Using a Single Focal Bead
By Bethany W. Keiper

When I shop for beads, I tend to go for the larger, fancier beads. Even if there is just a single bead available, if I like it, it's going into my collection. This can be a problem for two reasons -- first, you can tally up a really expensive bead bill this way; and, you can't get very far on a project with  just one bead.  Fortunately, there are ways to use these single beads in a project; in fact, there is even a name for these loners -- focal beads.

The thought of having to collect enough beads to completely surround a neck or wrist is an old-fashioned one. The first jewelry items most people can remember are Mom's or Grandmother's string of pearls.

The flow of identical beads on a strand can be quite beautiful, but by using a single, outstanding bead, you can create some simple, yet eye-catching designs.

Learning to use focal beads can help save you money as you plan your bead budget. Bead mixes can go much further this way, and, of course, buying one three-dollar bead is a lot nicer than buying ten or twelve! The savings can go toward nicer findings and stringing materials.

When you get ready to design a project for your favorite focal bead, make some room on your workspace, and start pulling out your bead collection. Unless you have a specific group of accent beads and seed beads in mind for your focal bead, a survey of most of the beads you have can yield some of the best ideas. And you can take a bit of an inventory while you are at it!

Try several different combinations, placing the focal bead between two matching or contrasting accents. The largest accents can be on either side and close to the size of your focal bead. Then scale them down to match the size of the beads which make up the main body or ‘string' of the necklace. Sparkling or matte seed beads add a delicate touch to these projects.

Slim, knotted leather cord adds a more distinctive, dramatic look, especially when used with bright, primary-colored, furnace-wound beads.

The same design principle would apply to a "tall" focal bead strung as a dangle.

Of course, when you string your focal bead as a lone dangle, you need only one set of accents, rather than two of each. This design is good for using the one or two leftover beads from other projects. For dangle designs, you can use Beadalon or strong thread. While Beadalon is stronger, thread can provide more of a natural dangle.

Another way to feature a pretty focal bead is to use a headpin and turn it into a charm for a simple gold or silver chain. To make matching earrings for focal bead necklaces, arrange some of the same accent beads or bead caps you used in the necklace on headpins.

Single focal beads can be a problem for bracelets, since the more weighty bead can cause the finished item to hang perpetually upside-down.  To remedy this, make a chunky bracelet featuring a group of your favorite focal beads, with slightly smaller round, clear or black beads in between. This is a great way to showcase all of your favorites in one design.

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