Our recent blogs have been all about colour, the thoughts and perceptions it can produce and how you can use it effectively in your bead work. This time, we’re taking the colour away (at least for a while!) and instead focusing on the power of black and white.
Miyuki Black and White Seed Beads:
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| 0401 | 0401F | 0401SF | 0401FR | 0402 | 0402F | 0402R |
Miyuki Black and White Delica Beads:
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| 0010 | 0310 | 0871 | 0200 | 0351 | 0750 |
There can be a misconception that using just black and white beads in a design can be a bit boring or limiting; however when used correctly they are the ultimate combination due to their high contrast and ability to take on any other colour that’s introduced later. Plus, Miyuki black and white seed and delica beads tend to be more low cost and more economical to use than some of the other bead colours and finishes - great if you’ve got a large or bead-hungry project in mind!
How would you describe black and white beadwork? What style or theme does it represent for you?
Black and white beads can be a brilliant resource for beaders when it comes to designing new concepts and projects.
By using just these two beads they take away the worry of choosing and adapting a colour palette as you create and build your work. They can:
And because of this high contrast appearance, they lend themselves perfectly for geometric pieces where mathematical shapes such as squares, rectangles, triangles, hexagons and so on are a crucial design element in your beadwork. |
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But what if you’ve already beaded something but it just doesn’t feel right? Does that mean you have to start it again in black and white beads? The good news is no, you don’t.
Instead you can apply a few of these considerations in a quick and easy step - take a picture of your beadwork in black and white! Many people have access to a smart phone or tablet with a camera, and they usually have a setting that allows you to take black and white pictures. You can then see areas where you may need to up or lower your contrast (as the colours you’ve chosen may not have enough value difference between them), change the line or flow of your beads or adapt it to make it more balanced.
| In this example, the bracelet is made using predominantly gunmetal coloured Rizo beads, with 8/0 and 11/0 Miyuki seed beads. Although the seed beads are in a bright aqua and orange colour, the bracelet is dominated by the heavier looking Rizo beads, which is more clearly shown in the black and white version. The earrings are made using light grey acrylic rivolis, black picasso Dragonscales, with 11/0 and 15/0 Miyuki seed beads. Although the dominant bead colour is black, the lighter turquoise 15/0 seed beads highlights with the light grey rivoli help the earrings to look more balanced and equal in the black and white version. |
A black and white palette is the perfect base to start adding in colour too, and any colour goes! Simple beaded components take on a new life when a colour is introduced:
| 1 colour creates a bold, modern statement |
| 2-3 colours make the palette more vibrant and energetic |
| Lots of colours make the piece big and proud (aim to keep the elements the same or similar for a more curated look) |
The same idea executed in black or white beads can also result in a dramatic difference, as shown here:
| This beautiful beadwork was originally posted by Carole Garrard as part of Jean Power's Secret Beadalong project*, in August 2023. As stated by Carole "I wasn't happy with my choice of colours. I changed the black 15s for white and what a difference!" Image used with kind permission from Carole Garrard and Jean Power * For more information on Jean Power's Secret Beadalongs, see the bottom of this blog |
And finally, if you’re a colour lover who tends to shy away from black and white beads, try using black and white findings instead to add something different to your designs.
Jean Power's Secret Beadalong
Every year Jean Power hosts two Secret Beadalongs, usually a Summer and Winter version. Each Secret Beadalong is based on a piece of jewellery and/or beaded component designed to be beaded during a set amount of days, or you can choose to complete the whole project as soon as the full instructions are released. However you must NOT share details of the project until each day's beading has been completed (otherwise you'll spoil the surprise for others taking part).
You can sign up to take part in each Secret Beadalong a few months before the official start date and you'll receive the following:
1. A 'Requirements' list for the project, usually just after you've signed up
2. An 'Essentials' list which details techniques, tips, terminology and sometimes some optional prep work, usually a short time before the Secret Beadalong starts
3. The full instructions for the Secret Beadalong, just before it starts
For full details of the Secret Beadalong, including costs, terms and conditions, please visit Jean Power's website where you can sign up to current and previous Secret Beadalongs.
You can also check out Jean's fab work in her gallery, purchase her kits, read her blog and more at https://www.jeanpower.com/
Please note - Secret Beadalong details correct at time of blog publishing, though may be subject to change - please check Jean Power's website for the most up to date information.