Beading is a passion. Once you’ve been bitten by the beading bug, you’ll never be able to stop. The act of creating a beautiful piece of jewellery or ornament from a hand-picked selection of beads is relaxing and fun, not to mention productive. It’s a skill that that can translate into dollars too, if you want to go commercial. And with your new-found beading ability, you’ll always have highly individual and perfectly co-ordinated jewellery to wear with any outfit!
So whether you’re an absolute beginner or a beading veteran, we’ve got all the information you need to practise the craft successfully in Brisbane and surrounds.
Beading basics
One of the great joys of working with beads is the huge variety of colours, shapes and styles available. Offerings range from expensive and high-quality beads like Swarovski crystals, pearls and semi-precious stones to cheaper plastic and glass beads – even glow-in-the-dark novelty beads. And then there are the tools of the trade: bead boards, barrel clasps, pliers, wires, threads and cords – to name but a few. Most stores also offer inexpensive bead sets, bead packs and kits that can be assembled easily into jewellery.
Whether you want to dabble in the craft, get really dedicated, or just admire the handiwork of others, the best place to start is at your nearest beading store.
Beading classes
Most specialty beading stores offer classes as well as stocking a variety of beads, beading kits and beading tools. Some offer adult workshops only while others will cater for children as well. You may even be able to organise a beading workshop at home, complete with instructor and materials, if you have sufficient numbers.
Council libraries are sometimes used as venues for beading classes. See if a class is on offer at your local library.
Many schools have community education programs for general interest and craft courses. (Stafford Heights State Primary School, for example, offers a popular beading class as part of its community education program.)
Turn beading passion into profit
If you find your family and friends are loving what you produce, why not have a go at selling your wearable art at one of Brisbane’s art and craft markets. It’s a low risk way to turn your hobby into a potentially profitable enterprise. And there’s nothing like taking your wares to the world and getting positive feedback to amplify the pleasure you take in your craft.
Beading inspiration
Get inspired by expert practitioners of the craft. (m)art, in Fortitude Valley, showcases the work of Brisbane’s finest contemporary craft and design practitioner. Or browse through the Queensland Art Gallery’s store, which stocks a stunning range of jewellery by Australian and international designers as well as gift cards and art merchandise.
Beading books
For further information and instruction, buy a book on beading. Check out the art and craft sections at your local book store or browse through dedicated craft book retailers like The Book Bag in Nundah.
What do you like to make with beads? Add your comments below.
