How many seed beads are in that tube?

I have a lot to say about seed beads as many of you know if you have asked me a question.  Where my struggle comes in is I think everyone that purchases seed beads knows certain information about them, so I have never written an in depth blog about seed beads. 

Where to start...through the next few weeks, I will touch on types, finishes, durability, shapes and coatings.  I have had to do some research to find facts about the above as well as my personal experience.  I wanted to jump right in and talk about duos, rizos and what not, but I think I will start with the basics.  I will start with the question that without fail, I get asked at EVERY show we do..."How many beads are in your tubes?"  Not how many grams, although seasoned beaders ask that, but how many beads.  My question is..."who in the world is actually counting them?"  

So, below is a rundown of what I have found in several searches (because I am NOT going to count them)...I would rather use them!

Beads are sold primarily two ways:
1.    Hanks - usually 12 loops approximately 12-14 inches per strand
2.    Tubes - varies by the size of the tube.   Esther Beadwork sells the seed          beads in 5.5" tubes (roughly 20-28 grams in each tube) and 2.5" for                delicas, 15/0's and shaped beads (roughly 9-12 grams - figure 10)

Round Seed Bead Quantity Size        Approx # Beads                  Approx. #                 Per 10 Grams                     per Inch 15/0                       2715                       23 11/0                       1050                       17 8/0                         347                         11 6/0                         150                         9 Cylinder Beads (Delica) – 5 Gram bags 1/0                         1900                       22 11/0                       1000                       20 10/0                       545                         15 8/0                         160                         9  Now, you can take the above information and calculate how many seed beads are in a tube no matter the size of the tube. A word of caution...beads weigh differently.  If you have a metal finish, they will weigh more than say an opaque bead.  Obviously, if you are buying metal beads, they weigh significantly more than the glass beads.  Ask your bead store employees if you are unsure.  The above chart is an approximate, but a very good one.  If in doubt, and the project is calling for an amount of beads that are close to what you think that tube holds, err on the side of more.  I cannot tell you how many times I have not purchased enough beads for a project and then cannot find that bead or have to wait to order it....grrrrr...but on another note, I have come up with some very creative endings to compensate for the fact that I did not have enough beads!!! Happy Beading, we will talk about bead finishes next blog.

Being Accountable

What does being accountable bring to mind for you?  Probably many things, and top on that list is probably diet and exercise.  Maybe breaking a bad habit or acting more adult-like around your children (you know exactly what that means), or a sponsorship of some type.  There are many ways in which we need to be accountable and others where it simply helps us in accomplishing goals.

I really enjoy this blog, but I find I let it slip all the time or I don't feel I have anything to write about. Well, I am asking you to hold me accountable to write on the blog a minimum of once a week.  Call me out on it.  Send me a post, email, text, bust me!

I am going to be blogging about types of beads and what exactly to do with them.  I have a customer who brought about this fabulous idea.  We sometimes think everyone knows what to do with stuff.  It's in the magazines after all, right?  Not so.  And this gal brought that to our attention.  

Now, you all need to post.  We were teaching a Kumihimo class this weekend at the Intergalactic Bead Show and a lady walked up to the table and had some wonderful information on a technique...and we were the ones teaching!  How cool is that.  I learn so much from students and customers, so PLEASE post, give your information, ideas, questions.  Tell your friends to check out the blog.  Make me accountable to writing and I am asking you to give me your two cents.  

Okay, check back soon for what to do with those beads.  If any of you want your photos posted of what you did with beads, send them on and I will be more than happy to give you air time!

Have a blessed week...was that not the most amazing sunrise and moon rise this weekend?

