Of the many types of jewelry that are in existence beaded jewelry has been around the longest. Beaded jewelry is a form of handmade costume jewelry, and the terms are mostly used in a mutually exchangeable fashion. History shows that even Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, used this jewelry whenever it pleased her to. So don't look down on the items of beaded jewelry you see in stores and marketplaces.
Archaeological artifacts tell us that early man used beaded jewelry, where the beads were of stone, not the ordinary, common pieces of rock, but shiny or colorful samples. As civilization advanced, so did the art and culture of jewelry making and usage. The value of the jewelry depended on the rarity and shape of the beads used and the appearance of the crafted article. Going from beads to gemstones is seen as a natural progression in our social development. Anyway, beaded jewelry was the first attempt of our race at what is now called costume jewelry.
Costume jewelry is so-called because it really does not put much emphasis or importance on the intrinsic value of the materials used, focusing instead on the appearance, the look of the jewelry. It is a style or fashion accessory, not a symbol of wealth or status. Hence costume jewelry has come to mean cheap jewelry, and vice versa. Trinkets, baubles, and bric-a-brac are common synonyms for costume jewelry. It is interesting to note that Columbus offered trinkets to the natives of the lands he visited as peace offerings, which were readily accepted, showing the power of attraction inherent in jewelry.
The craft of making beaded jewelry is easily picked up in a matter of hours. It is an excellent way of bringing out your latent creativity. You'll get the hang of the basic methodology in a couple of hours, and then it's just you and your ideas, and of course, the beads! This craft is truly freeform, and you can give free run to your imagination to create signature pieces that spell 'YOU'!
You can get all the basic material you need, which is very simply just thread and a variety of beads, at any of the crafts stores in your area. Browse around for books on the subject. You'll get plenty of great ideas for your next beaded jewelry project from these books. There are many online stores that cater to this craft; you can order your supplies from there.
The Internet is crammed full of resources. There are umpteen user groups, bulletin boards, and chat rooms used by craftspeople. This social networking is very helpful for newbies.
If this craft, making beaded jewelry, is good for you then it is doubly good for children. Introduce your children to the wonderful world of jewelry making through bead craft. To make things easier for you, there are a number of kits specially designed for children.
Making your own costume jewelry is doubly rewarding. You'll enjoy making it, you'll enjoy wearing it. This is where you can let your aesthetic talent come to the fore! Design your jewelry in such a way that it represents your nature, your personal style. Are you a 'blue' person? Then use blue as your theme color, and dress up your outfit with a subtle 'wave' of small, pale blue beads! You are sure to stand out in any gathering, for sure!
New fashioned beads are giving a new impetus to the craft of beaded jewelry making. The new beads are full of surprising variety and specialties. Many of the beads are exquisite in appearance.
Stitch the costume jewelry directly onto your outfit or make wearables like pendants and brooches. Browse your wardrobe for any item which is a little subdued. Design a piece of costume jewelry especially for that item. You'll be surprised at how the make-over changes a dowdy dress to a stylish eye-catcher! Or you may be one of the many who first design and craft the costume jewelry, and then go shopping for matching clothes!
The market segment that caters to the craftspeople involved in making handmade costume jewelry and beaded jewelry is large and flourishing. From your friendly neighborhood craft store to the webstore on the Internet, there are literally hundreds of sources from where you can get your supplies. All that remains is for you to make up your mind, and to take up this fantastic creative activity. - 15343
Archaeological artifacts tell us that early man used beaded jewelry, where the beads were of stone, not the ordinary, common pieces of rock, but shiny or colorful samples. As civilization advanced, so did the art and culture of jewelry making and usage. The value of the jewelry depended on the rarity and shape of the beads used and the appearance of the crafted article. Going from beads to gemstones is seen as a natural progression in our social development. Anyway, beaded jewelry was the first attempt of our race at what is now called costume jewelry.
Costume jewelry is so-called because it really does not put much emphasis or importance on the intrinsic value of the materials used, focusing instead on the appearance, the look of the jewelry. It is a style or fashion accessory, not a symbol of wealth or status. Hence costume jewelry has come to mean cheap jewelry, and vice versa. Trinkets, baubles, and bric-a-brac are common synonyms for costume jewelry. It is interesting to note that Columbus offered trinkets to the natives of the lands he visited as peace offerings, which were readily accepted, showing the power of attraction inherent in jewelry.
The craft of making beaded jewelry is easily picked up in a matter of hours. It is an excellent way of bringing out your latent creativity. You'll get the hang of the basic methodology in a couple of hours, and then it's just you and your ideas, and of course, the beads! This craft is truly freeform, and you can give free run to your imagination to create signature pieces that spell 'YOU'!
You can get all the basic material you need, which is very simply just thread and a variety of beads, at any of the crafts stores in your area. Browse around for books on the subject. You'll get plenty of great ideas for your next beaded jewelry project from these books. There are many online stores that cater to this craft; you can order your supplies from there.
The Internet is crammed full of resources. There are umpteen user groups, bulletin boards, and chat rooms used by craftspeople. This social networking is very helpful for newbies.
If this craft, making beaded jewelry, is good for you then it is doubly good for children. Introduce your children to the wonderful world of jewelry making through bead craft. To make things easier for you, there are a number of kits specially designed for children.
Making your own costume jewelry is doubly rewarding. You'll enjoy making it, you'll enjoy wearing it. This is where you can let your aesthetic talent come to the fore! Design your jewelry in such a way that it represents your nature, your personal style. Are you a 'blue' person? Then use blue as your theme color, and dress up your outfit with a subtle 'wave' of small, pale blue beads! You are sure to stand out in any gathering, for sure!
New fashioned beads are giving a new impetus to the craft of beaded jewelry making. The new beads are full of surprising variety and specialties. Many of the beads are exquisite in appearance.
Stitch the costume jewelry directly onto your outfit or make wearables like pendants and brooches. Browse your wardrobe for any item which is a little subdued. Design a piece of costume jewelry especially for that item. You'll be surprised at how the make-over changes a dowdy dress to a stylish eye-catcher! Or you may be one of the many who first design and craft the costume jewelry, and then go shopping for matching clothes!
The market segment that caters to the craftspeople involved in making handmade costume jewelry and beaded jewelry is large and flourishing. From your friendly neighborhood craft store to the webstore on the Internet, there are literally hundreds of sources from where you can get your supplies. All that remains is for you to make up your mind, and to take up this fantastic creative activity. - 15343
About the Author:
To locate perfect prices on all your jewelry needs including vintage costume jewelry, visit www.Costume-Jewelry-Guide.com. You'll read why cubic zirconia jewelry is perfect for any occasion, and learn about your many other costume jewelry choices as well.
