There are few things that can top a hobby that gives you an outlet for your creative energy, improves your fine motor skills AND gives you a stunning piece of jewellery or art on completion.

Beading and bead jewellery making have become increasingly popular over the last few years, and it doesn't look like they will be moving out of the spotlight any time soon. With this boom in popularity has come a wider range of materials, and easier access to patterns and project sheets, making this hobby accessible to almost everyone.

Beading is an ideal hobby for those who are bedridden or just your regular couch potatoes as it does not require a great deal of space or tools. It is also a hobby that can be put down and picked up again based on your activity level. Patterns and designs range from intricate peyote-stitched amulet bags to stunning strung lampwork beads to bead-embroidered roller skates! Anything is possible, and there is a style of beading for every taste and ability.

Starting out isn't as expensive as you'd think, as most designs can be made with just a crewel sewing needle and some quilting thread. Even the more complex designs are usually constructed using very few tools.

A basic beading toolkit may include some of the following:

• needles, fine crewel embroidery needles are perfect
• needle-nose pliers, small needle-nose pliers or electronics pliers are best as they don't scratch the metal
• side-cutters, the flush cut variety used when working with wire, headpins and tigertail.
• round-nose pliers, small , used when working with wire or headpins.
• clear nail varnish, for sealing your knots
• Large plastic food storage container, for storing tools & supplies, use the lid give you a flat area to work on

There are many other items and tools that you can get to assist you in your beading endeavours, not the least of which are beads and something to string them on! The above list is just the tools to get you started.

Patterns and design ideas are widely available online and even in magazines at your local newsagent. Local libraries are also a great place to look for how-to books and inspirational ideas.

Currently our Youth Editor for the M.E. & You Journal is selling beading kits, with a percentage of the profits from each sale going back to the Society. Each kit contains pliers, earring hooks, 1m of tigertail (plastic coated braided wire) crimps (used to secure the ends of the tigertail and thick monofilament line) lobster clasps, split rings, head pins, bead caps, and 7 different types of quality beads (no yucky plastic). There is also an instruction manual to teach you how to create your own beaded masterpieces. The kit comes in a sealable container and is available by contacting Jana [1]