That History of Beads Part 1

HISTORY OF BEADS

MINI SERIES PART 1

Present in all cultures and at all times throughout history, beads have a fascinating story which spans the globe. We explore the world over. Looking at the areas from which beads are originate and examine how beads are used, as a form of money, and as a show of wealth and power.

The origins of beads

Beads have been made on all continents since they first appeared over 40,000 years ago. Initially using local materials, many regions developed specific bead designs and techniques. These spreading during times of migration such as under the ...

Roman Empire

With the discovery of new continents by explores such as Marco Polo and through trading, especially from the 15th century onwards when the world was flooded with European beads. Because of the movement of beads and techniques, the exact origins of the bead and the route on which it may have traveled can be difficult to trace.

THE AMERICAS
South and Central America have long, sophisticated bead-making traditions. North America's native beads made from the materials such as quill and wampum, were replaced by imported European beads when the continent was colonized.
North American beads was introduced to the Americas by traders and explores such Columbus, whose first act on landing in 1492 was to offer beads to the Arawak Indians. Featured in Indian bead work are rocailles, and bugles turquoise, coral and silver. True freshwater pearls are found in the Mississippi river basin.

European
Bead making, present in France since 38,000 BC, flourished with the Romans, Byzantines, and Vikings.

Northern Europe

British whitby jet beads exported since the Roman occupation, were most popular in the Victoria era. Today top quality beads are made from local woods and porcelain. Amber is native to the Baltic coast Indistinguishable from Venetian glass, many beads were made in Amsterdam circa 1550-1750 and imported into Africa and North America.

France

In Oyonnax, southern France, the plastic bead trade replaced the 19th century horn industry. Greece produces silver filigree worried beads and colorful and decorated ceramics. Italy: The Roman glass industry evolved into a bead center on the Venetian island Murano, which dominated the world bead trade from the Renaissance. Millefiori, chevron, seed beads, and decorated lampwork typify the tradition. The export trade in glass bars explains the similarity between beads from different countries. Coral has been carved for centuries in Naples.

Part 2 in the HISTORY OF BEADS, we will discuss Beads from Central Europe, Japan China and other parts of the Far East.

You can find Quality Beads, Amazing Prices & Fast Shipping! We are committed to customer service. Stone beads, Fiber optic cats eye beads, Czech, Swarovski,Glass, Seed beads for all your bead, beaded and jewelry projects at my store, Beads.

The Art of Cross Stitch

One of my hobbies is cross stitching. For those of you who don’t know what cross stitch is, it is a form of embroidery that uses “X” shaped stitches to create pictures. Sound simple? For the most part it is easy, but as any experienced stitcher can tell you, count wrong and an entire project can be ruined!Cross stitching has been around for centuries. It was used in the Middle Ages to decorate clothing. Samplers also appeared during this time. Designs were stitched without the benefit of a pattern and were often placed on cloth at random. In 1500, the first printed patterns appeared, but they were very simple designs of flowers and animals.

Red dye became widely available during the 1600’s. This started the “Red Revolution” in which all cross stitch became red designs stitched on white cloth. Samplers became a way for women to practice writing by stitching alphabets.

Since the 1700’s, patterns similar to what we know today have been produced. Landscape patterns appeared, as well as many other realistic designs. Cross stitching was taught in schools until the late 1800’s. Women from all walks of life practiced the art.

Today, if you can imagine it, it can be stitched. Photographs can be used to create stitching patterns. Computer programs can be purchased to create custom designed patterns. And enter any craft store and you’ll find hundreds of patterns and kits with designs ranging from angels to zebras, and everything in between.

I’ve cross stitched most of my life, an art taught to me by my grandmother. I’ve stitched designs large and small, and often create gifts for the people in my life using cross stitch.

I carry cross stitch patterns and kits in my store, Prairie Post Emporium. I also occasionally add my own cross stitch work for purchase. Stop by often to check out the selection, as it’s always changing!

Find books, toys, clothing, jewelry, beads, pottery and collectibles at the Circle of Stores.