A-Z of Crafts

 

B--Beads(ing)

A bead is a small decorative object that

is made into a variety of shapes and sizes. 
Each one has a hole in it for threading.
Some are small some are large. Beads are
used for a variety of purposes. The most
common are bracelets and necklaces. We
also see beadwork on clothing.

Beads are known to be one of the earliest
forms of trade between the human race. It
is thought that the trading of beads helped
with development of language. Beads have
been traded for a very long time. The oldest
known beads were found at Ksar Akil in
Lebanon. Before that beads discovered in
the Blombos Cave were the oldest at 72,000
years old.

In many parts of the world beads are used
for a variety of purposes.

Rosary beads-used during prayer, Roman
Catholics
Misbaha-used during prayer, Muslims

Worry beads-relief of tension

Aggrey beads-used as currency, Ghana

Beads come in a variety of shapes.
Round
Square or cubed
Oval
Tube

They are also made from a variety of
materials:
Bone
Stone
Glass
Shell
Plastic
Wood
Pearl

Do you use beads? I have quiet a collection.
I use them for jewelry making mostly,
primarily bracelets but I have made some
necklaces.

 C is up tomorrow. See you then.



~Keep on Dreaming~