Raincharmer Beads LLC

Make & Take

1. What does Make & Take mean?

   This is an option we have when you come to visit us at the store.  We will help you create your own basic stringing piece of jewelry and all you need to pay for is the materials you use.  This option allows you to choose how much you are going to spend and keeps within your budget.  You have use of our workspace, tools and mats and we answer your questions.  You always walk away with a finished piece of jewelry.

Findings

1. Do you have Sterling silver findings?

   We have several Sterling silver findings available including toggles, push clasps, chain, jumprings and much more. 

2. Do you have copper findings?

   Unfortunately we have a very limited supply of copper findings as the demand has not been high enough.  We are willing to order copper findings for you, however 1/2 of purchase would be required before ordering.  Send an email detailing what type you are looking for.

Stitching

1. What type of stitches do you teach?

   We are competent and can teach you peyote (even count, odd count, circular, tublar), brick (flat, locking), RAW(Right Angle Weave), and herribone.

   We are learning cubic RAW and free-form peyote so they will be coming soon.

2. What is brick stitch?

   This is a stitch that looks very much like a brick wall once completed.  Utilizes the thread between beads to create an off-centered row of beads.

3. What is peyote stitch?

   This is where the rows of beads resemble a zipper and each layer of beads nestles in the space between the beads on previous row.  This is a common stitch seen in Indian weaving.  This technique allows you to duplicate pictures from life; i.e. birds, flowers, etc.  Common to use when making amulet bags, screen covers and several jewelry components.

Beads

1. Aren't all seed beads the same?

   Actually, no, not all seed beads are the same.  They may be similar colors but the quality is different.

   Japanese seed beads are more precise in the edge cutting and their openings are more consisent. Miyuki Delicas are the most precise and work wonderfully for peyote stitched pieces.  Delicas are the most expensive seed beads to purchase.  Miyuki, Matsuno also create great lines of seed beads that not as precise as Delicas but are of terrific quality and consistency.

   Czech seed beads are available in same range of colors as the firepolish beads.  These are pretty consistent in size, shape and diameter of openings.  Their appeal is the ability to match the color the firepolish.  Sometimes you will see mis-shaped beads or poorly cut beads and this will depend on the brand you purchase.  Tohos are the most consistent czech seed beads out there and are of similar quality to Japanese seed beads.  Czech beads sold exculsively on hanks may have issues with the cut and shape.  

   Indian seed beads are typically the most inexpensive beads you can find.  They are not well shaped or consistent so makes them difficult to create distinct, defined patterns in peyote stitch.  You may find these at a killer price, but the quality of your work may be sacrificed because of irregular shape on beads.