About Nanetta Bananto Expertise I can answer questions concerning design, peyote-primarily free-form, bead tips, supplies, bead embroidery, fringing, mixed media-including wire, polymer clay and fused glass. I can answer some historical questions. I cannot answer questions about patterns.
Experience
Past/Present clients Anna's Gallery, Wichita Art Museum, City Arts - Wichita, Ks. Hays Arts Council, Hays, Ks. Lester Raymer Red Barn Studio, Lindsborg, Ks., Variations, St. Louis Mo. LA County Museum of Art, LA CA.
Question I've worked very little in past with actual beadwork, tending to focus more on wirework and beading on knit wire, but I'm interested in learning more beading stitches. As I'm a highschool student, I can hardly afford to attend classes on a regular basis. I've found a couple good tutorials on fusionbeads.com, from which I've been able to pick up some basics, but I'm wondering if you know of any good websites that have more expansive tutorials? Eventually, I'd like to be able to do more free-form stitches, but I figure I really need to get the basics down first. Thanks so much, jenica
Answer Dear Jenica -
You are already way ahead of the game, trying different expressions of beadwork. You should have no problem exploring thread and needle.
First thing, get a good needle. I use John James. They last a long time and have a nice eye. I use Nymo beading thread. A thread conditioner is a good idea. Thread Heaven is a product which lubricates the thread, helping to eliminate tangles and allowing beads to slip more easily on the thread.
The peyote stitch is amazing. You can bead circular, freeform, linear. Peyote stitch is also called the "gourd stitch" because it was used to cover gourds with beadwork. It is a weaving technique done with one needle.
Begin with a line or circle of single beads. The next row is: one in, one out, leaving a space in between the beads. The next row fills in the spaces. That is it in a nutshell.
When doing uniform peyote, bead sizes are uniform and "snap" into place. When doing freeform, experiment with different size beads, weave back and forth, etc.
These are some links to try. Bead and Button is very good about easy to follow instructions.
Also, check out the "Mermaid Necklace" at my Ruby Lane store. It is all freeform peyote. The other items are mostly bead embroidery. If you want info on that, write back and I will share.
