bead-wide strip to wrap tightly around the
middle of the egg (Figure 1). Stitch the ends of
the strip together, tie a knot with the tail
thread, and exit from the bottom of the band.

Step 2: String 3A, 1B, and 3A. Skipping 2

beads on the band, pass up through the third Figure 2
and down through the fourth beads just
strung. Repeat around the band (Figure 2).
Exit through the first 4 beads of this round.

Step 3: String 1A, 1 pearl, and 1A. Pass

through the next B of the previous round
(Figure 3). Repeat around the egg, keeping the
thread tight.

Step 4: Exiting a B of the first round of Step 1, Figure 3

string 3A, 1B, and 3A. Pass through the next
B. Repeat around. Exit through the first 4
beads of this round.

Step 5: String 1A, 1 hex, and 1A. Pass through

the next B of the previous round (Figure 4).
Repeat around the egg, keeping the thread tight.

Step 6: Repeat Steps 4, 3, 4, 5, 4, 3, 4, 5, etc.

down this end of the egg. As the shape tapers,
reduce the number of pearls between the net-
Figure 4
ting. Toward the base, string 1 or 2 seed beads
in place of a pearl, or every other pearl,
depending on the size of the egg. When you

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page 11
 near the base, work a final netted row.
Exit from a point bead on one of the
nets. Do not secure the thread yet.

Step 7: Begin a new thread on the other

end of the egg. Repeat from Step 2,
decreasing the number of pearls around
the egg. You may sometimes need to
work a net over two gaps of accent
beads.

Step 8: Return to your thread at the bot-

tom of the egg. String enough beads to
reach the point of the next net and pass
through it. Repeat around and cinch
tight to pull the netting into a circle over
the bottom of the egg. If necessary to
Figure 5
hold the circle tight, string beads to
cross to the other side of the circle and
pass through a few beads of the circle.
Repeat around the circle adding spokes
of beads (Figure 5). Pull the thread tight,
weave through several beads of the
upper rows, secure your thread, and
trim close to work.

Step 9: Return to the top of the egg.

Continue netting to the top, decreasing
to about 5 pearls with seed beads on the
nets between them. Finish with a tight
circle, passing through the points of
each net (Figure 6). String a pearl and Figure 6
pass through the opposite side of the
circle. Repeat twice, making sure the
thread is tight. Secure your thread and
trim close to the work.

Yulia Crystal was born and raised in the

Ukraine, and now lives in Austrialia where
she hopes to maintain a small beaded jewel-
ry business. She’s started beading as a child,
and has been beading constantly over the last
ten years. Her favorite medium is seed beads,
although she has started incorporating gem-
stones into her work. See Yulia’s work at http://
yuliacrystal.com.

RESOURCE Wooden egg: Any large craft store.

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page 12
 Herringbone Weave Coaster B ea d w o r k Desig n T ea m

Materials
5 oz. size 5° white pony
beads
2 oz. size 5° black pony
beads
2 oz. size 5° gunmetal
pony beads
Black Nymo “D” thread

Notions
Size 12 beading needle
Scissors

Herringbone Stitch
Begin with a foundation row of even-
count ladder stitch. String 2 beads, pass
down through the second-to-last bead
in the ladder, and up through the next
bead. String 2 beads, pass down the
next bead and then up through the fol-
lowing. Repeat to the end of the row.
To end the row, pass back through the
last bead strung. To begin the next row,
string 2 beads and pass down through
the second-to-last bead of the previous
row and up through the following bead.
Repeat, stringing 2 beads per stitch and
passing down then up through 2 beads
of the previous row. The 2-bead stitch
will cause the beads to angle-up in each
column, like a herringbone fabric.

An easy pattern to learn herringbone weave. Thread a needle with a 26" length of
thread. Leave a 6" tail. String 4 white, 1 black, 1 white, 20 black, 1 white, 1 black, and
4 white. String 1 additional white bead. PT the last white bead previously strung.
Work the fi rst two rows as described in the instructions on page 3. Continue by
following the chart, working in herringbone weave. Finish by passing the thread
through the last two and the fi rst two rows in square stitch to shore them up. Trim
working thread and tail close to work.

