In the time that I have been writing patterns, I've often been asked if I have any patterns suitable for a beginner. Regrettably, until now, most of my patterns have been for the intermediate or advanced level, although I've always sought to write my patterns clearly enough that anyone with a basic understanding of beading diagrams will be able to understand them. But if I were to recommend a beaded bead design to someone with no previous beading experience, my first choice would be a basic cube. I've written a pattern for
such a cube, and it's available as a
free download at my website.
The basic cube beaded bead is woven in right angle weave, and is also the simplest unit of the box stitch. Once you learn how to make a cube beaded bead, you can change the bead type and color patterns to get a variety of different effects from this simple design. Here I've used AB2X Swarovski crystals in three different colors for a very sparkly pair of earrings, perfect for a night on the town:
But this design also works well with Miyuki drop seed beads. Here I use four colors of these seed beads in an even color distribution for a petite pair of earrings. In the pattern, I describe how to use two, three, or four colors of beads to get an even color distribution throughout the beaded bead, a color pattern strategy often used in
origami. The result reminds me of candy, so I like to call them
Candy Cubes.
The Candy Cubes can look very elegant with just one or two types of beads. The bracelet below uses two types of cube beaded beads; one made from 3 mm round grey freshwater pearls, the other from irregularly-shaped "keshi" freshwater pearls.
Strung with alternating 4 mm and 6 mm round freshwater pearls, they make an elegant pearl bracelet.
Finally, I experimented with several different types of beads that can be woven into cubes. The picture below shows Candy Cubes made from 4 mm Swarovski bicone crystals, 4 mm fire polished Czech glass, 3.4 and 2.8 mm Miyuki drop seed beads, and drop-shaped freshwater pearls:
Gathered all together, they make a tactile cascading pendant:
The beaded rope for this necklace is another variation on the right angle weave technique, woven with Japanese round seed beads, drop seed beads, and fire polished glass beads.
Is the Cube the basis for the Helix bead?
ReplyDeleteYep, the crystal helix beaded bead has a cube base, although the color pattern variations are a little different.
DeleteGorgeous bracelet and pendant with Very creative work. I hope you will come up with some more fantastic creations! I am very much excited to see.
ReplyDeleteOakland bead store