Assembly of a Beaded Barrette

This will be the last session working with the "sunburst" barrette. Read each step carefully before proceeding to the next step. These are the final steps:

1. Tie off  and cut your needle thread from your barrette, leaving about 3 inches hanging

      2. Remove barrette from loom by loosening threads from one end at a time

       3. Twist end threads (one end at a time) and glue to the back of the barrette. Make sure to pull threads tightly against side of barrette

NOTE: If like me you get glue on your hands or if the glue leaks through to the front of your barrette, nail polish remover will remove it.
      4. After securing all threads (be sure to secure your threads from the needle also) to the back of the barrette trim threads

     5. Measure barrette against your felt, measuring twice the width of your barrette (see photo following step 6)
     6. Remove middle bar from barrette blank

     7. Place blank between the fold of felt, folding bottom half over top of blank, mark top of felt where the latch and hinge ends are
     8. Cut slits in felt and push latch and hinge ends up through felt

     9. Replace middle bar into barrette
     10. Using the same thread used for beading, sew felt to the barrette

NOTE: You may use any technique that works best for you; however I use one of two techniques;

• a whip stitch around the edges of the barrette
• a basic stitch in between each bead row, being careful to hide your stitch among the beads

Now you may wear your barrette with great pride.
Congratulations on completing your  "sunburst" barrette!

The Finishing Touch

In this session, you will be putting "the finishing touch"-- the fringe on your barrette. Fringe sometimes enhances the beauty of a barrette, other times a barrette is most beautiful plain. I made a new pattern as a guide for you.

To get started:

• Your thread should still be at the bottom of row 35
• NOTE: If you have already tied your thread off, all you need to do is tie the thread onto the top loom thread at row 35 and run needle down through row 35

I have inserted the following photo as a sample of how to make your fringe.

Steps for making the fringe:

1. Gather the appropriate number of beads (see the following list) onto your needle
2. Push all the beads but the bottom one, to the top of thread
3. Run needle through all the beads, except the last bead 
4. Continue to run needle up through the same row

NOTE: If your needle will not go through all the beads in the row( you do not want to force it, you may break a bead in the barrette), simply push the needle through the beads it will go through to the back of the loom. Then lace the thread (over and under) your loom threads to the top loom thread.
     5. Run needle down through next row
You will need to repeat steps 1-5 for each fringe strand.

• Row 35: 10F
• Row 34: 10C, 1F
• Row 33: 10D, 1C, 1F
• Row 32: 10E, 1D, 1C,1F
• Row 31: 10C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 30: 10D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 29: 10E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 28: 10C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 27: 10D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 26: 10E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 25: 10C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 24: 10D,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 23: 10E,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 22: 10C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 21: 10D,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 20: 10F,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 19: 10F,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 18: 10F,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 17: 10F,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 16: 10F,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 15: 10D,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 14: 10C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 13: 10E,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 12: 10D,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 11: 10C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 10: 10E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 9: 10D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 8: 10C,1E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 7: 10E,1D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 6: 10D,1C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 5: 10C,1E,1D,1C,1F
• Row 4: 10E, 1D, 1C,1F
• Row 3: 10D, 1C, 1F
• Row 2: 10C, 1F
• Row 1: 10F

Tie off your thread at the top of the loom, to the left of row 1. Do not cut you thread yet.

In the next session, which will be our last one on this particular barrette, we will finish the barrette, by mounting it onto the blank.

Last Quarter of the Sunburst Barrette

During this very short session, we will be completing the barrette, with the exception of what I call the finishing touch; the fringe.
The worst part is over with now. As they say "it is all downhill from here." Only eight more rows to go till your barrette is complete.
Shortly, you will be able to proudly wear your very own creation with great pride.
Let's get started:

• Row 28: 1C,1F,16B,1F,1C
• Row 29: 1C,1F,16B,1F,1C
• Row 30: 1C,1F,16B,1F,1C
• Row 31: 1C,1F,16B,1F,1C
• Row 32: 1C,1F,16B,1F,1C
• Row 33: 1C,1F,16B,1F,1C
• Row 34: 1C,18F,1C
• Row 35: 20C

Now your barrette is complete. Upon completion of my barrette, I have decided that it is beautiful without adding fringe. However, if you wish to add fringe, I will be telling you how in the next session.
Have fun.

The third quarter of the Sunburst Barrette

During this session we will be completing the third quarter of our barrette. But before I can start working on my barrette I have to re thread my needle. I realize I have not told you how to re thread your needle if you needle runs out of thread.
Just as when we began, measure your thread at least twice the length of your arm's reach and wax it. Now tie it onto your bottom loom thread between lines 16 and 17.