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page 13
 This weave is often found in Ndebele String 2 dark beads. PT the next light
beadwork. The herringbone stitches or bead. Skip 2 dark beads. PT the next
pattern creates a tough fabric. It’s a light bead. String 2 dark beads. PT the
tricky stitch, but once you get the next light bead. Skip 2 dark beads. PT
knack, it can produce wonderful geo- the next light bead. String 2 dark beads.
metric shapes. PT the next light bead. Skip 2 dark
Use large-sized beads, such as pony beads. PT the last light bead.
beads, when you are learning. It also Row 4: String 1 dark and 1 light bead. PBT
helps to use a thread and needle that the dark bead just strung. *PT the first
will go through the beads several times. bead of the next 2-bead set. String 2
Alternate rows of light and dark beads light beads. PT the next dark bead. Rep
to help you understand the mechanics from * until you have reached the end
of the stitch. Maintain a steady tension of the row.
throughout. If you’d like to read further,
there are really clear explanations of
this stitch in Jeannette Cook and Vicki-
Star’s Beady Eyed Women’s Guide to
Exquisite Beadwork: An Off-Loom Bead
Weaving Primer (San Diego, California:
Beady Eyed Women Enterprises, 1996),
as well as in Virginia Blakelock’s Those
Bad, Bad Beads! (Wilsonville, Oregon:
Virginia L. Blakelock, 1990).

TO BEGIN
String 1 light, 2 dark, 2 light, 2 dark, 2 light, The herringbone pattern becomes
apparent after working the fourth row.
2 dark,2 light, 2 dark, and 1 light bead
(16 beads total). Leave a 6" tail.
The first row you work creates Rows 1–3. Row 5: Turn work over. String 1 light bead
Rows 1–3: String 1 dark-colored bead. and 1 dark bead. PBT the light bead
PBT the last light bead strung. Skipping just strung. *PT the first bead of the
2 dark beads, PT the next light bead next 2-bead set. String 2 dark beads. PT
from the end. the next light bead. Rep from * until
you have reached the end of the row.
Continue working the stitch in this alter-
nating pattern until the work is the
desired height.
The top and bottom rows may seem jum-
bled. Correct this by running a thread
through those rows in loose square
stitch to tighten.

The first row that you work in herring-

bone actually creates Rows 1–3. To ease
your way as you work these rows (and
avoid spilled beads), hold the piece fi
rmly between the thumb and forefi nger
of your nonworking hand with the tail
thread coiled around your little finger.

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page 14
 Marguerite Daisy Pin by A r le n e B a k e r

Materials
•Size 11° seed beads in white, yellow, and green
•1 spool of 26-gauge beading wire
•1 skein of green embroidery floss or thin cording
•One 1" pin back
•White glue

Notions
•Wire cutters
•Needle-nose pliers
•Round-nose pliers
•Scissors Ruler, seam gauge, or tape measure
•New pencil with eraser
•Awl or toothpicks
•Daisy Petals Continuous cross-over loops

Petals to make the bead count even. Slide

these beads toward the curled end.
The cross-over technique is basically
the same as the continuous single loop Step 3: Leaving 4" of bare wire, make a
(see Calyx below), except that each loop single loop by twisting the wire once
is beaded either up the front and down directly under the beads. Press the sides
the back (four-row crossover) or only of the loop together to form a narrow
up the front with bare wire down the loop. There should be an equal number
back (three-row crossover). This daisy of beads on either side of the loop.
Step 3
has 11 four-row crossover loops. The
initial loop should be measured and Step 4: Bring the beaded feed wire up
must contain an even count of beads the front of the narrow loop you just
(10, 12, 24, 26, 30, etc.). created. Use just enough beads to fill
the center of the loop. Push the extra
Step 1: String at least 24" of beads and beads away so that the bare wire goes
curl the wire end so the beads do not in between the beads at the top of the
slide off. loop. Press the bare wire down into the
space between the top two beads and
Step 2: Measure and count the number bring the feed wire down the back of
of beads that make 1 ¾". Add or subtract the petal.

Step 4

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page 15
Step 5: Turn the loop over and fully fill
this barewire with beads to meet the
twist of the first loop. Push the extra
beads away and wrap the bare feed
wire once around the base of the petal
directly under the beads.
Step 7
Step 6: Repeat Steps 4 and 5 to make 10
additional petals (Figure 1). Keep each
petal as close to the previous one as
possible. Keep beads close together
each time you make a loop to prevent
bare wire from showing. Flatten the
petal in the middle so that all four rows
are visible. Step 8
Beehive Center

Two-bead basic, round top, round

bottom, ten rows

Step 8: String at least 20" of beads on

the wire and curl the end so the beads
don't slide off. Make a two-bead basic
(see the February/March issue of Bead-
work, page 42, for detailed instruc-
tions). Because the beehive center calls
Step 5 for ten rows (the 2 bead basic is
counted as one row), you will finish it
at the top single basic wire. Wrap two
rows, roundtop, round bottom (Figure 3).
Step 9
Step 9: Gently bend the top basic wire
and the bottom basic loop down at a
45° angle. Continue to wrap the
remaining rows with these wires using
the same angle, one row under another.

