Beads add flair to any artistic creation. They can be used to dress up an outfit or to create a pattern on a basket or purse. Beads bring sparkle to light fixtures, jewelry and home decor items. Bead necklaces have been worn by people of many cultures for thousands of years, and remain a popular decorative element to this day. Working with beads opens up a world of creative possibilities. The bead itself can consist of a variety of materials, the most common being glass, crystal, wood, seed and shell. Seed beads are tiny and delicate beads, usually from Japan or Czechoslovakia, although some older varieties of porcelain and metal beads originated in other parts of Europe. They come in many shapes and are used to make a host of crafts, such as purses and necklaces. Lampwork beads are made of glass, using a blowtorch to create interesting forms. Jewelry made with lampwork beads is often of intricate design and color combinations, making it a popular collector's item. Pony beads are a crafter's staple, with large holes for threading bead wire or string. They are often made of plastic and are an affordable alternative to crystal or glass. Jewelry projects that utilize beads employ a variety of methods for construction. Mosaic style beading is often seen on Native American jewelry. Off-loom bead weaving produces jewelry, purses and three-dimensional sculptures. Glass beads are blown into shapes and mixed with other media such as wire to make unique ornaments and jewelry pieces.
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