Sensational Shaped Beads: AVA Beads

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AVA beads are V-shaped, three-hole beads that add a geometric effect to bead weaving designs. Designed by Gianna Zimmerman, AVA beads have inspired beaders to make amazingly creative beaded jewelry. You can line them up to create chevrons, turn them back-to-back to form stars or face-to-face to form diamonds, and make many other designs. There’s a hole at the base of the V and one hole passing through each end of the V. This unique placement allows for artistic combinations with seed beads and other shaped beads.

I think I’m so smitten with the AVA beads because I’m a big fan of chevron designs. I love chevron patterns on jewelry and home décor like this cotton chevron blanket (affiliate link). Snuggle up while you browse these patterns using AVA beads.

Switchback Bracelet

Use AVA beads and Khéops par Puca beads to form this quick and easy-to-make Switchback Bracelet designed by Debora Hodoyer. The pattern is a clever combination of shaped beads and two sizes of seed beads. The AVA beads lend themselves to zig-zag patterns like this. Choose your favorite color palette and get busy stitching!

Lost in the Sahara Bracelet

Use two-needle right-angle-weave, a variation of peyote stitch, and shaped beads in a golden palette to create the Lost in the Sahara Bracelet. Designed by Hortense Thompson, this beginner bracelet has an eye-catching pattern made of AVA beads in repeating arrow motifs. The bead-and-loop closure blends right in with the design.

Foxy Lady Bracelet

This Foxy Lady Bracelet designed by Debora Hodoyer is a quick, satisfying make. Use right-angle-weave to stitch units of AVA beads and DiamonDuos to form a modern bracelet. The pattern resembles a series of understated fox-face profiles.

Egyptian Flowers Earrings

These eye-catching earrings utilize netting, AVA beads, and other shaped beads to form a bold design worthy of an Egyptian queen. These Egyptian Flowers Earrings by Debora Hodoyer are absolutely delicious. Debora always brings her A game – and these earrings using AVA beads use basic stitches to make a big statement.

If you’re enjoying these blog articles about shaped beads, take a look back at the Tuesday Trends for the past few weeks. I’ve shared inspiring patterns using Pips, Diamonduos, Silky beads, and more. You’ll also like Tammy Honaman’s article, Shaped Beads Inspire New Designs.

Happy beading,
Katie Hacker
Interim Managing Editor of Beadwork