Melissa did a great job with the black and white "bumpy" beads I had in my collection. Not many beaders have been tempted by what may seem like odd looking beads. I was pleased Melissa saw their potential.She just used one other type of beads to space them out, namely black bicones.

The bumpy beads are actually eye beads first made in China during a time known as the Warring States period (481-221 BC). The eyes are characteristically horned and made by layering the glass. You can see some pictures of eye beads from that period here. Eye beads occur in many cultures dating back thousands of years. They were worn to deflect bad luck by way of an eye for an eye - stare down the evil brought on by envious looks. They are still made in China today for the export market.

Related Post : Nazar Boncugu : Turkish Eye Beads

Beader Design #: 339
__________________
The Beading Gem's Journal