BONE JEWELLERY

Beaded Jewelry
	Product Characteristics Popular Bead Types Popular Beadwork Styles Factor Affecting price Types of Beads Types of Stitching Size of piece Pattern of Piece Colour Significance Stitching Materials	FOUND AROUND CANADA

	Bead work founded in 1800's upon the arrival of Europeans and was a heavily traded item during the Fur Trade era (began to replace quills as decoration of choice)
	If beads were used, they were small tubular beads made of bone from mammals, birds, etc.
	Beadwork was traditionally used to show tribal affiliations, or the completion of rites of passage
	Designs vary depending on your location in Canada
	Products include earrings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, berets, hair ties, broaches and chokers and rings.
	Various types of beads are used, but authentic, traditional beads are made of glass
	Plastic beads are sometimes used to reduce costs, however, are not recognized by the Indian Arts and Crafts Association of the US as authentic
	Blue beads were historically considered chief beads and held in high regard in some cultures.

Beaded Pendant

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Beaded earings

	Seed beads: tiny beads requiring great skill, patience and can produce very detailed images
	Cut beads: larger beads used for larger patterns and jewellery items
	Crow or pony beads: similar to a seed bead only larger in size
	Fire polished beads: quality crystal beads
	Chorlotte beads: also referred to as true cuts. These beads are opaque, round and have 1-3 facets ground in their surface. Produces a sparkle and is fairly rare. Bugle beads: small tubular beads which can be used in a variety of work.
	Brass and nickel beads: come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are used for many types of jewellery
	Plastic beads: inexpensive alternative for glass beads

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	Looms-easiest method to create a repeating pattern or design
	Free hand-beads are sewn directly to the buckskin or cloth; is very time consuming and hard on the hands
	Wire weave-also referred to as wire work which is good for necklaces, tings and bracelets. Simplest form of beading.
	Developed from basic braiding techniques.
	Bias weaving-similar to wire weaving except each beaded strand is staggered to allow for a circular shape.
	Double strand weave-is produced on a loom and does not require a needle to complete
	Single strand weave-technique using a loom, where thread passes through the same row of beads twice before advancing to the next row. As opposed to double strand, this does require a needle.
	Lazy stitch-this covers the most area, in the least amount of time and 8-10 beads can be used per stitch
	Applique stitch-a unique methhod that uses two threads and every second or third bead is sewn down. Method used are floral or pictorial designs and used mainly by Woodland tribal affiliations
	Rosettes method works from inside, out beginning with one bead in the middle. Sizes range from a dime to a dinner plate.

Beaded neckless

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Traditional beadwork is very difficult to price as many factors come into play. All must be considered at once when determining price. For instance, larger beads are less expensive but can be stiched in a more difficult manner using sinew vs. thread and therefore equalling the cost of a seed bead piece.

	Larger beads are easier to work with than smaller beads
	Glass beads are superior to plastic beads (glass beads are the only type accepted as authentic by the Indian Arts and Crafts Association of the U.S.)

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	Type of stitching truly reflects the skills and traditional knowledge of the producer
	Loom work is generally less difficult than free hand stitching and less time consuming.
	Work on leather is more time consuming than work on fabrics. ___
	Larger pieces may not always be more expensive. Size can only be a fact when similar beads and stitching techniques have been used. ...........
	Intricate patterns are more difficult than simple patterns, however, patterns can also only be evaluated based on similar stitching and bead types.
	Colour matched beads may increase the price.
	Some bead colours represent certain things and may increase the value. ____
	Authentic sinew is more expensive than manufactured sinew.
	Thread is the least expensive
	Sinew is more difficult to work with than thread.