Make Love Beads
Here is a small start to a simple beading idea. In the 1960s, a trend largely amongst the free-spirited population was a fashion statement known as Love Beads. Your love beads can be made out of plastic, clay, wood, glass, or mixed together! Be creative, Be diverse, but above all, have fun!!!
Steps
- Decide what type of project you would like to do: Necklaces, bracelets, headbands, lanyards, belts, etc. The type of wire or cord and the type of beads depend on what you would like to do. Are your projects going to be intricate and costly, or inexpensive and simple? Are you going to give these works of art away, sell them, or are they a self-project? Are your projects going to be just beads, or would you like to incorporate charms, pendants, bead holders, knots, etc.?
- Craft stores are a very good place to find an assortment of beads. You might even be able to recycle old jewelry, or stage jewelry if you want to. Get beads that you like the most and that you feel will be easiest and most fun to work with; Also make sure you get enough for your purposes so that you don't run out of beads in the middle of a wonderful creation!
- What would you like to string your beads on? Make sure that whatever you choose to string your beads or charms on can fit through the bead/charm holes:
-String/Twine/Thread (doubled or single line)
-Wire (thin or thick)
-Hemp
-Clear plastic line or fishing line
-Ribbons (silk, fiber, synthetic, etc.)
-Stretchy cord (good for bracelets!)
-Other materials - When you finish each project, make sure you secure the ends so that the beads don't slip off. You could even tie it around a bead and secure the ends that way. A tiny spot of superglue on the knot does wonders. You could also incorporate clasps, lobster-claw clasps, etc.
- Enjoy your beautiful jewelry works.
Tips
- The twine and the beads themselves are still available, although they have grown up and changed their names. Most craft stores carry beads and stringing materials, so a trip to a place like Michael's will give you most of what you need.
- Be sure the beads have holes big enough for the twine! There are also smaller glass "E" beads, the original love beads, they are harder to find but come in some amazing colours. They are a large seed bead known to bead workers as size 6/0 or 5/0.
- Love beads are usually just free form strung beads, there was no real pattern. Sometimes beads were combined with macramé, again it was up to each person as to how they knotted them together.
- Look for hemp twine. It is available in different colours. There is bamboo twine now too.
- Wood beads are always apropos for hippie wear. In the hobby store you will likely find a few books and pamphlets describing how to make hemp macramé and beaded jewelry. They have instructions on how to make some simple and true to the era pieces.
- Look for crow beads, pony beads, and tile beads. These all have larger holes for the twine and are what was used back in the day.
Warnings
- Try not to buy beads that don't fit with the string.
- Don't hurt yourself on the needle.
- this is a long process, so this could take patience.
Things You'll Need
- Beads and/or related items & knick-knacks
- Scissors
- Wire/Hemp/String, etc.
- creativity.
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