May 30 2010

Rose Beads

The origins of creating rose beads has been lost to the ages. A couple of millennia ago, some early Roman cook, after leaving her rose petals in a simmering pot for a few days, may have discovered they formed a malleable mixture suitable for crafting while retaining their fragrant essence.
By the Middle Ages, the craft was perfected. Early European Christians had forgone their disgust with the rose and by then considered it a symbol of their faith. The five petals represented the five wounds of Jesus, red roses represented of the blood of their early martyrs, and the white rose had become synonymous with Mary. It was only natural that their rosary, a series of strung beads used in counting prayers, was named for the rose and often made from its preserved petals.

The process of preparing rose beads is a lengthy one, and the recipes for creating them vary by who is doing the creating and whose recipe you use. Some require cooking. Some do not. Some create beads which retain a natural deep red color. Others are turned a shiny, ebony with the use of an uncured, iron pot. Some recipes even use shortcuts. In fact, the only common ingredient is rose petals.

From an early nineteenth century recipe, the origins of which are unknown, comes the following:

TO MAKE ROSE BEADS FOR A ROSARY Gather the Roses on a dry day and chop the petals very finely. Put them in a saucepan and barely cover with water. Heat for about an hour but do not boil. Repeat this process for the three days and if necessary add more water. The deep black beads made from rose petals are made this rich colour by warming in a rusty pan. It is important never to let the mixture boil but each day to warm it to a moderate heat. Make the beads by working the pulp with the fingers into balls. When thoroughly well worked and fairly dry press on to a bodkin to make the holes in the centres of the beads. Until they are perfectly dry the beads have to be moved frequently on the bodkin or they will be difficult to remove without breaking them. Held for a few moments in a warm hand these beads give out a pleasing fragrance.*

Charlotte’s Gardens and Martha’s Vineyard Online embellish this recipe just a bit by suggesting you begin with one pound of rose petals and cook them in an enamel saucepan. Doing so creates a “polished red sienna” colored bead. What they do not say is that this can only be accomplished if one uses red or deep pink roses. Yellow-, orange- and mauve-colored roses may turn brown when cooked. And white roses tend to turn a dirty cream color when heated.

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Apr 26 2010

Bead Instructions Are Very Important

Bead instructions can be found with most kits you purchase or with most new beadings tools you buy. They are extremely important because, as with most new ventures in life, beading can be a difficult one to grasp if instructions are not followed.

Art and craft markets usually have an array of different stalls selling all types of beading material from simple jewelry to do it yourself kits to elaborate throw rugs. With so much competition out there, getting the most simplistic set of instructions with the beading material you purchase is essential.

In all forms of art, especially in bead work art, working with beads without any instructions can lead to the final product not looking like the picture in the pattern. Being able to refer to instructions when and where you require it makes for speedier turn around time.

Due to the rise in popularity in beading, instructions on such a topic have also begun to flood the Internet.

Instructions can be used as a valuable asset when beading, not only in the pattern being used but also in gaining new ideas on designs. Looking more closely at the instructions may give you further ideas on enhancing the design or changing it completely.

With the ability to purchase beading tutorials over the Internet with the click of a button and at a reasonable price, the art of beading has never been easier.

Materials used in bead work can also be purchased over the Internet. Everything from threads, needles, and patterns to the beads themselves can arrive in the mail within weeks of making the purchase.

No longer do you need to find a specialized shop in bead craft to join in the fun of bead work. With specialized instruction attached with all materials these days, bead work has never been more satisfying for all ages.

With Christmas just around the corner and so many presents to buy, making your own gifts for family and friends is a cheaper and more personalized option. The right bead instructions can lead to creations such as Christmas trees, snowmen, beautiful tree angels or even the chubby man himself – Father Christmas.

Girls of all ages would enjoy receiving a necklace or earrings or even a bracelet made with more love and care than any other purchased gift.

Once you get the hang of following bead instructions and being able to visualize the final product, the skill itself becomes easier to master. Writing your own instructions for others to share in moves a step further in the art of beading.

The idea of writing a set of bead instructions for others to benefit from may sound a little daunting at first but with modern technology anyone can have the ability to start their own business from home.

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