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Beadwork is the art of or craft of attaching beads to one other or to cloth using a needle and thread. Most beadwork takes the form of jewellry or other personal adornment, but beads are also used in wall hanging and sculpture.
Beadwork techniques are broadly divided into loom and off-loom weaving, stringing, bead embroider, bead crochet and bead knitting.
Most cultures have employed beads for personal adornment. Archaeological records show that people made and used beads as long as 5000 years ago. Beads have also been used for religious purposes and good luck talismans, and as curative agents.
European beadwork has a history dating back to when shells and animal bones were used as beads in necklaces. Glass beads were being made in Murano by the end of the 14th century. French Beaded Flowers were being made as early as the 1500īs and lampwork glass was invented in the 1700īs.
Seed beads began to be used for embroidery, crochet and numerous off-loom techniques.
(reference WIKIPEDIA )
 
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