Description
I called this my Superduo Saucer beaded bead because the structure reminded me of a flying saucer! This is another special request that came from my 2019 personal challenge. Someone asked for a beaded bead that used superduos to make a funky shape! So, I hope this design meets that brief…
Materials
This superduo saucer beaded bead doesn’t need many individual beads. So, it’s a good way to use up some leftovers. You will need:
- Less than 1g of size 11 seed beads
- 16 superduos
- 8 4mm bicones – or you could use 4mm pearls or 4mm firepolish
- Your choice of beading thread
If you are going with the bicones, then I recommend you use Fireline thread. This should wear well against the potential sharp edges on the bicones. If you hate working with Fireline, then I have found KO thread is also effective. Or, you may prefer another thread or brand that works well with crystal beads.
Experience and Techniques
I have marked the superduo saucer beaded bead as an intermediate project. The thread paths and instructions are really easy. But this is a dimensional bead.
So, as with any dimensional bead, there is potential for confusion. When you set up the initial structure, the beads may sit a little wonky. But don’t be put off. You can always use different coloured superduos for each row of the initial structure. Then you won’t have any trouble in seeing where you are going!
You will be using some basic tubular netting, then just threading beads. So, as I said, the thread paths are really simple to follow.
About the Superduo Saucer beaded bead
I confess, I love making beaded beads using two-holed seed beads. The structure of these multi-hole beads allows me to create 3D shapes that I can embellish.
So, this is a particularly unusual shape for a beaded bead. You can see it gives a really interesting, tactile feel when you string the beads. They look great with spacers between them as well.
The beaded beads only take a few minutes to make – especially when you have the hang of the technique! So, you can soon make enough to create a beautiful necklace or bracelet.
The finished size of each beaded bead is just over 1″ (2.5cm) across the widest part and just under 1″ from end to end, through the bead.
So, try experimenting with some different colour combinations and let me know how you get on…
