Here’s a TESDA-aligned module on bead arrangement for bracelets, malas, and pendants, integrating design principles, resin grades, and practical stringing techniques for agarwood jewelry crafting.
📿 Bead Arrangement for Bracelets, Malas, and Pendants
1. Objective
Trainees will learn to:
- Arrange agarwood beads into aesthetically pleasing and functional jewelry
- Apply principles of balance, harmony, and form
- Select beads based on size, resin grade, and aroma
- Execute proper stringing techniques for bracelets, malas, and pendants
2. General Guidelines for Bead Arrangement
- Visual Hierarchy: Place focal or high-resin beads strategically to draw attention.
- Consistent Spacing: Maintain uniform distance between beads using knots, spacers, or beads themselves.
- Gradation: Transition bead size or color gradually for harmony (e.g., large to small beads in a mala).
- Symmetry vs. Asymmetry:
- Symmetry: Formal, classic designs (prayer beads, meditation malas)
- Asymmetry: Modern, statement pieces (bracelets, pendants)
- Spacing for Flexibility: Ensure enough cord slack for comfortable movement without stretching beads.
3. Bead Arrangement for Bracelets
| Type | Arrangement Tips | Bead Selection |
|---|---|---|
| Stretch Cord Bracelet | Equal-sized beads or alternating small and medium beads; knotting optional | Grade B resin for daily wear; smooth finish |
| Charm Bracelet | Incorporate accent beads or charms at intervals | Grade B or C beads with occasional high-resin focal bead |
| Layered Bracelet | Combine 2–4 strands for stacked effect | Mix sizes and resin grades; maintain color harmony |
Design Principle: Balance weight evenly to prevent twisting or uneven wear.
4. Bead Arrangement for Malas (Prayer Beads)
| Feature | Arrangement Tips |
|---|---|
| Number of Beads | Typically 108 beads for traditional mala; optional 27, 54, or 21 for smaller malas |
| Guru Bead / Marker Beads | Place larger or high-resin bead at starting point (center) for focal point |
| Spacer Beads | Use smaller beads, seeds, or metal spacers to break monotony and assist in counting |
| Symmetry | Mirror beads on either side of the guru bead for balance |
| Aroma Consideration | High-resin beads at key tactile points for scent activation during prayer |
5. Bead Arrangement for Pendants
| Type | Arrangement Tips | Design Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Single Focal Bead | High-resin bead as centerpiece, minimal surrounding beads | Highlight resin quality and aroma |
| Multi-Bead Cluster | 3–5 beads arranged symmetrically around focal bead | Use mixed sizes and textures for depth |
| Drop Pendant | Gradual size reduction from top to tip | Maintain balance and visual flow |
Design Principle: Form and aroma should be emphasized in central beads; stringing must support bead weight.
6. TESDA-Aligned Learning Outcomes
After completing this module, trainees should be able to:
- Apply design principles in arranging beads for bracelets, malas, and pendants
- Select bead sizes, grades, and spacing to optimize aesthetics and aroma
- Execute stringing with proper knots, spacers, and structural integrity
- Critically evaluate bead arrangements for balance, harmony, and wearability
7. Practical Workshop Activity
- Trainees receive conditioned and polished beads
- Sketch bead arrangements for bracelet, mala, and pendant designs
- String the beads according to design sketches, using knots or spacers where needed
- Instructor evaluates visual balance, symmetry, bead spacing, and structural soundness
- Peer review for aesthetic appeal and creative variation
8. Tips for Successful Bead Arrangement
- Rotate beads in hands to experience tactile feel and aroma activation
- Use templates or bead boards for planning complex designs
- Keep high-resin beads at focal points to maximize scent and visual appeal
- Adjust knot tension to balance flexibility with stability
If you want, I can draft the next TESDA module: final assembly, finishing, and quality control of agarwood bead jewelry, including grading, polishing, and packaging standards for end-to-end curriculum completion.
Do you want me to do that next?