Step 6 Note: The rows made with the angled

wires generally have one or two beads
less than they would if you were work-
Step 7: After the eleventh crossover ing the piece flat.
petal has been completed, measure 4"
of bare wire and cut the wire from the Step 10: When you have completed the
spool. Take both 4" bare wires and twist tenth row, twist the bare feed wire two
them together two or three times just times around the top basic wire, Step 10
under the flower head. This will close directly under the beads. Cut the bare
the flower circle. Pull the two bare wires feed wire from the spool, leaving a
down and straighten to make the begin- length equal to the length of the top
ning of the flower stem (Figure 2). basic wire. Cut away the curl and trim
These hangingstems should be smooth, all the ends evenly. The finished piece
so don't twist down the wire. Instead, twist should look like a table with two legs on
directly below the beads to avoid bulk. each side (Figure 4).

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page 16
Calyx Step 16: Gently bend and shape the leaf
Seven continuous loops, ten beads as desired. Straighten and smooth the
per loop wires to create the stem and cut the
loop from the bottom
Step 11: String at least 20" of beads on
the wire and curl the end so the beads Step 12 Step 17: Rep Steps 14 - 17 to create 3
don't slide off. Move the beads to within leaves.
4" of the curled end of wire 'A'. Make a
loop of beads by twisting the wire close Step 18: Measure a length of floss two
to the base of the loop. Be sure the times the desired finished stem length
beads on the loop are tight. Twist the and thread one end through the last
wires tightly together twice. row of beads at the base of one leaf.
Work the floss between the beads and
Step 12: Leave wire end A alone and hold the end down the stem so that you
work with wire end B. To form the sec- wind the floss over itself as you start
ond loop, slide another bead count out. Twirl the stem and hold the floss
close to the base of the first loop. Make taut, strands spread flat on the stem.
a loop and twist one full twist. It makes Lay the strands side by side as you wind
no difference whether the twist is down the stem. Dab a little glue on the
clockwise or counter-clockwise. Just be stem to hold the floss in place as you
consistent with the direction. By turn- Step 13 wind.
ing the loops of beads one full twist, the
wires will cross at the base of the loops Step 19: Continue to wind the floss
and the beads will be secured. Leaves down the stem for 1". Trim the floss,
glue the ends, and leave the remaining
Step 13: Rep Steps 11 and 12 until you Step 14: Make an eleven-bead open leaf stem wire bare (this will eliminate
make seven loops. After the seventh curved basic, six rows, pointed top, bulk when the leaves are bound to the
loop has been twisted, allow 4" extra of round bottom. flower stem).
bare spool wire and cut the wire from
the spool. Cross and twist the two wires Step 15: Wrap two rows of beads Step 20: Repeat Steps 18 and 19 for the
(A and B) together two or three times around the eleven-bead basic you just other two leaves.
to close the calyx loops. Pull these two created. Gently curve and push the
wires down and straighten to make basic and one row to one side to open Assembly and Finishing
part of the flower stem (Figure 5). the center of the leaf. Maintain this
Leaves — Eleven-bead open curved open curve as you continue to wrap the Step 21: Put the beehive center on top
basic, six rows, pointed top, round bot- remaining rows around the top and of the daisy petals. Slide the two top
tom: Use the Basic Technique (pointed bottom basics (Figure 6). basic wires between two of the daisy
top, round bottom) instructions in the petals on one side of the flower and the
February/March 2001 issue of Bead- Step 15 two bottom basic wires between two of
work, page 42 for this section. the daisy petals on the opposite side.
Press the beehive center down firmly
and bend the four basic wires toward
the center back on the underside of the
flower. Twist the wires together one
time. These wires become part of the
flower stem.

Step 11

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page 17
Step 22: Thread all the flower stem
wires (2 daisy petal wires and 4 beehive
center wires) through the center open-
ing in the calyx. Pull these wires down
and straighten them as you simultane-
ously push the calyx snugly against the
underside of the flower. Trim all wires
evenly, leaving approximately 4" of bare
wire for the flower stem.

Step 23: Measure a length of floss five

times the stem length and hook one
end over one calyx loop.Work the floss
between the beads and hold the end
down the stem so that you wind the
floss over itself as you start out. Make
sure all pieces of the flower fit together
tightly. Twirl the flower and hold the
floss taut, strands spread flat on the
stem. Lay the strands side by side as
you wind down the stem. Dab a little
glue on the stem to hold the floss in
place as you wind. Wrap for 3/8". Glue
the pin clasp to the bare wires, catch
side down. Allow glue to dry.

