The Cymbal Elements

Beading with a needle and thread has been a love of mine for almost 20 years. I began by taking a few classes at my local bead store. The owner had an amazing supply of Miyuki seed beads and lots of classes, so that's where I began. I still love seed beads, although I also am intrigued with many of the new shapes coming out. What a time to be a beader! When I started out, there were seed beads, Czech glass firepolish, some fancy Czech, and if I could afford it that week, crystals. Now the heat is on for companies to come up with the latest and greatest bead shape.

On the findings end (no pun intended but it works), not much changed.
Until the Cymbals line.

Cymbal™ is a game-changing metal component line designed to fit and integrate with some of today's most popular beads: SuperDuo, Delica, 11/0 and 8/0 round seed beads, Tila, Silky Beads, and Honeycomb. I have mostly used the bead endings and the connectors in my work and I have to say, it has changed the way I end my bead weaving projects. What used to be a struggle as to how to make a secure ending with beads, or thread guards, or buttons, has now become en exciting and beautiful process. There is a Cymbal for just about any ending.

They are new and innovative and those who use them can see how beautifully they work. Hence, at the moment, they are a little hard to get. I'm hoping that will level out once the manufacturer figures out how to keep up. I am putting together some 'Cymbal Bit Kits' that support some of the designs I have come up with. Check your local bead store!

I've done a LOT of experimenting with these babies, so you don't have to. (But I suggest you have fun experimenting as well!) I have immersed myself in this line because I could feel how they would change things, so that is my first line of motivation to stay immersed. I also own a bead store in Dayton, Ohio, so I have a good shot at stocking them. I also have an Etsy store where I sell some supplies that support the tutorials I create. I can't say I know everything about every element, but when I discover a new use for any of them, I will post them here on this blog.

This square stitch design, Cymbals and Bits Bracelet, is a good example of how to use some of them. Even though each element is designed for use with a specific bead, many of them are so much more versatile! This photo will give you an idea...

As I play, I will post specific uses for these wonderful new findings. So stay tuned for more!