WLOS - Channel 13's

Craft Corner

Two of our resident teachers have done How-To segments for the local ABC Affiliate, News 13's Craft Corner. Please check below for details of the projects demonstrated. A Better Bead & Crafts offers classes in any of these beading techniques. For further information, please contact the shop at (828) 884-5920 or click here to go to WLOS' Craft Corner page.

Annette Holbert

Beadz Wax Supplies:

Beadz wax

Double boiler

Item you wish to cover

Beads

Instructions:

This wax is actually a specially processed bees wax and oine resin mixture that is made for adhering beads to an object. This technique was developed and used by the Huichol Indians of Mexico. The bowls and other items that were made were religious offerings to the gods.

The Huichol (Wee-col) make beaded jaguars, snakes, turtles, boxes, masks and birds. They make these by adhering/gluing beads to hand-carved wooden forms with the beads wax.

Melt beads wax in a double boiler. You may start the melting process in the microwave. Be sure not to heat the wax all at once. Heat about 15 seconds at a time in the microwave, then maintain the melted wax in the double boiler. It takes quite a while in the double boiler.
Use an artists paint brush to spread the wax as evenly as possible over the object. Use only a thin coat of the wax. Let the wax/object cool completely. Decide what kind of design you will make. The Huichol do not draw the designs before they place the beads. If you are careful you can draw your design and then start with the beads. Otherwise start in the center of your piece and work to the outer edges. You need to cover the entire waxed surface.
Once the design is finished, let the piece dry. Any wax you feel will be tacky, but over time the wax will dry.
Never store the items in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

Shelley K. Bossert

Bead Knitted Pouch