You're soooo not alone! The first time I tried to do a dutch spiral (the blue spiral necklace in my first posting is a variation), the written directions baffled me.... so, I ended up creating a flash file to reference. Also, I did graphic arts once upon a time so I render images of less complex patterns. When I get them up on my web site, I'll let you know so you can take a look :)

The very first piece I made was a necklace I could not afford to buy at the time because I was out of work with a ripped disc. The necklace was pretty simple -- a double ladder pattern with dangling pearls. I'll try to take a photo of the finished product and post it later.

I took the picture into the bead store, found the core beads I wanted to use (2 sizes of pearls and 1 hank of seed beads), and one of the girls in the shop helped me find everything else I needed. She advised me on how to use the crimp beads to finish the ends and how to use the wire to get the dangling peals. Instinct took over from there.

I'd advise you to go to the bead store when you have plenty of time to shop. Find something that really sticks out. Hold it up against other beads so you can see how the colors and textures interact. Some great color combinations may surprise you. They only stick out when you put them together. Have fun with it!

You can start with simple strands. If they're long enough, you don't even have to use a clasp; Just tie the ends together! Look through some catalogues to see the trends and get your creative juices flowing. If you'd like, you can check out some of my stuff at http://www.smullis.com/e-catalogue.

I hope this helps!

I love the creative use of jump rings! I've always used soldered/closed rings because, otherwise, I was afraid of the strands wiggling through the opening since I used a lot of pearls which required thin thread, but now I think I'll get some open ones to play with! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you so much! It's a variation on a dutch spiral. I'm working on getting instructions for making a simple version of this up on my web site smullis.com. I'll let you know when it's done. :)

Thanks! Yeah, I felt so useless there on my back watching tv all day to distract me from the pain. Not only is beading a better distraction, it also make you feel useful or at least productive!! :)

Although I don't advise stealing other designers' designs, catalogues are a good place to get ideas about colors, beads, shapes, and techniques.

Newbie too. To forums, not beadin'! Been designing and beading for more than 30 years. Looking forward to trading tips and tricks. My specialty is making items for persons w/disabilities. More on that later, but all can wear my items. Basics, nothing fancy or complicated, love to work with genuine gemstones. BEAD ON!

Hi again everyone. I sort of disappeared for a while. I tried to get my head back into lampworking (melting rods of glass in beads using a torch powered by oxygen and propane gases). I've been spending much of my computer time on those type forums learning new methods, purchasing new glass to try out and work with, meeting new friends, buying more glass (hey, I'm doing my part stimulating the economy ), researching selling more of my items (NOT, I hoard my creations and only sell through family and friends), and still playing with the idea of owning my own bead store one day. If I ever win the lotto I know I'm going to have one of the best fun bead get aways on the planet.

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N2Beadz

I made a cute rosary bracelet for my niece. I did follow a previously made design but added something special for her.

I love beading, but end up looking and buying supplies more than beading!