BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Beadwork What kind of material to use

Hi,I'm fairly new at bead work and I really would like to start making beaded cuff bracelets, but I'm not sure what material I need to sew on and what leather is to be used and were they can be purchased. I really need some guidance. LOL. Thanks, Gwen

Hi, do you intend on making a stiff cuff on a metal base, a soft one backed by a fabric? I have used ultrasuade in the past and sewed my loomed piece to it around the edges. I am currently using the leather from a jacket that my DH was going to throw away. I have enough to make a lot of bracelets lol. If you are using a bracelet blank I glue a piece of ultra suade too the top of the form in a color to match your bead work and a piece of suade too the bottom. Make sure that you cut the materials about 1/4" wider and longer than the blank. Then I glue the bead work to the ultrsuade. I use E6000 glue. Then I sew all around the edges with beads. Hope this helps.

What's the best color combination? I want to create one with an elegant design...

Hi, Sorry it took so long to reply, I've been very busy. Anyway color combination is up to you. Black and white is a classic and can be very elagant. It can be worn in any season and will go with lots of outfits. I made one with all silverlined crystal seed beads, boy does it ever sparkel. It is very elagant for evening wear. Hopr this helps.