Ceramic Beads with Large Holes

Dear Christine:

I have a bunch of very pretty hand painted ceramic beads from India, all with pretty large holes, ~1/8". I am trying to figure out what to do with them. What does one use as string and is it a good idea to string a bunch of heavy beads in the first place?

Thanks,

Mona

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Ceramic Beads with Large Holes

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Stringing Ceramic Beads
by: Christine

Hi Mona,
Thanks for your question :)

Your ceramic bead question reminds me of a Chinese Knotting book I was looking through recently. I remember it having some very pretty ceramic beads with large holes, and the artist used some cotton cording to create decorative knots in between the beads. This would keep down the weight as the beads would be spread out.

Another option would be to use some greek leather with knots in between. Or even some thick hemp with macrame.

If you wanted the necklace to look fuller and more "beady" I recommend mixing the ceramic beads with some lightweight wooden and/ or resin beads. Wouldn't that be pretty?

Good luck!
Christine ~how-to-make-jewelry

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Beading with Large Beads
by: Anonymous

Mona, if you want to use thinner beading wire with your larger beads, you could use smaller beads to stabilize the beads with larger holes.

First thread some seed beads onto your beading wire (ones that are small enough to pass through the holes in your larger beads), then thread the larger beads onto the beading wire with your seed beads.

Because the holes in your larger beads are large, they'll pass right over the seed beads. Your seed beads will be hidden inside of the larger beads, and they will fill out the holes of the larger beads making the large beads more stable on your beading wire.

Hope that's not confusing!

Lisa inspiri-art-and-craft.com

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Large Ceramic Beads
by: Anonymous

Dear Christine and Lisa,

Thank you for the wonderful suggestions. I actually have some Greek leather handy and will try that. I like the other idea too. You guy are awesome.

Mona

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Big Hole Beads
by: Ramblin44

Something my husband just got into that requires large hole beads is weaving wire necklaces, and then putting the beads on the wire. It turns out very elegant looking.