Famous Jewelry Collections: THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Sunday, April 24, 2011

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Make Bead Head Flies for Fly Fishermen or Maybe Fishing Lure Jewelry?

Posted: 24 Apr 2011 04:00 AM PDT

Several years ago, a friendly husband came along and watched a beading party in progress. He was fascinated with what we were making. He then explained he was a keen fly fisherman and suggested I make flies and perhaps have fly making parties!

I certainly could see why he said so as the art of making bead head flies does make use of metallic (bright gold, silver and copper) and glass beads we already have in our stashes. There can also be some wire work involved.

So if you know a fly fisherman who doesn't like jewelry, consider making him bead head flies! Fly fishing season is already here!

Not into making flies? Let me assure you the technique can also be used in jewelry making. Just check my past post on Japanese Fishing Lure Jewelry. This beautiful traditional craft uses fly making methods.

Bead head flies are aptly named because the round beads mimic the heads of larval species the fish like to eat. Thread (and sometimes wire) is used to wind around the rest of the hook using a special tool, anchoring bits of feathers and other materials at the same time. Bead head flies are popular because the beads add weight so the flies sink down in the water where the fish lurk.

Watch this video on how a bead head fly is made :

Fishermen also make bead head eggs. The beads in this case mimic fish roe. When fish are spawning, trout might eat more roe than aquatic insects. Salmon also like fish eggs. This video shows how a fisherman uses a UV bead and some fluffy material to make the lure visible in low light and resemble the sport fish's favorite food.

I tried fly fishing once, many years ago, somewhere in Scotland. I didn't even get so much as a bite! So I can truly say it's not easy. The casting motion needs practice as you can see in this How to Fly Fish video.

But it is a wonderful way to while away the time in beautiful and peaceful surroundings :

Fly Fishing Picture Source

Other Feather Inspirations

For more tutorials check out my Jewelry Making Tips

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Wire Woven Ring Tutorial

Posted: 23 Apr 2011 03:30 PM PDT

Wire weaving is really fun to do. The results are awesome as the wire work looks distinctly hand made. Beadingonabudget has a great video tutorial on how to make a wire woven ring.

While the weaving part is simple to do, beginners might find working with 14G wire a bit difficult. So I suggest trying something finer to start with, say 18G. But I do agree with the instructor, the basic ring shown here is just a springboard to all sorts of creative results.