Winged Beauty
Triptych by theresa mARTin
 

Winged Beauty in Purple
Triptych by theresa mARTin

Winged Beauty in Lavender
Triptych by theresa mARTin

Winged Beauty in Turquoise
Triptych by theresa mARTin

A bead loom can be purchased at most craft stores. Remember - the instructions on the boxes say ages 8 and up; so you can do it! I like the multi-color iridescent beads which produce a beautiful texture on its own without a pattern design.

1.  This example shows a row of 8 beads. For 8 beads you will need 9 lengths of thread cut two feet longer than the design. Lay threads alongside each other and tie a knot at each end and trim excess thread close to knot. Separate the bundle into equal halves.

2. Place the thread knot under the nail head on one spool so that each half of threads are separated. Turn spool to wind the thread on the spool until approximately 9 inches of thread is left. Place the other end of the separated halves of the thread bundle over the opposite nail head. Use a toothpick if necessary to lift each thread into a separator bar. Wind to tighten.

3. Cut a single 36" length of beading thread and thread the needle. Knot the end of a beading thread to an outside thread on the the loom and trim the thread close to the knot.

4. Thread 8 beads and bring beads under the loom threads. Lift the beads up with a free finger (this takes a little practice!) and pull thread through the holes on top of the loom threads capturing the beads in place. Each bead is held between two threads. (See Illustration at right.) Once the first row is in place and holding the loom threads apart and in place, the consecutive rows are easier to bead.

6. When the rows are finished you will need to end the bead design. This is achieved by weaving a piece of thread in and out of the loom threads until you have at least a quarter inch of weaving. I usually put some fabric glue over the threads for extra security.

Now we begin the collage and add the beads!