History of Beads

History of Beads

Forming beads begins with melting sand, rock, metals and other earth elements. Consistent coloration in bead toning will have a specific mix of elements for uniformity. Often times the beads are made from premixed bulk glass stock that was previously melted and then re-softened during the forming phase. When the hot molten substance begins to cool additional metals may be added to enhance the coloration or to completely change the hue. A bead tone that appears to reflect a rainbow finish or iridescence may be given this unique appearance through the introduction of a metal compound. This extremely small amount may be applied as a layer, or added as a mixed component.

The more uniform the bead the better quality art piece can be created. The uniformity will align beads in an organized manner, improving the flatness. This also helps to balance out patterns, enhancing the quality of design. There are many manufacturers of glass beads. The quality is often reflected in the price. However, many people do not know the difference for use in application. A Taiwanese forward bead may be the affordably choice for fabric appliqué work as the glass beads are wearable, yet not to expensive if broken or lost; and can be easily replaced.

The TOHO line can be used in most all applications and come at varying quantities, slight difference in affordability; with justified reason. THE standard round seed bead is the most versatile solution for any project the sizes range dependant primarily on the crafters need. The largest available size that Bigbeads offer is the size 6 bead, very similar to the E bead. However, the E bead is actually a size 5 bead. The tiniest bead we offer is in the size 15 round. The smaller the bead used the higher amount of detail you can put into a design. The use of the standard round is limitless.

The TOHO line offers a thinner walled bead making the glass beads lighter in weight. The beads are also more uniform on the outside and inside walls. This contributes to more beads per gram than others, more thread / needle passes, and less throw aways'.

In addition to color selection, the flattest bead patterns and crafts are contributed to by the type and shape of bead. The glass cylinder beads vary in color and size, just as the standard round. The AIKO cylinder line is bar none the supreme performing bead made by TOHO. It is a craft makers dream. These beads are nearly perfect with 99% accuracy; they have the best ratio for usability. TOHO also offers the Treasure line as their standard cylinder bead. The Treasure line is similar in performance to the Miyuki TM, Delia cylinder beads. Many crafters argue that the cylinder beads are not interchangeable.

I have created many handmade crafts, and have used all colors interchangeable with success. I have found some colors in all classes of beads that have had some minor variance in size. However this has made little contribution to the outcome of the project.