Description
Do you have lots of almost-empty tubes of seed beads? Are you looking for ideas for using leftover seed beads? Then look no further. This is a problem that I have faced myself, so I decided to come up with some designs to solve it.
The Problem!
I was sorting through my stash of beads the other day and realized that I had an enormous number of 10g tubes that had once been full of seed beads, but now each contained only a handful of beads. The number in each was too small for a project on its own. In many cases I had too few beads even to use as an accent colour in a project. This set me wondering what to do with these beads – I didn’t want to throw them away and didn’t necessarily want to buy another tube to build up my stock. So, I felt sure that there had to be a way of using leftover seed beads.
As I pondered this, I remembered another pot… I also have a stash of odd beads that I’ve found rolling round the floor after a beading session. I don’t like to throw them away, so I put them in a pot, fully intending to sort them out into their rightful places ‘one day’!
The Solution: Two Patterns for Using Leftover Seed Beads
So, I thought about this for a while and came up with two different designs that are just perfect for using leftover seed beads. ‘Seed Strings’ uses only odd seed beads, but it mixes colours and sizes as well if you want. In my ‘Tutti Frutti’ design I also took the opportunity to use up some odd 10mm beads, but I could have used any faceted or small focal beads. I’ve ended up with two necklaces and a pair of earrings in really bright, fun colours that will be perfect for the summer.
This pattern includes five pages with full instructions and diagrams for two necklaces and a pair of earrings. The design includes some basic stringing, circular and tubular Peyote stitch to create beaded beads and basic wirework using eye pins with wire wrapped loops and attaching findings. It is suitable for all levels.
Once my mind had started thinking about this problem, I came up with yet another project. So, if you want something that takes a little more time, why not try my Patchwork bracelet?
