How to weave figurines from beads

Beading is the ancient art of making bead and bead jewelry. It is very common in the people and is used not only for clothes, but also for weaving various figures and toys.

Figures from beads were popular among peasants, and even among rich ladies. Many items in those days were decorated with small beads: purses, handbags, boxes, candlesticks and pillows.

Interest in beads sometimes faded, then flared with renewed vigor. In our time, beadwork began to revive in the 70's, when jewelry made of beads, belts, bracelets and even toys became popular.

Beads of different shapes and sizes are used to make bead items. For work you will need scissors, pliers, tweezers and Thin copper wire. It should be so thick that it passes through the bead several times. For some parts, you may need a thick fishing line.

Figures from beads in most cases are made in the technique of parallel weaving. To do this, each next row thread on the wire, and then pass the second end of it again through all the beads.

Beast animals are often formed from the nose to the tail, as hiding the ends of the wire from behind is easier than in front. But sometimes weave, on the contrary, to the nose, and the remainders of the stem are used to form a mustache, trunk or beak.

To make the figures of beads dense, after stringing each row, you need to pull the wire. It is necessary to tighten it only when in this row you have done everything you need: attached ears, horns or formed the correct volume.

For the production of round elements use the technique of mosaic weaving. Each new row with this method is joined in staggered order to the previous one. To get a circle, gradually the amount of beads grow and weave usually from the center to the edges.

For weaving toys, we use a looping thread. It is convenient when carrying the animal's ears. This is a fairly simple way: after stringing the beads, simply fold the wire with a loop and twist the ends.

More complicated technique is weaving into a cross. It is performed on two needles and is only available to experienced craftsmen.

Sometimes when creating details of animals, double loops are made-they build up a large loop on a small loop. But this method is rarely used to weave figurines from beads.

The simplest method of weaving from beads is flat figures. For them, you can take any scheme of embroidery or fantasize yourself. Such toys are good as a hair clip or brooch. These products are quite simple and are accessible even for children. They are woven from individual parts, which then join.

Very popular now, especially among children, little beasts from beads. They are very simple to manufacture and like to children of any age. They can be played, or can be used as a pendant, suspension on a phone or a bag.

Experienced craftsmen can create complex figures of beads, similar to works of art. Such handmade products are very much appreciated, therefore beadwork can become not only a hobby, but also a way to earn money.