Original Handbeaded Jewelry

By: Sara M. Shreve

What type of beading is this?

The beading style used for the top half of my earrings is known as brick stitch.  It is called brick stitch because it causes the beads to lie on top of one another in much the same fashion as bricks in a wall.

 

Beading Information:

 

Here you will learn a bit about beading: what type of beading I use, where the style originated, and how to create your own jewelry.

What are the different kinds of beads?

Seed Beads— small round beads, most commonly sizes 11/0 (3.3 mm diameter)

Bugle Beads— beads that are longer than they are across, but can be many different lengths—these are used for the center foundation row of beads in each earring.

What is the history behind these earrings?

The brick stitch beading style bas been around for so long that nobody knows for sure where it originated.  It has been used by multiple Native American societies, as well as in Central and South American, African, and Middle Eastern cultures for centuries., but most sources contribute it to the Comanche.  Although the technique is a classic, the term “brick stitch” originated only recently according to the literature.

Traditionally, sinew (made from the connective tissues of animals) is used in place of thread, but sinew is not always readily available today.

References and Additional Information:

 

The following books and websites have been very helpful to me:

 

                 Decorative Beadwork by Debbie Siniska                          American Indian Beadwork by W. Ben Hunt and J.F. Burshears

 

                 Coyote’s Game                                                                          Bead Wrangler

 

And these have simply been an enjoyment:

 

                 ArtNatAm                                                                                  Native Arts Trading

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How to Make Your Own Earrings

Where do I start?

There are a few necessary supplies that you will need in order to start making earrings:

                 Seed Beads ( size 11/0)                         Bugle Beads                            Bead Thread (or sinew)

                 Earring Hooks                                         Beading Needles                    Scissors

These items can be found at craft shops, however I’ve found that the highest quality beads come from Trader Shows and Pow Wows.