February Classes

Below are the classes scheduled so far for February.  More may be added, so keep checking back.  If you have a class that you would like to learn and it is not on the schedule, please contact me and we can make arrangements.  To book space or for further questions, post here or email kimleahy@estherbeadwork.com

Tuesday 2/5 10:30   Victorian Bracelet             Gemstone Bead Imports WPB
Wednesday 2/6 10:30 Tila Necklace                 Gemstone Bead Imports WPB
Monday 2/11 7:00 pm  Flowers                       Delray Beach
Tuesday 2/12 10:00  Russian Spiral                 Gemstone Bead Imports WPB
Wednesday 2/13 10:00 Peach Blossom             Gemstone Bead Imports WPB

Tuesday 2/19  Bumpy Peyote                          Gemstone Bead Imports WPB

Bumpy Peyote

Flowers

Up Coming Classes

Bead Embroidery

I have the rest of January lined up for classes as follows:

January 15     10:00 am                    Russian Spiral           Gemstone & Bead
January 15      7:00 pm                     Russian Leaves          Delray Beach/My house
January 16     10:00 am                    Peach Blossom          Gemstone & Bead
January 17     7:00 pm                     Beginning Kumihimo  Delray Beach/My house
January 21     7:00 pm                     Russian Leaves          Delray Beach/My house
January 22     10:30 am                    Bead Embroidery       Art Sea & Living
January 23     10:30 am                    Shapes Bracelet         Gemstone & Bead

Contact me or post questions/details.  Too much information to list here.  A few photos of the classes are below.  If you wish to have a weekly calendar emailed to you, contact me to be put on that list.

Russian Leaves

Shapes Bracelet

Kumihimo Basic Rope  (Leaves/flowers/toggle not part of class)

Russian Spiral

To Trend or Not in 2013

For the first time ever, I decided to research the trends for 2013.  I am not a fashionista and those that know me can attest to my style or lack thereof, but I thought it might provide some insight/ideas for new jewelry designs.

Well, I did learn a lot and whether it inspired me or not, you will have to wait and see.  But, the colors for spring are below.  I have to say, they are delicious.  I love them, plus I own a bunch of them.  

Now, the fashions for 2013???  Really, was my first thought, then I saw some neat things.  I think I am just getting to old too wear them, so I want to dislike them.  I am on the fence about the high waisted hot pants.  Wasn't a look that worked for very many the first time around.  

Neon is back....and see what I mean about not being able to wear some of it?

It appears we will have a lot to choose from...

Now as far as jewelry...WOW, we should have a BLAST this year.  Getting any ideas here?  I sure am...wish I knew the stitch.    What about the pieces below?  Very romantic.

In short, I found a few jewelry highlights in an article from JCK.  Here is the very short, quick version:

Emerald is the color of the year per Pantone.  Subtle drop earrings, black and white, snakes, drusy, cabochons (yeah, you bead embroidery lovers), Hair ornaments, amber, brass, bronze and well made costume jewelry.  Asian motifs and estate jewelry.  

It's going to be a great jewelry year...just resist the hot pants. (unless you are under 25)

HAPPY NEW YEAR...Welcome 2013

Happy New Year everyone...I knew I was slacking on posting, but with the holidays, I figured everyone was too busy anyway, so let's all take a break, but now it's been way too long.  I would like to say I made a New Year's Resolution to post on a regular basis, but I never make resolutions I am pretty sure I cannot keep...

...so I will work on it.  How about you?  Do you make resolutions?  Do you keep them?  Why do you make them?  What is the silliest one you have ever made?  What is the one you kept?

You don't need to answer me on this (unless you want to post, it could be kind of fun and interesting...get to know your friends kind of thing).  But reflect on it.  What motivates us to make resolutions.  

How many would honestly say they made one to bead more?  I wanted to, but actually felt kind of guilty...resolving to play more kind of thing....

I did decide to get some classes going...So, here they are:

Tuesday, January 8:    10:30   GARDEN BRACELET       Art Sea & Living/Boynton Beach
Wednesday, January 9  4:30   RUSSIAN SPIRAL            Gemstone Imports, WPB
Monday, January 14      7:00   KUMIHIMO/RUSSIAN LEAVE    month long class.  Delray
Tuesday, January 15    10:30   RUSSIAN SPIRAL            Gemstone Imports, WPB
Tuesday, January 22    10:30   BEAD EMBROIDERY        Art Sea & Living/Boynton Beach

Bead Embroidery
You will select your own stones, etc.

Much more to come.  

Kumihimi/Russian Leaf month long class

                                     

Russian Spiral