GetCrafty Craft Facts

Q: Yes, I think this technique is explained quite well in the book: "15 Beads A Guide to Creating One-Of-A-Kind Beads" by 'Jane Dunnewold'. It is a recent book, and you should be able to order it from just about anywhere.

A: This technique, or a less elaborate version of it at least, is described as "Spider Web Beads", on page 50. I think Ms. Lillie is using silk thread and knotting between her small (15s?) as she is working to cover the underlying bead. She uses beads she has made for the base, but you can use wooden beads to learn on. The basic description of method is: You knot embroidery thread on the bead like the meridians on a globe dividing the sphere into 10 or 12 or more equal sections. You string the beads on the working thread and loop around your base threads. In Lillie's case, 'New Beadwork' says she knots in between each bead she puts on. You may or may not do this, and it will still work. This technique is described as being easy enough for children by 'Jane Dunnewold'. Dunnewold uses size 11 beads, you will have more intricate patterns if you use smaller beads. 'Dunnewold' uses size 8 perle cotton as the base threads that divide the sphere. You can use a finer gauge if you like, and make it yours. There was an artist featured in the incredible book: "The New Beadwork". Her name is 'Jacqueline Lillie' (sp). Her work was described as "an ancient knotting technique". I even bought back issues of 'Ornament' magazine where she was featured, but there were no descriptions - does anyone know how to do this? I have a copy of an article from a very early issue of 'Ornament Magazine' that has a four-square knotting technique (the same one I learned years ago in Girl Scouts, LOL) that I have been using for years. I don't have 'The New Beadwork', so I don't know specifically what you are talking about, but there are LOTS of knotting techniques.