These size 11/0 Czech glass Transparent Lustred amethyst seed beads are used predominately for bead weaving, surface embellishment, such as embroidery and hand bead weaving e.g peyote stitch. They are widely used in decorative surface treatments on clothing and textiles in addition to delicate fashion jewellery, such as friendship bracelets and intricate weaving and loom work because of their uniform shape. These glass beads are made by the established glass company Preciosa (prior to that Ornela a state run factory by Jablonex) in the mountains north of Prague. Seed beads are also known as rocailles (French “little stones”) and are made of the highest quality glass by the drawn glass method. Literally the glass is drawn out to become a long hollow tube and then cut into small pieces. Seed beads are affordable, durable to work with and having a multitude of colours and finishes and sizes available give the crafts person broad scope in creativity.  Sizing is based on the size rod used for the manufacture of glass beads. The smaller the number, the larger the bead.

DETAILS:

• Transparent Lustred – amethyst
• Size 11/0 Czech glass seed beads
  Each tiny bead measures about 2.1mm & a hole size of 0.7mm. Yes they are very small!
• Hanks,  made of 12 strands, are folded in half into a bundle, so that there are 24 thread ends tied off

For more information: click on the text thumbnail (left hand side of image) or here

Artisans around the globe have used seed beads for nearly 500 years in jewellery making, producing elaborate clothing textiles and tribal regalia. Beaded articles are a symbol of a person’s marital status, wealth and power. Beads communicate different societies’ values especially in Africa where a  Zulu love letters (iNcwadi) is used as means of maidens communicating to their lovers with each colour and combination having a specific meaning. In Massai bead work there are 40 words for different types of Massai beadwork. American Indians also used intricate beaded motifs to communicate between tribes. Each tribe had their own distinctive geometric or floral design.