Tie the end of your new thread and the end of your old thread into a small knot. Next run your needle up through  line 17 and down through line 18. Now, you are ready to begin beading again;

•  Row 19: 1C, 1F, 3B,1D,1E,1C,4F,1C,1E,1D,3B,1F,1C
• Row 20: 1C, 1F, 3B,1D,1E,2C,2F,2C,1E,1D,3B,1F,1C
• Row 21: 1C, 1F, 3B,1C,1D,1E,4C,,1E,1D,1C,3B,1F,1C
• Row 22: 1C, 1F, 3B,1E,1C,1D,4E,1D,1C,1E,3B,1F,1C
• Row 23: 1C, 1F, 3B,1D,1E,1C,4D,1C,1E,1D,3B,1F,1C

• Row 24: 1C, 1F, 3B,1C,1D,1E,4C,1E,1D,1C,3B,1F,1C
• Row 25: 1C, 1F, 4B,1C,1D,4E,1D,1C,4B,1F,1C
• Row 26: 1C, 1F, 5B, 1C,4D,1C,5B,1F,1C
• Row 27: 1C, 1F, 6B,4C,6B,1F,1C

Now we are seventy-five percent finished with the barrette. Next session we will complete the barrette. I hope you are as excited as I am about completing this barrette. Until next time;

Have fun.

Sunburst Barrette: Completing the second quarter

In this session, you will be starting the first half of the sunburst design. The design is the hardest part of any barrette; one misplaced bead throws the whole design off. So be very careful. Count each bead carefully, even double check your pattern before placing the beads on the loom.

If you do misplace a bead, and you have already placed them on the loom, you will need to find the loop of thread at the top of that row. Then gently loosen it and pull it back through that row of beads, remove the misplaced beads and start the row over.

Now to start where we left off last session:

• Row 9: 1C,1 F,6B.4C,6B,1F,1C
• Row 10: 1C,1 F,5B,1C,4D,1C,5B,1F,1C
• Row 11: 1C,1 F,4B,1C,1D,4E,1D,1C,4B,1F,1C
• Row 12: 1C,1 F,3B,1C,1D,1E,4C,1E,1D,1C,3B,1F,1C
• Row 13: 1C,1 F,3B,1D,1E,1C,4D,1C,1E,1D,3B,1F,1C
• Row 14: 1C,1 F,3B,1E,1C,1D,4E,1D,1C,1E,3B,1F,1C
• Row 15: 1C,1 F,3B,1C,1D,1E,4C,1E,1D,1C,3B,1F,1C
• Row 16: 1C,1 F,3B,1D,1E,2C,2F,2C,1E,1D,3B,1F,1C
• Row 17: 1C,1 F,3B,1D,1E,1C,4F,1C,1E,1D,3B,1F,1C
• Row 18: 1C,1 F,3B,1D,1E,1C,4F,1C,1E,1D,3B,1F,1C

Now you have completed the first half of your barrette. At this point, I always get excited and want to finish the whole barrette. I love to see the pattern coming together. However, for this project, I am doing just as you are and completing it in four sections.

Next session we will be completing the deign, which will be the third quarter of the barrette. Until then;

Happy Beading.

Starting Your Barrette

I have decided to break up the process of beading a barrette into quarters, as not to stress you too much. When learning to loom bead, mistakes will most likely be made and can be a little nerve wrecking. In this session you will start the first quarter of your barrette.
By this time you have decided what two colors you want to use for your border. Recall the labels you applied to your colors last session, then label the border beads appropriately (C, D, E, or F). For the sample barrette I have chosen to use the colors labeled C and F.
Getting started you will need to collect and separate your beads, using a divided plate or try.

Now to start beading;

1. Gather 20 C beads onto your needles.

• A.  Push the beads to the end of your thread.
• B.  Push the beads up through the bottom of the loom threads. Each bead should be in between two loom threads.
• C.  Push your needle through the beads starting at the top; be sure to keep the needle on top of the loom threads. If your needle is not on top of your loom threads your beads will fall off the loom.

NOTE: If this does happen you will have to replace the fallen beads onto your thread and repeat steps B and C.
Also do not pull your thread too tightly, most beads are not uniform in size and pulling the thread tight will make the barrette appear misshapen.

• For all the rows of your barrette, after gathering the appropriate beads you will need to repeat steps A-C.

    2.Gather: 1C, 18F,1C
    3.Gather: 1C, 1F, 16B,1F, 1C
    4.Gather: 1C, 1F, 16B,1F, 1C
    5.Gather: 1C, 1F, 16B,1F, 1C
    6.Gather: 1C, 1F, 16B,1F, 1C
    7.Gather: 1C, 1F, 16B,1F, 1C
    8.Gather: 1C, 1F, 16B,1F, 1C

Remember to have a little patience and keep in mind that "practice makes perfect." Mistakes do happen, but they can be easily fixed.
In the next session we will be completing the second quarter of the barrette.
Good Luck and if I may be of any assistance, please e-mail me.