Step 24: Continue wrapping while you

cover the stem wires and pin clasp at
the same time. Evenly bind on one leaf
Step 15 stem at a time. Continue to
wind the floss over the bare wires, to
the bottom of the stem. Dab a little glue
on the stem end and wind the floss
around the end and back up the stem
appro ximately 1/4". Trim the floss and
glue the ends down smoothly. Allow the
glue to dry thoroughly. Coil the stem by
winding it around a pen or other round
object two or three times.

Arlene Baker is a beaded wire and ribbonwork

designer who lives in Downey, California, with
her husband David. Married for 31 years,
Arlene says David plays and important role in
the creative process by offering his constant
support and encouragement. Contact Arlene
at (562) 928-3583 to find out about her classes
and kits.

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page 18
 Snowflake Ornament
technique
>> netting
R o bi n C o wa r t

ne
b e a d w o r k onli

Materials
1 g silver metallic size 11° Japanese
seed beads
16 white 3mm fire-polished rounds (A)
32 white 4mm fire-polished rounds (B)
Crystal FireLine beading thread
G-S Hypo Cement
Tools
Size 12 beading needle
Scissors

Fire-polished rounds and silver seed

beads are joined with circular netting
stitches to create an 8-point snowflake.

Snowflake. through 1 seed bead, 1B, 1 seed bead, Figure 1

1B, 3 seed beads, 1B, and 1 seed bead.

ment
Snowflake Orna
Use 6' of thread to string 4 seed The thread is nowRino bposition
i n C o w afor
r t Round 2.
beads, leaving a 3" tail. Tie a knot to with it, dangle it
de co ra te yo ur holiday packages
form a circle, pass through all beads Round has many2: uses :
String 1B, and pass through tree.
e snowflake the
is festivbeads do ng it on a holiday
w, or hathe
again, and exit between 2Thseed 1 seed ok bead
in a w in
between 2B on the
n cup with a ho
(Figure 1). on a small suctio next rounded spoke. Continue around
on lin e 1 of 3
the next spoke by passing through 1B, BE AD W OR
K
served.
Round 1: String 1 seed bead, 1B, 1 seed 3 seed beads, 1B, and 1. seed d. All rights re
s LL C N ot tobead
be reprto
inteexit
Pres
terweaveside
bead, 1B, 3 seed beads, 1B, 1 seed bead, adwork mon the
agazin e, Inother
® of the spoke. Repeat
Copyright Be Figure 2
1B, and 1 seed bead. Pass through the to complete the round (Figure 3). Pass
next seed bead in the circle. Repeat, through the second seed bead added in
completing 4 rounded spokes around Round 1 and continue to pass through
the circle (Figure 2). Pass through the the spoke beads to exit the center bead
first seed bead in the circle again and at the tip of the spoke to position the
continue into the first spoke to pass thread for Round 3.

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page 19
Round 3: String 2 seed beads, 1B, 1
seed bead, 1B, 1 seed bead, 1B, and 2
seed beads. Pass through only the cen-
ter seed bead at the tip of the next
spoke (Figure 4). Repeat to complete
the round. Pass through 2 seed beads,
1B, and 1 seed bead to position the
thread for Round 4.

Round 4: String 5 seed beads. Skip 1B Figure 3 Figure 6

on Round 3 and pass through 1 seed
bead, 1B, and 2 seed beads. String 2
seed beads. Skip the center seed bead
from Round 1 and pass through the
next 2 seed beads, 1B, and 1 seed bead
of Round 3. Repeat to complete the
round (Figure 5). Pass through 2 seed
beads, 1B, and 3 seed beads to position
the thread for Round 5.

Round 5: String 1A, 3 seed beads, and

1A. Skip the center seed bead of the pre-
vious round and continue through 3 Figure 7
seed beads, 1B, and 3 seed beads. String
1A, 3 seed beads, 1A. Skip the center
seed bead of previous round and pass Figure 4
through 3 seed beads, 1B, and 3 seed
beads (Figure 6). Repeat to complete
the round.

Finishing.

Pass through Round 5 beads to exit

the middle seed bead on the tip of a
spoke. String 40 seed beads and pass With each new project, Robin Cowart strives
through the middle seed bead again to to push and challenge her beading skills in
form a circle. Pass through all the seed original ways. Robin owns We Got The Bead,
beads again to secure (Figure 7). Tie a a bead store in Dubuque, Iowa.
knot, weave the thread end into several
beads, and trim the thread close to the RESOURCES
work. Check your local bead shop or contact: All beads and
findings: We Got the Bead, (563) 584-0305, www.wegot
thebead.com

Figure 5

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page 20