Projects are being added all the time. If you are looking for a specific project, please send an e-mail to
info@creative-company.co.za
×

Dare to bead: Amulet

The amulet bag dates back many centuries and was first made of animal skin or cloth. Today we can happily make them with beads, to be worn around the neck or as a little pouch in which to keep a lucky charm or a birthstone. I very often use an amulet bag to introduce a new beginner to small beads. There is something extremely satisfying about making the fabric and watching the pattern grow.
×

Dare to bead: Beginner bead necklace

This project is intended to help you become better acquainted with the different bead sizes – it can be unnecessarily confusing in the beginning!
×

Dare to bead: Betty key ring

This piece is worked in odd-count flat peyote. It’s a very useful stitch to know, as so often when shaping something you end up with an odd count, and struggle or wonder how to make the turn. This small key ring is perfect to help you become familiar with the technique. The advantage of this method is that it allows you to work from a centre point when creating a design.
×

Dare to bead: Bookmark

This bookmark is the perfect little gift for a bookworm. Using different colours you can make many bookmarks and make each look quite unique and different. It is important to use a good quality bead, as the regularity of the beads is going to make all the difference to your work.
×

Dare to bead: Cleopatra necklace

This piece is slightly more challenging, because you will need to change between different stitches all the time. It is, however, well worth the effort and the end result will show you how well different stitches can blend together. You will be using the spiral rope, brick stitch, short and long rows, increasing in brick, on the outside, and back into spiral, with a different core and broken with a big bead. You’ll then go back into brick, join the rope, string the beads, and wrap. Have fun!
×

Dare to bead: Little egg basket

This project is worked using flat circular peyote; with increasing within a row. These little baskets are pure fun and can be used for whatever you can imagine! Fill them with tiny chocolate eggs for Easter or give them to someone special as a small birthday gift. They’re guaranteed to bring a smile to any person’s face.
×

Dare to bead: Necklace

I have used a variety of different beads to make this necklace, some to add interest and others to give texture. The necklace has a slightly Victorian feel, yet can be very modern. It looks lovely in a single colour, broken up by many colours or in two tones as I have done here.
×

Dare to bead: Spiral rope belt

The belt is made up of lots of rope pieces put together, so once you have made the first one, it is just a matter of repetition. The joy of this piece is its versatility – it can be used as a tieback, as a lariat, or wrapped twice around the neck, and so on.
×

Dare to bead: Spiral rope necklace

This necklace starts off very easy, and progressively gets a little more difficult. Any of the four separate sections can also make up an entire necklace. I love the chips and use them extensively in my work, as they add texture. Try to find tiny chips for this project.
×

Dare to bead: Table mat

This project is worked in two-drop even-count peyote, but instead of picking up one bead and going through one bead, you will pick up two beads at a time and go through two beads. The mat I have chosen to make has an African feel. Beads have a long history in Africa and I am proud to live in this beautiful and diverse land.
×

Dare to bead: Tanya key ring

This piece is worked in even-count flat peyote. I have used good-quality Japanese 11° seed beads in only three different colours. It is a very adaptable pattern, though, and you could use many more colours. I love the feel of beads in my hand, and thus made this into a key ring, or scissor keeper. It is a good piece to make if you’re trying peyote for the first time. As almost all the beads are 11°, I have given the pattern in colour only, for example, 30A, which would be 30 size 11 beads in the colour that you have chosen for the outline.
×

Dare to bead: Tassel bracelet

This bracelet is made up of 11°, 8° and 6° seed beads. It’s a great project for using up some of those leftover colours – as long as the base colour is there. I have used six colours in this bracelet, but you may add more, or use less.
×

Dare to bead: Tassel fob

In order for you to become familiar with the different kinds of beads, I have used a wide variety for making this tassel. What better way to learn than while having fun? It is important that you use a soft thread for this project – otherwise the tassels lose their fluidity.
×

Dare to bead: Tassels

Tassels or fringes are such fun to make and they have so many uses! They always look good, whether they are made with small delicate beads, or heavier and larger ones. When making tassels you will often find the ideal opportunity to add those few special beads you were saving to make a project your own, or simply to use up those odd beads you had lying around. Tassels can be used to adorn cupboards, or to put onto handbags and belts. They can also be attached to neckpieces, or worn as jewellery, and much, much more!
×

Dare to bead: Technical info

This download includes everything you need to know about the different tools and materials required to make beaded jewellery and other items. It includes a section on colour and is useful for the beginner to this craft.
×

Dare to bead: Tie back

This is a very versatile pattern and can also be used to make a belt or even a small purse. The woven fabric has a lovely feel to it and I strongly recommend you make at least one big piece.
×

Dare to bead: Wineglass marker

These little stars are lovely on their own, but used as markers on the glasses at a cocktail party or at a dinner table, they will most certainly draw comments from the guests. They start in flat circular peyote, take a little shape with some increasing, and are dead-easy to finish. You can also use sparkling colours and make them up for Christmas.
×

Dare to bead: Yvonne necklace

Odd count tubular peyote is a very versatile stitch. Because the tube is hollow, you can thread it with wire or cord and make all kinds of interesting things. I have chosen to make a necklace. I have started with a very simple piece (Part 1), which is ideal for beginners and can be made into a necklace on its own. In Part 2 I add another bead and Part 3 makes up most of the necklace. The aim is to show you how different beads can be mixed.
×

This is an example of a project. Each project features:
  • a list of tools and materials needed for that project
  • step-by-step instructions with colour photographs
  • a clear photograph of the completed project
  • basic techniques are sometimes included