Halo Beads
In this blog section, I want to help those of you find out all about the different types of bead we have available today. So, I’m going to take a look at Halo beads....
Over recent years, the beading market has been bombarded with a lot of exciting new types of bead. In fact, the rate at which these beads have appeared has been quite overwhelming. So, you can be forgiven for feeling completely confused by all the choices. But I’m here to help… In this section I look at the multi-holed seed beads…
Probably the best known (and most widely used) of this bead type is the Superduo. So, if you know that bead, then I hope that gives you an immediate context for the kind of thing I’m talking about here.
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, then let me try and describe the Superduo. It is an oval shaped bead, about 2.5mm wide and 5mm long. It has two holes through the bead – one at either end.
So, this is a classic example of a multi-holed seed bead. It is small enough in size to be counted within the seed bead category. But it has a shape and has more than one hole through it.
Now, since the launch of the Superduos, we have gained LOADS of other beads with multiple holes and interesting shapes. You’re about to find out…
Some of these beads have two holes, some have three holes and some eve have four holes. They vary hugely in shape and also in size.
You will typically use them for bead-weaving projects. And you will normally combine them with other types of bead. So, it’s quite rare to make an entire piece of jewellery, or other project using just one type of this bead.
Their beauty comes from the fact that they create immediate texture and interest in a beading design.
So, in each of the posts below, I have explained what the bead is, how to use it, and I have given you links to patterns you can try. I’ve also included suggestions for where to buy the beads, if you need help with that.
In this blog section, I want to help those of you find out all about the different types of bead we have available today. So, I’m going to take a look at Halo beads....
What on earth are Nib Bit beads? This post is going to give you the answer, plus some links to Nib bit beading patterns and places to buy Nib bit beads. So, read on…...
So, what can I tell you about Paisley Duo beads? Well, they are a shaped seed bead. You can see the shape in the photos, so you don’t need me to explain how it...
What are RounDuo beads? Where can you buy them? How do you use them? Where can you find patterns and tutorials? If you asked any – or all – of those questions, then you’ve...
Are you looking for Iris Duo beads to buy? Or maybe you want some patterns and tutorials that use these beads? Are you simply just curious about what Iris Duos are? Then, you’ve come...
If you’ve found this post, then you are probably wanting to find out about Storm Duo beads. Maybe you don’t know what they are. Or perhaps you want a pattern that uses them, or...
RounTrio beads are an innovation from the Potomac bead company. The name really gives you all the clues you need. This is a round seed bead with three holes through it. Description of RounTrio...
Continuing on my mission to help demystify all the different types of seed bead… So, today, let me talk about Rulla seed beads. Or you may see them just referred to as Rulla beads....
Arcos beads are made by the same manufacturer as the Kheops. In this article, I am going to be talking about the Arcos alongside their design fellow: Minos beads. These are two distinct types...
What are DiamonDuo Beads? As soon as you hear this name, you must surely think of Superduos and Miniduos, so once again, the clue is in the name. DiamonDuo beads are a little larger...
Superduo Duets are exclusive to the Beadsmith. If you are already familiar with Superduo beads, then you are going to love these. The bead shape and size is identical, but the appearance is defined...
Ava Beads are another type of seed bead, the brainchild of the Potomac Bead Company. These beads are made in the Czech Republic, using the top quality Czech glass that all us beaders love!...
With an overwhelming number of types and colours of seed beads on the market today, it can be really confusing when you set out to a bead shop or bead fair. However intent I...
So what are Chilli Beads? The short answer is, a shaped two-holed seed bead. Designed to look a little like Chilli beans, as you are about to find out, these beads are interesting, distinctive...
What are Honeycomb Beads? The simple answer is, Honeycomb beads are another variety of two-holed seed bead. Currently made in the Czech Republic, they are six-sided so they will tessellate into a honeycomb shape....
What are Lentil Beads? Lentil beads looked like round beads that have been squashed into a flattish shape – I say ‘flattish’ because they have slightly rounded fronts and backs which allows you to...
What are Silky Beads? Silky beads are one of the many varieties of two-holed seed bead. They look like small diamonds, or squares (depending on how you are looking at them!) and they measure...
This blog about Infinity Beads will tell you what they are, gives some great tips on how to work with them and, if you want to try more, you can find some links to...
Quadra Tile beads fall under the very broad umbrella of ‘new shaped seed beads’. They were introduced to the market in 2014 by the Starman company. They are square in shape and quite thin....
What Are Piggy Beads? Piggy Beads are made in the Czech Republic. They are little round beads, measuring about 8mm in diameter. Instead of being flat discs, the front of the bead has been...
Kheops Par Puca Beads – What are they? Kheops Par Puca beads are basically another variety of seed bead. They look like small triangles – about 6mm in size – and they have two...
If you’re anything like me, then as a beginner, one of the first things you’ll notice is the overwhelming variety of beads available. So, you’ve probably found yourself asking, ‘how do I choose seed...
Twin hole beads and Superduos are some of the emerging shaped seed beads. Like the Tile beads, they are different because each bead has two holes instead of just one, presenting new challenges for design. You...
Tile beads are flat squares with two holes through each bead, so they can be joined top and bottom. Each bead measures about 5mm across each side. There are two major manufacturers: Miyuki company...