I recently had an extremely harrowing issue come up and I need to talk to you about it.
Dyed
beads. Now I know there are some uses for dyed beads and they they
come in unbelievable colors. They draw us in and say "look at me I am
the color you are looking for". I am not saying that they are all bad
by any means. This is just my first experience using good quality dyed
beads that have sent me into a tizzy.
Here
is what happened. I often buy seeds because the color calls to me. I
hate to say it but I don't really look at labels. I began happily
stitching a new pattern and as it was coming together I was noticing
that the colors were not really what I was looking for. I first I
thought it was one of those issues where in the tube they are gorgeous
but individually the just don't show their color when they are not
bunched together. Then something caught my eye. One of the beads
looked cream. Cream? I am not using cream! So I ripped the element I
was working on apart and this is what I saw.
Now
I need to tell you I immediately looked at the tube and there it was
highlighted "Dyed". OMG! No way! I know that the difference seems
subtle but let me assure you when using them individually in the project
it in your face.
So
I asked a few questions of my friends and yes we have all had a
horrible dyed experience. Mostly cheap beads that we all have purchased
when we first started beading. Then I also learned that there is still
a desire for dyed beads. The are often found in gemstone beads but
they can also be found all over. Most of what I researched says that
there are ways to retain the finish but I haven't yet tried those. I
also discovered that reputable bead shop owners will label dyed beads so
that you are well aware of what you are getting so my best advise is to
check those labels. If you are unsure of what the finish will do ask
your shop owner for their opinion as to if it will work with your
project.
Just another handy dandy lesson learned that I thought I would share with you all.
It stinks to go through all the work to make something and you're done and it looks lackluster - It drives me nuts!
ReplyDeleteThat is why I am so glad I didn't discover it at the end of the project.
DeleteAnd soon we'll be seeing advertisements "These dyed beads sponsored by Smirnoff" because let's be real, that much work and time to only have to rip something apart will lead a woman to drink! ;)
ReplyDeleteJust glad you weren't A. wearing a finished piece and having it rub off on your shirt or B. that you had sold the piece and a customer had that experience.
{Hugs!}
Dawn
Yes Smirnoff is a good idea! No thankfully I did catch it.
DeleteIt never occurred to me that beads would be dyed. I figured the color was either in the glass or in the plastic. I will for sure be checking all of the beads I recently bought before I use them to make sure they are color consistent. Thanks for the warning!!!
ReplyDeleteOh Michelle I am so glad this has come to you before you discovered it on your own.
DeleteSorry for your lost time and effort!
ReplyDeleteI once got some "ruby" stone beads that I knew when I bought them that they were obviously treated with dye but what I didn't expect them to turn the water pink when I soaked them! That wouldn't have been too good for a necklace!
ReplyDeletePretty pinkwater.....not! LOL
DeleteCall me crazy - but I wash all beads (not seeds) and stones when I bring them home. Just a little soap under running water. Why? Just to make sure there isn't any dye runs (I try to avoid dyed beads/stones), and secondly, to rid them of dust, dirt and all those finger prints that have touched them during the manufacturing process - uck! Really, I've had strands literally come alive after the washing.
ReplyDeleteI will also keep that tip in mind Sandy. Thank you
DeleteI haven't come up against dyed beads, but twice bought some that were glass, but the beautiful iridescence in them turned out to be entirely due to a clear coat of something painted on them, which, after a while, began to peel. Now that I have read your experience, I realize that I got what I paid for, because they were cheap. From now on, I will ask before buying.
ReplyDelete