My name is Donnalynn Benoit and I am a proud Mi’kmaq woman and artist. I did not grow up knowing I was Indigenous, but I have embraced my culture since finding out my heritage. I am thankful to the Creator for my cultural journey and the opportunity to connect to my Indigenous culture and community. I am proud to be one of the many Mi’kmaq people to be reclaiming their culture, language and heritage after years of suppression and persecution. My jewelry beadwork facilitates and celebrates this connection and my hope is to inspire this in others in similar circumstances. Most importantly, my jewelry creates a safe space that ignites cultural conversations. While there are many important issues faced by Indigenous communities, my work focuses on celebrating Indigenous people, families and culture. This celebration helps reframe lingering stereotypes faced by Indigenous people and lays a foundation for deeper conversations on issues by our people.
I am a newbie, I am need ing to know, what size needles do you need for each bead size. a friend gave me some thread and needles abut i dont know the thread size she gave me. Thanks for the tip on metalllic beads. TY
That’s a really good question. Generally the bigger the bead, the bigger than needle. There is more to consider. For instance, with size 11 seed beads generally you can get away with using a size 10 needle. Of course you could also use size 11 or 12 because they are smaller. The thing to be most cognizant of is when using size 13 or 15 beads, you would use size 11 and 12 needles, respectively, or just use size 12 for both. Something else to keep in mind is the smaller than needle, the more difficult it will be to thread because the hole size will be smaller. Thread is another area altogether. There are different thicknesses for Nymo, I just use Good Thread for everything
I just started to do bead embroidery, and of course I started with a Toronto Maple Leaf Logo a big 1, what was I thinking. It turned out pretty good, but I never knew you could put wire guardians on. And yes, I threw away my cheap ones and got the good ones. You are a great teacher, very calm. Keep them coming. Kirstem D Ont. Canada
Hello and thank you for the feedback! Your story reminds me of my first attempt at fringe - I did a 15 row pair. I almost quit forever lol. Happy you like the good wire guards, big difference right? I threw the old ones away once I got the good ones too! If you have not tried John Bead Good Thread, you should. I threw away my nymo once I tried this thread as well. Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for this video! I bought it after watching (from Amazon and it even had a $10 off coupon) and received it yesterday. You are exactly right….it is a game changer!! Not only is it MUCH easier to see what you’re doing but it helps with posture too. I’m not scrunched over anymore. Thank you 🙏 😊
Great video! Looking forward to trying this technique. I usually do two beads at a time but sometimes find it doesn’t lay correctly around the cab. I’m just trying the two needle method but getting a little frustrated with all the thread 😆
Thank you! I will try the two needle method soon. The one needle works so well that I have not been quick to learn the 2 needle. Perhaps I will learn and then do a comparison video!
Thank you! I have only ever used beading felt purchased from beading supply sites. Beadsmith and John Bead are common names, but you can find it on most sties. Indigenous sties usually have good prices! You can also go to a fabric store and inquire about stiff felt (pellon) for beading. They will be able to assist.
