Beaded Bookmark

The objective of this class is to provide you with easy-to-understand directions for creating a beaded bookmark using the Right-Angle-Weave (RAW) beading technique. This is a beginner level beading course, suitable for all levels of experience. Supplies: * * 29 round size 4mm pearl or perle beads 117 uniformly shaped size 11 seed beads (recommend Delica) 1 charm Fireline beading thread (or shing line in 4lb or 6lb test) or ne beading thread 1/2 yard of sturdy ribbon for bookmark

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These are quick and easy gifts, personalized with your choice of bead and ribbon color and individualized charm! The Right-Angle-Weave (RAW) beading technique is often used to create bracelets, belts, handbag straps, and so much more! This technique is very versatile and sure to provide you with many hours of pleasurable beading! The class will include instructions on adornment of the RAW base beads by adding seed beads to cross-over the center design of the round beads. This technique encourages experimentation with beads. After you master the basics...change up the seed beads for other types of beads or include a different type of bead at the X center to replace one of the seed beads. Alternate the size of the beads, the style of beads, the color of the beads. This simple design produces endless possibilities. Attach your beaded band to the end of a ribbon to create the bookmark as shown. OR, attach to the end of a chtelaine, a bell-pull, or other project. Really, you are only limited by your own imagination!
Copyright 2012 by Shawkl Designs, All Rights Reserved

Step 1: Cut a length of Fireline or thread that measures about 1 yard. Fold the thread in the center to create a loop.

Step 2: Put the loop through your charm. Pull both ends of thread through the loop and pull to tighten. Work with the shape and style of your charm to ensure that it will lay at after the thread is attached.

Alternate: Add a metal jump ring to the charm before attaching the thread.

Step 3: Take each end of the thread or Fireline and place each into the eye of an individual beading needle (resulting in two threaded needles.) This will give you a right and left needle of thread...with the center of the long thread having the charm already attached. The beading needles should be small enough to go through all beads styles you have chosen easily, with at least 3 passes of thread. If the Fireline is hard to get into the needles eye...cut the end at an angle, or use it without a needle by pinching the end with pliers to atten. Step 4: Take each end of the thread or Fireline and pass both threads through one single round bead.

Step 4: Separate the threads into one left and one right thread. Load one round bead on the left needle and push it to the bottom, resting against the last bead loaded. Take the right needle and pass it through the same bead, in the opposite direction. When complete, you will have turned the bead to now rest in a horizontal position with each individual thread having entered opposite sides...and they exiting on the side opposite from which the needle had begun. Step 5: Load one round bead on the left needle and one round bead on the right needle. These beads will rest in vertical positions. Add one more horizontal round bead by passing the needle in opposite directions through a single additional round bead...just as in Step #4. This is the basic Right-Angle-Weave beading technique using two needles.

The drawing to the right shows how the bookmark should look at this stage. Step 6: Repeat Step #5 by loading vertical and horizontal round beads unti lthe bookmark is the desired length. Step 7: Cut a length of sturdy ribbon. Clip one end into a W shape. Clip the opposite straight across __. Fold this end V and sew across. Turn right side out and a point will be formed as in the photo on the front page of this lesson. Step 8: Use the threaded needles to attach the bead length to your ribbon or other object. When tying off Fireland thread, always end with a couple of tiny stitches into the fabric of your ribbon.. Securing Threads: In this lesson, all threads will be secured by tiny stitches x style within the ribbon. The ends can then be worked back down into the beads before cutting the excess thread off. There will not be any need to tie off within any bead work. However, at some time in your beading experience...tying off within beads will be necessary. When that happens...you will need to use a surgeons knot.

A Surgeons Knot is similiar to a basic knot, except that the wrapping thread goes around the anchor thread twice, instead of the usual once. After wrapping, pull both threads tightly to create the knot. You can further secure this knot by adding a simple one-pass knot on top of it as well. Always create any knots within bead work by looping only around previous threads (not through beads) to create the anchor. Then, hide your threads by passing the needle(s) back through a few beads before cuting off the excess thread.

At this point in the lesson, your basic bookmark is complete...you have nished the base of Right-Angle-Weave round beads and have attached the bookmark to your ribbon. Now, the base can be adorned. Seed beads are ideal for this, but other beads could be used as well. The number of beads will depend on their size; for this lesson...since we know that the round beads are 4mm wide, we also know the number of sead beads to use. However, if you change the size of the round beads or use another type of bead...you will have to adjust the number of seed beads needed to create a pleasing X pattern on to of the base RAW. Note: Other objects can be created from this basic pattern. Simple start with a closure or clasp in place of the charm. Complete enough RAW pattern to obtain the length needed, and end by attaching the opposite closure orclasp to the top end of the bookmark. Adornment Layer: Step 1: Cut a length of beading thread or Fireline that is about 1 yard long. Thread the two beading needles as before. Pass the thread through the rst horizontal bead on the RAW base (indicated by the arrow). Step 2: Working only with the right needle, load 7 seed beads. Pass the needle through the 2nd horizontal bead going from left to right. This will create a line of sead beads that look like \. Repeat this step until you reach the end of the bookmark. Step 3: Working only with the left needle. load 3 sead beads. Pass the needle through the middle seed bead of the previous rst \. Load 3 more seed beads and pass the needle through the horizontal round RAW bead. Note that you are only working within the horizontal center beads of the RAW base...not the outside vertical beads. Step 4: Repeat Step #3 until you reach the end of the bookmark. Tie off your threads by taking tiny stitches into the bookmark ribbon. The adornment layer is hard to draw because there are so many beads it just looks confusing...but hopefuly the photo will help, and the directions are clear. Feel free however to contact me with any questions about the lesson. My email is shaw.kathy@yahoo.com