Baked Earth

Can you believe it’s been three years since we updated Across Cultures? As our Tribal and Trade beads are always changing and evolving, we wanted to add a new piece to show some different beads to use in this classic beadshop technique. Just one strand of Cinnamon Spice Padres is all you need--separate the colors for Sections A and C. If you’re choosing your own colorway, be sure to choose a mixed strand that you could separate into two color families, or purchase two strands of different colors.

*Please note that we have linked to an older handout--it is the original handout!--and Episode Notes from a 2017 show. They’re not intended to be followed exactly, but reviewing the techniques in it may be helpful.

Baked Earth is a part of the Across Cultures Collection of primitive-inspired bracelets. First created by Janice back in The Bead Shop in Palo Alto more than 25 years ago, this design is timeless. Along with the original samples, Sunset, Mustard Seed, and Sky, Baked Earth uses simple stringing techniques on Tuff Cord #3 to create sections that interlock with each other. The original handout and video for Across Cultures is really helpful in understanding how each section is built. The only additions Baked Earth has that the original doesn’t is the beaded marcramé button loop and the beaded tassels after the button.

Section A: This is the first main section that is one long length of beads, about 14 inches. It is strung on a single strand of Tuff Cord #3 and tied with a Surgeon’s Knot with Thread Burner to end it. Always test it is securely closed before you burn the tails off. This continuous loop is wrapped upon itself to create three loops, which will connect to Sections B and C.

Section B: Also strung on Tuff Cord #3, two loops of metal beads are looped around Section A and then graduated into two wampum tube beads before all are strung through the single gold faceted barrel bead. Secure your project to a macramé board and then macramé a beaded button loop large enough to fit the button you have chosen. Knot together the loose ends around the macramé threads above the gold bead and then burn off extra threads with Thread Burner.

Section C: Begin with two short sections of beads strung around all strands of Section A. Knot each loop separately to stabilize it. After knotting them, this might be a good place to add a charm or two (but charms can be added anywhere!) After the knots, you will now have four strands of thread that you can string beads on. Don’t string too many beads or it will become an anklet or a necklace! You have about three inches for the entire section of white beads. Taper into a bead with a large hole (the brass King Shadow). 

Section D: Secure your project to a marcramé board and macramé through the button shank. A few knots and small beads (optional) before the shank and a few after give the button room to move. Don’t cut your Tuff Cord! Add some beads and tie a double knot under each to secure the beads to the thread. Be sure the last beads you string are small so they stop all the beads from slipping off.

Allow your bracelet to be about ¾” to 1” larger than your wrist size. The bulk of the beads requires a bit more space to breathe…but always try it on as you go! 

Find ingredient quantities for Baked Earth  listed above for easy shopping.  Find our other Across Cultures Projects here. Please join us as our worldwide community gathers on Facebook and YouTube at 10:30am Pacific Time on July  8th, 2020. It’s so much fun to go live with us and bead together! After the live broadcast the video will be available above.