Getting started: making a pattern, and setting-up your loom

Let's get started. Begin your pattern by marking off the width of 35 beads and the height of 20 beads on your graph paper. To make a border around the edge of your barrette choose two colors and color in two rows on all four sides (rows: 1,2,34, & 35).

Note: It is a good idea to label your colors; I will be using C, D, E, F, and B (background color).

Once you've finished you border count six rows over and leave these blank this will be your background color.

On row nine, count down 6 beads from the top (starting with the first bead below your border color) these will be color "B". Color in the next four color "C". The next six are color B.

From here on I will be using the above legend:

• 
  
  row ten:  5B,1C,4D,1C,5B
• 
  
  row eleven:  4B,1C,1D,4E,1D,1C,4B
• 
  
  row twelve: 3B,1C,1D,1E,4C,1E,1D,1C,3B
• 
  
  row thirteen:  3B,1D,1E,1C,4D,1C,1E,1D,3B
• 
  
  row fourteen: 3B,1E,1C,1D,4E,1D,1C,1E,3B
• 
  
  row fifteen:  3B,1C,1D,1E,4C,1E,1D,1C,3B
• 
  
  row sixteen:  3B,1D,1E,2C,2F,2C,1E,1D,3B
• 
  
  row seventeen:  3B,1D,1E,1C,4F,1C,1E,1D,3B
• 
  
  row eighteen:  3B,1D,1E,1C,4F,1C,1E,1D,3B

• 
  
  row nineteen:  3B,1D,1E,1C,4F,1C,1E,1D,3B
• 
  
  row twenty:  3B,1D,1E,2C,2F,2C,1E,1D,3B
• 
  
  row twenty-one:  3B,1C,1D,1E,4D,1E,1D,1C,3B
• 
  
  row twenty-two:  3B,1E,1C,1D,4E,1D,1C,1E,3B
• 
  
  row twenty-three:  3B,1D,1E,1C,4D,1C,1E,1D,3B
• 
  
  row twenty-four:  3B,1C,1D,1E,4C,1E,1D,1C,3B
• 
  
  row twenty-five:  4B,1C,1D,4E,1D,1C,4B
• 
  
  row twenty-six:  5B,1C,4D,1C,5B
• 
  
  row twenty-seven:  6B,4C,6B
• 
  
  rows twenty-eight  through  thirty-three: 16B

Now, the pattern is complete, and you need to set-up the loom. Because the barrette is 20 beads high, you will need 21 strings on the loom.

1. 
   
   Tie a loop in the end of your thread, and place it on the screw/ peg of the loom.
2. 
   
   Place thread in the first slot of the "spring" of the loom.
3. 
   
   Loop on opposite screw/peg.
4. 
   
   Place string in next slot.
5. 
   
   Loop on opposite screw/peg.

Be sure that the thread is lined up, for example: first slot on right- first slot on left.

Repeat the above process till you have all 21 strings on loom, keep your string taunt. Tie the end of your thread onto screw/peg. You're done setting-up your loom.

Before threading your needle, pull it through the bee's wax for added strength. You will need a length of thread about twice as long as your arm. Tie the end of your thread to the bottom (left side) loom string.

Now, you are all set-up. Next time we will start beading. 

What you will need to get started

Have you ever seen someone wearing a beautiful beaded barrette and thought, "I wish I could learn to make one of those"? Well, you can!
Loom beading isn't that complicated. With a little time and patience anyone can do it. As with anything, the more you practice the better you get at it. And here's the good news, the barrettes last 'forever'. I still wear the first one I  made, fourteen years ago.
To get started making your own barrette, you will need a few things;

• Beading loom (see photo below)
• Beading thread  (see photo below)
• Scissors
• Seed beads (your choice of 5 different colors, 1 background (such as black, white, or brown) and 4 complimentary colors)
• Bees wax
• Hair Barrette (see photo below)
• Beading needles
• Super glue gel
• 1 square of felt (color should match your background)

All the above items may be purchased at any craft store such as Hobby Lobby, or Micheals and also online at http://shop.hobbylobby.com/ or http://www.firemountaingems.com/.
A few more things you may want to have;

• A divided plate or tray (for your beads)
• Beading graph paper-- this can be downloaded free at http://www.firemountaingems.com/pdf/seedbead_graph_loom.pdf

Note: If you decide on a dark bakground color it is best to use dark thread also.
Gather all your supplies together and next time we will begin our first project. I have chosen one of my personal designs that I call "sunburst" (see photo below).

Happy Shopping!