Just a quick post this morning to share the progress I am making with the ancient bead designs.
I think my folded beads are improving, I’m seeing more of the concentric designs that make the original ones so appealing. Here also are the ‘Fustat’ beads I’m making and a Warring States style bead.
The Fustat style beads, are fun to make but definitely a challenge! The true Fustat beads have 8 or 6 bands of twisted cane around them, my rounded attempts have 10 or more, so I need to work on that, but I am pleased with how they are looking. Here is the original photo (taken from Ancient Beads World ) that I posted a few days ago, along with my latest version.
My version on the right
This one is closer to the original than my first attempts seen below -
I am starting to get more of a feel for placing the twisted cane and tucking in it’s ends at each end of the bead.
If you are recreating ancient beads, or have an interest in the subject I’d love to hear from you!
As always, I welcome any comments 
D
Interesting. How do you get the lines so tight? I LOVE the color combos! Perfect!
Thanks Janelle, for the zig zag design I make two twisties with the same colour combo, just alternating the direction of the twist. Then I lay them alternately around the bead, melt them in gently and shape the bead. They are neat to do!
Great work Louise. I am impressed. You are badly needed, you know where
Big demand on Ancient beads in the north
North-East
Thank you Valentina! I like that my beadmaking has brought me round to something else I love – old things!
Valentina !
The nicest beads ! I am also trying to make beads in pâte de verre, into small moulds. I saw many beads from Ghana (through videos) using this technique. But your beads make me absolutely modest.
Thank you.
Bonne année
Thank you for your lovely comment, it means a lot to me that you took time to share your thoughts. I’ve never tried pâte de verre, and will have to look at some pictures online. Kiffa beads are made the same way with ground glass and then decrated with elaborate designs, some of them are amazing!