The beauty of a Mala

MALA

Mala's are a type of prayer bead used in many parts of the world. This style of necklace & bracelet continue to be a very popular item and can be made out of any of the beads found in our store. It is the number of beads used and the intention behind them that makes the piece a mala.

For Buddhists, there are 108 beads on the mala which are used to count and recite a mantra. Although any bead can be used, traditionally, mala's are made with round beads of wood, Rudraksha seeds (also used for prayer beads in Hinduism), or a semi-precious stone.

There is no set rule for the type of beads needed to create a mala. Choose beads that suit your intentions or ones that appeal to you. Creating a mala in you own style will result in a piece that is unique and personalised.

Tips to remember when creating your own mala:

1. Pick beads that appeal to you - natural wood and seed (Rudraksha seeds) are great starting points if you dont know what to choose. Semi-precious stones contain different properties and can be used to complement the wooden beads.

2. When stringing your mala start and end at the center point of your design. Mala's are intended to start at the beginning, flow around creating a circle and end where you started to finish the loop. Often a larger focal bead is used at the start/end point through which each cord passes.  When choosing your focal bead, ensure that the hole large enough for 2 strands of cord to pass through.

3. As you string your beads, think of the things that are important to you - you are putting your intentions into the mala. Think of the things you will meditate on, your loved ones, qualities of deity, your intentions, and the state of mind and body you are hoping to achieve. Let love and peace flow as you work!

 
 4. Cord - knotting cord, waxed linnen, silk or waxed nylon are all possible choices for string mala beads. They come in a range of different colours that can further personalise your design. Stringing mala beads usually involves knotting between each bead, this allows a small space to be left between each bead making it easier to keep track of you meditation mantra.



5. Keep the length of your mala in mind as you string the beads - the number of beads you use can vary depending on your beliefs and traditions. 108 beads is a common length to have a mala, this can become quite long if you are using large beads - using a variety of sizes can keep the length down. You may choose to string a majority of 6mm beads and incorporate 8mm or larger size beads at different intervals in your design. A strand of 108 6mm wooden beads knotted on waxed linnen will give you a length of 108cm/43" from end to end.

Shorter versions of mala's can be created as bracelets or hand held prayer/meditation beads. These may consist of 9, 22 or 27 beads. Shorter bracelet style malas are good to wear while traveling, while at work or while studying. 

6. Don't forget to have fun! With some many choices picking your beads can be overwhelming. Remember to choose colours, sizes and stone properties that appeal to you or the person you are making the mala for.

These are some of the more popular beads that are used by us and our customers to create unique and personaised malas.

Rudraksha seeds - seeds from the Rudraksha tree.

Semi precious stone smooth rounds.

Smooth round natural wooden beads

Still not sure or just wanting to try it out? Grab one our Mala style necklace kits to get started and be inspired!

Holiday Gifts

 

Get Creative this holiday season...

Spending time with family and friends is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays. Making gifts together or creating a unique personalized present for the special people in your life reflects a spirit
of the season, which can become forgotten.

Here at Country Beads we have put together some gift ideas to help you be inspired and creative this year. Whether you choose to give something for another to be creative or indulge in it yourself, it is a heart-felt gift that appeals to all.

Kits
Short on time or ideas? Grab a kit! Give one as a gift or use it yourself to make one!
Our kits are all made up and ready to go. Pick from a Beginners Kit for starting out containing the materials  you need to create earrings, a bracelet and a necklace - this is a great kit for sitting around beading with family and friends.

Other kits include our Sliding Macrame Kit, Looped Earring Kit and Ball Chain Wrap Bracelet Kit - these kits are available in a range of colours and include instructions and materials needed to create each technique. All of our kits are available in store or can be ordered off our website.


Wine charms
Choose the rings and an assortment of beads/charms and just string them on! Make them different by the charm, or even just by the bead colour. Only a basic pair of pliers is needed.
So add a personalized touch to your holiday get together's with these hand-made favorites. A simple project to make!

Bookmarks

Perfect for men and women, of all ages. Give a little something to your book club members or hard to buy for person on your list. We have the metal bookmark "sticks" here at Country Beads and just add whatever assortment of beads to the end. Make it as elaborate or simple as you want it to be.

Other quick easy presents for a variety of people which we carry all the supplies for are: key chains, hat pins & kilt pins, hair accessories....to name a few.

 

Gift Cards
Not quite sure what to get the special beader in your life? Grab a gift card!
Country Beads Gift Cards are available in any amount and don't expire. Gift Cards can be used for purchase in store, online or to register for one of our weekend classes.

So come in and grab a spot at our table (except when classes are on) and choose to create a heart-felt gift this season for the special people in your life!