Bead Size

[juliet]

I'm going back to basics.  I am finally set up at home and after nearly 6 months without making a single bead, I've forgotten everything.

So my plan is to try to make lots of spacer beads and try to iron out bad habits etc.

I know the question is somewhat similar to how long is a piece of string, but if I want to try to consistently make beads of a similar size, how big should an average spacer bead be?

Do you have a way of determining what looks good and is wearable?

Thanks

Juliet

[helbels]

To be honest, I think it's really all down to personal taste.

A good way to ensure consistency is to count the "wraps" of glass you wind round the mandrel.  I was advised by someone when I started that a spacer bead should be 2 or 3 wraps in size.

I find that I seem to make beads that are larger than average (certainly compared to those I see at shows etc) and I think its probably because I like jewellery on the chunky side, so I'm probably making what I like to wear!

Ultimately, I think whatever you make will find a market - for everyone that likes "smaller" beads, I'm sure there will be others who like "larger" and vice versa.

[Redhotsal]

I made small to middling beads. Some of my friends make massive beads. A few people make tiny beads!
A "normal" bead for me is 12-15mm in diameter and a spacer is 9-12mm. But I agree - how long is a piece of string?

[Vicki]

just think, if you were making a piece of jewellery how big would you expect a spacer to be?  my spacers are usually 6mm across the hole, but that is just me...as long as the beads within the same set are similar I wouldn't worry to much x

[MyPrecious]

My spacers are usually around 6mm too and my other beads tend to be around 13-15mm in diameter.