Bead Loom

• Materials

Shoebox lid
Heavy thread
Tape
Tacky glue
Beads
Cord

• Instructions

First thing that you need to do is to select or draw a pattern that you want to make with beads (you can find patterns online)

Using a ruler you want to mark ¼” increments on both ends of the shoebox lid

Cut a small notch at each mark with a serrated knife

Tape the end of the heavy thread to the back of the lid and wrap it around to the front, making sure to push it down into the notches. Continue this process until you have one more thread than the number of rows in your pattern

Dip the last 4″ of the cord into tacky glue and allow to dry; this will make weaving the beads easier

Tie the other end of the cord to the top of the last thread

String the first row of beads onto the cord

Bring the string of beads under the row of wrapped thread. Hold cord snug against the threads; fit each bead in between 2 threads. Double back through the beads with the cord on top of the threads, pull cord all the way through to securely anchor the beads in place

Repeat the above process for each row of beads. Once you have reached the last row in the pattern tie the cord to the last thread. Cut anchoring threads from the loom and tie them together in pairs up against the beads. Put glue on each knot and trim close when dry.