Crafters can use beads to make decorative pieces or to embellish existing items such as purses, clothing and lamps. The variety of beads available for crafting gives the artist an opportunity to create one-of-a-kind pieces of art, and to express individuality. Today's bead art employs ancient methods and materials in creating both traditional and contemporary art forms. All forms of bead art start with some basic techniques. Bead embroidery stitches beads onto a canvas, fabric or plastic backing, producing a sheet with a mosaic effect. Bead clothing and wall art is made this way. Bead stringing is most commonly used in jewelry making, and usually utilizes bead wire to create necklaces, bracelets and hair accessories. Bead weaving essentially combines these techniques. Beads are strung together with wire in intricate weaving patterns to create three-dimensional objects such as rings, mats and baskets. Most bead artists are familiar with the common kinds of beads. Seed beads, crystal beads and lampworks beads have been used as decorative materials for centuries. Today, there are hundreds of varieties of beads that can be used to make items for any bead art activity from home decor to jewelry and clothing accents. Beads are often mixed with other media, such as macrame, fabric and wire, to make unique pieces for display. Beads decorate clothing, belts and everyday objects, incorporating traditional patterns with the use of colorful seed beads woven into their backings. Bead art offers myriad ways for crafters and amateur hobbyists to create unique decorative pieces. Bead art is a time-honored craft with centuries of history and countless forms.
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