Using Jewelry Beads in Your Craft

What I like about beading work is that you can use different colors and proportions of jewelry beads in creating something that is unique, easily recognizable, and exciting. For some bead workers, though, an inspiration or idea does not come very easily. There comes a time that they have so many questions that cannot be clearly answered  These issues become more complicated when you use the internet to find jewelry beads, to share your work, or to get inspiration. Lines are drawn, but you do not know where, and the shades of gray are always there.

Whether you are new to jewelry design using jewelry beads, or you are already a seasoned designer, it is a good idea to have a bit of a brush up on the ethics of beading work. This is with regards to published tutorials about beading and how to get your design ideas and inspirations. I am not claiming expertise in this area, but I would like to share with you what I know about the do and do not.  When you feel doubtful here, you can make a bit of a research, and then let yourself be guided by your conscience.

Many ideas about beading are sourced from beading magazines and books.  Each designer has their own favorite jewelry beads to use, their own motivation for design sharing, and publish their tutorials in magazines and books. They love to share their new ideas and beading techniques, and encourage artisans to always try new and different materials such as jewelry beads and other supplies.  Through these tutorials you will learn, make experiments in designs, and eventually have your skills developed.  The magazines and books tutorials also help to sell more jewelry beads, which make the bead shops online or offline able to supply you with your required materials.

The pieces that you have created out of published projects can have many purposes, you can present them to friends, wear them, or share their pictures on your blog.  You can also do all of the above. Just do not forget that the jewelry beads creation is yours, but not the design. You should first ask permission from the designer if you want to sell the piece that you made, or donate it to charity auctions, or make its picture your shop banner, or even enter it into a contest.

There are designers who agree to some bead workers selling projects of their design, but you should give them due respect by getting in touch with them and asking for their permission.  Their contact numbers and other information can be found included on the books and magazines, or you may get in touch with the publisher for your request to get forwarded to the designers. The jewelry beads designers are very generous, and bead workers are fortunate to have so many of them to inspire and guide us for free.  Some offer their services at affordable prices. These mentors need to be credited for their designs and we should make them feel that their designs are in good hands.