If you’re new to bead
crafts, it may take a few tries to get a beading project to look how you
imagined – and that’s okay! But once you have successfully created a few
different projects with your beads, you may be looking to branch out and try
something new.
Many beaders will
be familiar with Miyuki Beads – one of the most popular types of beads
available on the market. So what are Miyuki Beads? And what kinds of unique and
inspiring designs can you make with them?
In this blog, we
will briefly explain what Miyuki
beads are and why they are so
popular, and then link three unique design ideas that Miyukis can be used in to
inspire you.
What are Miyuki Beads?
Miyuki are a
well-known Japanese glass bead manufacturer, and their beads are considered
incredibly high-quality. Each bead is created to exact quality and
measurements, making for consistent shape and size when using them in beading
projects. There are many different types of Miyuki beads – but the most common and
well-known are Delicas and Seed beads – which is the main types of Miyukis we will be discussing today.
Find out more about
Miyuki Delica and Seed Beads.
Keychains
The first of our
unique design ideas comes directly from Miyuki and uses their world-famous Miyuki
Delica Beads. They are called ‘Miyuki Delica Maneki Neko Charms’ and
essentially are hanging charms or even keychains where the design can be
created with beads.
These particular
pieces use small waving cats as the design, however with practice and some
preparation you could use the concept to create any keychain design idea.
The design uses
nylon thread and ladder and brick stitching methods along with the Miyuki Seed
Beads.
These designs are made
to be attached to small metal chains so can be used as phone charms, keychains
or similar to add a unique element and show off your skill to the world.
See the full Maneki Neko Charm pattern here.
Standing Pieces
Another design that
you may not have considered when beginning on your bead embroidery career is to
create standing pieces. As a contrast to keychains or jewellery, Miyuki bead
projects can be paired with display stands to create upright pieces that can be
displayed on any flat surface.
The design we’ve
chosen for your inspiration is the Miyuki
Delica Bead Chess Piece Statues – another design by Miyuki. These use
black, grey, and gold pieces to create different traditional chess pieces such
as the King, Queen, Knight, and Pawn. To create a full usable chess set you
would also need to swap out the colours for white or another alternative, but
these pieces make a fantastic table or shelf décor.
You could even make
these into Christmas ornaments if hung in the same way as the keychains above.
Tapestries
The final unique
design we will be sharing with you is the Miyuki Mt. Fuji Beyond the Waves Mini
Tapestry design.
The mini tapestry
is a stunning piece made with Miyuki Delica beads and depicting a beautiful
image inspired by Mt. Fuji, the tallest mountain in Japan.
This beading
project is incredibly unique and very beautiful, using a stunning combination
of Miyuki bead colours to create the swirling design.
Tapestries like
these can be given as gifts, hung on walls or hooks or even laid out on
surfaces to bring something extra to your home.
Looking for more
inspiration for your next beading project? Keep an eye on our blog for more patterns and design ideas.
If you’re
looking to get started with any of the above designs for your bead embroidery,
order your Miyuki
Seed Beads and Miyuki
Delica Beads online
through CJ Beaders today. We offer free delivery throughout the UK on orders
over £25 or click and collect from our physical store in the New Forest.
Want to know
more about our available products, or can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in touch today.