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Humans started to adorn their bodies with beads from the first moment they become aware of themselves and of their environment. It started tens of thousands years ago and has not ceased since.
At first gatherers used seashells and hunters used the bones and the teeth of animals they found. From the Stone Age to the present day, every civilization across all continents used beads.
Beads became more intricate as humans evolved. As new technologies were developed those technologies were used to make beads. When ceramics was invented ceramic beads were created. The more advanced the civilization the more sophisticated the adornments. The Australian aborigines used kangaroo bones, the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt crafted exquisite jewelry made of stone, gold and silver, the ancient Chinese dynasties carved semi precious stones, bones as well as horns. The higher the status of the wearer the more valuable the materials used and the better the craftsmanship. Folk costumes were gilded with glass beads while crowns were encrusted with priceless precious stones. Whether driven by superstition, religious beliefs or the simple desire to make the wearer more beautiful, beaders have crafted their way into the history books.
Today, present day humans are still fascinated by beads. People are beading more than ever. Young children start to  bead in preschool with big colorful plastic beads. Adult beaders are making jewelry that reflects their own personal unique expressions. Beading is fun, relaxing and downright addictive. When you get your hands on an assortment of stone, pearl, colorful glass beads it is hard not to get hooked. There is magic in the turquoise, coral and jade. You can mix metal beads with semi precious stones and gems, pearls with bone, glass beads and crystal beads.
There are no rules, use the combination of materials that is right for you. You create the style to suite the time, the place and the wearer of the jewelry. If you don't like what you've created, or if you encounter a design you no longer like, simply undo the work and re-assemble the beads and rearrange them into a new piece. Stunning jewelry has been made with love from the simplest of materials and from old discarded jewelry.
Beading can be an inexpensive satisfying hobby. Beading can also be a great money making small business. When making jewelry for yourself, to sell to others or as a gift to someone you love, you can bead inexpensively. Make a fancy black choker and incorporate a stunning sterling silver pendant. String a colorful fun necklace with a few glass beads or design a bracelet and reproduce it to sell in a variety of shapes sizes and colors. You can make a limited budget go a long way by !!!planning you bead projects carefully. Beading can be instantly rewarding to both you the gift giver and to the gift receiver. You can quickly select some beads and string them effortlessly into a fancy necklace while the receiver looks on admiringly at the end product.
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