Beading, Design, Informative
Beading Patterns – Purchasing from Beading Treasures
Mar
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The general advice when it comes to bead patterns is not to purchase them unless you see the actual piece woven. This in my opinion mostly applies to smaller pieces and bracelets.
I have to say that when it comes to larger bead loom tapestries or even bead tapestries in other beading stitches, this is not always feasible. Read on to find out why and why Beading Treasures can no longer weave ALL the pieces designed. You know how it is though… sometimes you just cannot resist!!
The feasibility of weaving tapestry patterns
Can be done, but…
I would absolutely LOVE to weave all the patterns that I create….
Actually, I have been doing that so far, except for the commissioned patterns that is.
The main reason is to show my skill in both the designing and the weaving aspects of bead loom tapestries. I have been designing and weaving my own tapestries for more than 14 years now (at the time of writing this article)
Sadly that is no longer feasible for me as it takes a long time to weave a tapestry, about a month on average… not including design time. And I have so much else going on as this is a one-person show.
I have several roles in this company… listed in no particular order
‣Website developer and manager
‣ Customer Support
‣ Designer and Product Developer
‣ Marketing Manager
‣ Financial Manager
‣ Content Creator
‣ Course Developer
As a consequence, if you go to purchase patterns from my online shop, you will find a scant few.
I aim to add so many more in a range of sizes, both in the shop as well as free patterns… but to do that I need to focus on the design process more than the weaving/testing process… Although I will be weaving a bit in the evenings… it is after all my meditation… my therapy.
How will you know that the pattern is well-designed?
From the track record and skill of the designer.
It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. In this case, I find that I totally agree. So I am going to lay everything bare.
Some things to note
1. I will be listing some patterns I have designed for the shop as well as some commissioned patterns that have been woven… only the ones where permission from the weavers has been granted of course. I will make sure that I mention the commissioned pieces and the weaver’s name where permission has been given.
2. The size of the tapestry and the clarity of the image. The smaller the tapestry the more pixelated it will look.
3. Good designers try to reduce the number of colors of beads used in a tapestry. But, the smaller a tapestry is the more colors it needs for a good design.
Images and their beaded versions
These are some of the tapestries that I have designed and woven myself.
As you can see they are free-hanging and not in a frame for several reasons.
1. I love that I can see the bead colors as the color itself is not reflected by the glass when framed.
2. I love being able to touch the tapestry and feel the different texture of the beads
3. I love that the tapestry feels like a cloth made of tiny little glass jewels and so it is a beaded treasure.
4. I love that it shows the skill in weaving. No stretching and fixing onto a board and then matting on top to cover irregularities in the edges.
5. I love that it shows more that it is handmade.
There are more reasons but these will do for now.
I am being incredibly brave in doing this
I am putting the original image used to make the pattern and the woven tapestries that I have designed so far side by side. These do not include any custom-designed tapestries and are by no means all of the tapestries that I have designed and woven.
You will find that I have chosen to list these tapestries from smallest to largest.
PATTERN NAME: ATTITUDE
Approx Width: 20.9 cm or 8.13 inches (150 columns)
Approx Length: 23.8 cm or 9.37 inches (140 rows)
Number of Colors: 38
Number of Beads: 21,000
Loom Used: Hulky
PATTERN NAME: GOLDEN ROSE
Width: 27.12 cm or 10. 28 inches (200 columns)
Length: 32.9 cm or 12.95 inches ( 188 rows)
Number of Colors: 24
Number of Beads: 37,600
Loom Used: Hulky
PATTERN NAME: SUNNY SIDE UP
Width: 42 cm or 10. 16.54 inches (300 columns)
Length: 42.5 cm or 16.74 inches ( 211 rows)
Number of Colors: 32
Number of Beads: 63,300
Loom Used: Mirrix
PATTERN NAME: EYES ON YOU
Width: 46.3 cm or 10. 18.23 inches (330 columns)
Length: 40.4 cm or 15.90 inches ( 238 rows)
Number of Colors: 47
Number of Beads: 78,540
Loom Used: Hulky
Tap these buttons to purchase these patterns or commission your very own pattern from an image of your choice.
What does this mean for Beading Treasures?
More Patterns… more often!
Patterns will be added to the shop as I design them. As they are for large tapestries they can take a while to weave up! And since I will not be weaving them I can get started on the next pattern, which means more of a selection for you to choose from. Will the quality of the patterns be compromised?
Absolutely not.
Commissioned Patterns are Never Tested
Here is something to consider…. I never weave any of my commissioned patterns, yet all of my customers have been very pleased with the work!
Here is a tapestry pattern that was commissioned and woven by Alicia E Blankenship.
Again, this was not tested in any way.
PATTERN NAME: NATURE’S GLORY
Width: 30.6 cm or 12.048 inches (220 columns)
Length: 57 cm or 22.44 inches ( 330 rows)
Number of Colors: 47
Number of Beads: 72,600
Loom Used: Mirrix
To Err is Human
Having said all that, however, I realize that mistakes can be made and sometimes do happen.
I would love it if you would contact me if you are unsure of a color and think it needs replacing!!
In the meantime, you can follow me on:
As you Can See
Beading Treasures is off to an excellent start. It can only get better and better from here, providing you with beautifully designed patterns and all that you need, so that you can make your very own treasures.
To know when there are new additions such as new patterns to the online store, new items in the vault, in the Treasury or the Pattern Repository, and new blog posts or any new developments you will need to sign up for our newsletter.
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Hi there ! I’m Nedal.
I created Beading Treasures to make information about beading large tapestries more accessible, and in doing so encouraging creating of this amazing art form.
Weaving big can seem intimidating but by using some techniques it is totally doable, no more than that it is really enjoyable!
If you’ve found this blog helpful, please support me by choosing the affiliate products on my blog and following me on my social platforms.
Don’t forget to check out the shop.
Thank you!
Nedal Douaihy, Artist & Founder
