Friday, January 29, 2010

The pictures to follow are my explorations in making beaded beads based on polyhedron templates. I'm fascinated with self-supporting beaded beads. It's not easy to achieve as woven beads tend to articulate and attempts to make a hollow structure usually collapse. By placing crystals at certain points in the design, I achieved a self supporting structure. They're also light, making them good for earring designs. I plan on making a necklace from the red and black beads. I found that by using beads a size down, I created a smaller accent bead which will act as spacers between the larger ornamental beads. The outcome of my experiments is very pleasing.

Top view of the 5 sided beaded bead.

My favourite beaded bead, the 5 sided polyhedron. Made with size 11 seed beads and 4mm fire polished crystals.

The top view of the 4 sided polyhedron bead.

I then moved on to a 4 sided polyhedron. This beaded bead is made from size 11 seed beads, 3mm, 4mm and 6mm fire polished crystals.

Top view of the 3 sided bead.
I began my explorations into beaded beads with this 3 sided polyhedron. Made from size 11 seed beads and 6mm fire polished crystals