One of the most complex and tricky elements of bead craft is the idea of patterning. The human eye reflexively seeks out & identifies patterns, and our brains are designed to parse data in smallish, easily organized chunks. Therefore, the reason phone numbers, social security numbers, and the like are broken into smaller chunks: 555-1212 vs. 5551212.
Sometimes, an amateur to the world of beadwork will be tempted to simply use whatever is on hand, and the results will be haphazard randomness. Now, it is true that this approach can often yield attractive results. There's, however, an increasing body of facts indicating that symmetry and identifiable patterns are one of the keys to defining what we see and recognize as "beauty." A student of bead craft would do fine to take these lessons to heart, which brings us back 'round to the importance of patterning as it relates to your beadwork.
Beadwork patterns could be as simple or as multifaceted as you would care to make them, though I'd recommend less complicated designs for the beginner, with increasing complexity as a natural addition of experience. And do not think that a simple pattern will make unattractive results! The easiest pattern of all is 1-1-1, best embodied by the classic strand of pearls. Easy. Stylish. Eternal.
Still, a lot of people get into bead craft as a form of self presentation, and among the techniques that expression manifests itself in the interest is through the magic of the pattern.
Many people (both novices and experts in the bead craft world) spend hours upon hours testing with arrangements until they hit upon something that's really compelling. More general though, especially to those new to beadwork, is a sense of intimidation. This is unfortunate, but the overwhelming majority of hobbyists will outgrow that fear as they obtain more bead craft experience.
Still, if you've recently taken up beadwork as a hobby and find yourself struggling with the difficulty of developing your own patterns, you can find a number of sites on the web offering bead craft pattern ideas and examples. Make use of these in your designs, and before very long, you'll possibly find yourself thinking, "I like this pattern, but wouldn't it be neat if..." and almost before you know it, you will be on your way to creating your own, wholly exclusive beadwork.
Anyone can, in a matter of minutes, learn the basic mechanics of bead craft, but the real artistry, and the portion that takes longer to master, is learning the art of patterning. My advice to newbies would be simply this: Try developing bead craft patterns on your own, but don't force it. If it is something you are struggling with, seek out bead craft resource web sites on the web for pattern ideas and practice with those. Earlier or later, something will "click" inside your head, and you'll find yourself branching out in your own way.
Patience and practice. These are the real keys to mastering the craft, and coming up with original, innovative beadwork.
Sometimes, an amateur to the world of beadwork will be tempted to simply use whatever is on hand, and the results will be haphazard randomness. Now, it is true that this approach can often yield attractive results. There's, however, an increasing body of facts indicating that symmetry and identifiable patterns are one of the keys to defining what we see and recognize as "beauty." A student of bead craft would do fine to take these lessons to heart, which brings us back 'round to the importance of patterning as it relates to your beadwork.
Beadwork patterns could be as simple or as multifaceted as you would care to make them, though I'd recommend less complicated designs for the beginner, with increasing complexity as a natural addition of experience. And do not think that a simple pattern will make unattractive results! The easiest pattern of all is 1-1-1, best embodied by the classic strand of pearls. Easy. Stylish. Eternal.
Still, a lot of people get into bead craft as a form of self presentation, and among the techniques that expression manifests itself in the interest is through the magic of the pattern.
Many people (both novices and experts in the bead craft world) spend hours upon hours testing with arrangements until they hit upon something that's really compelling. More general though, especially to those new to beadwork, is a sense of intimidation. This is unfortunate, but the overwhelming majority of hobbyists will outgrow that fear as they obtain more bead craft experience.
Still, if you've recently taken up beadwork as a hobby and find yourself struggling with the difficulty of developing your own patterns, you can find a number of sites on the web offering bead craft pattern ideas and examples. Make use of these in your designs, and before very long, you'll possibly find yourself thinking, "I like this pattern, but wouldn't it be neat if..." and almost before you know it, you will be on your way to creating your own, wholly exclusive beadwork.
Anyone can, in a matter of minutes, learn the basic mechanics of bead craft, but the real artistry, and the portion that takes longer to master, is learning the art of patterning. My advice to newbies would be simply this: Try developing bead craft patterns on your own, but don't force it. If it is something you are struggling with, seek out bead craft resource web sites on the web for pattern ideas and practice with those. Earlier or later, something will "click" inside your head, and you'll find yourself branching out in your own way.
Patience and practice. These are the real keys to mastering the craft, and coming up with original, innovative beadwork.
About the Author:
Want more great arts and crafts ideas for children? Join us on the web: http://www.beadcraftideas.com/christmas-craft-ideas-for-the-whole-family/
No comments:
Post a Comment