When I first started beading earrings 20 years ago, my dear friend Alverda Ernzen, who was registered with the Ioway Tribe of North East Kansas. She was always open to learn as much as she could about the Native American Culture and to respect the Tribe and it's traditions. So this is the first thing that I learned from her before I started beading. To understand and respect the Native American Traditions, one should always have an Elder friend as Teacher. Alverda was my guide and her spirit remains even though she has Walked across the Great Lake in 2008.

 

In respect I shall try sharing upon beading as I learned:

 

First in beading an Earring set you should have an idea what you want the earrings to look like. I suggest looking on the Internet and find a pattern you like, and start with that one. 

 

The thread you should use is a high quality beading thread. I buy it from the other vender's at a Pow Wow, or I can buy high quality thread online . The thread for example from Walmart I have found it poor in quality and breaks easily. This is something you do not want. Furthermore, the beads found at most chain stores are often not even in size, shape and hard to work with.

 

When choosing your beads for the first set, I would suggest a #10 seed bead. It is larger so you can see what you are doing when beading an earring. It is not easy the first time. Choose your beads as uniformly as possible so that the pattern is smooth. And, use as few colors as possible for your first creation. After you have created a few with #10 then it is time to start with the more standard #11 which most patterns are adapted to.

 

Buy a couple of packages of mixed needles which are normally around one dollar a pack. Look at the package and make sure it contains at least: # 10, #12, #13. 

 

Alverda always suggested practice, practice, practice! 

 

While I will not go into direct beading, the above are the basic first steps. 

Online are many step by step with pictures to follow in seed bead crafts.

 

Please note: 

Here is the biggest secret I can share about Native American Seed Beading!

 

Visit the Pow Wows and ask an Elder you may see beading or has many beaded items in their Regalia.

And I am sure you will find they will be glad to assist you.

 

And, talk to vendors displaying beaded items. If they are really Native American Crafter's, our culture is based on sharing when asked. If they do not share, they are probably Wannabees. And are not Native Americans.

 

Over the years, I watched as Alverda would stop what ever she was doing and share, and teach when asked about any craft in her Native American booth. I have also done this for many years and the reward and blessings are endless. Moreover sharing is Our Tradition and the foundation of Our Culture.