Our Czech Mates Two Hole Beads have been getting a lot of attention lately because of their unique properties, two holes and the variety of beautiful colors and finishes available.
But we still get people asking questions about them so we’re going to answer some of them right here.
“What’s the difference between Two Hole Tiles and Tila Beads?”
Just by looking at Tila beads side by side with Czech Mates Two Hole Tiles, it’s easy to see that the beads are not interchangeable. Although both square, tile shaped and featuring two holes, the differences are obvious.
Tilas are Japanese seed beads and are flatter, have sharper edges and, in my opinion, are plainer.
First manufactured in the 1930s, Two Hole Tiles were recently reintroduced to much fanfare and it’s easy to see why. The Czech Mates Two Hole Tiles have a richness that is projected through their thickness, rounded shape and glossy finishes. They won’t cut your thread or irritate your skin.
Above: Two Hole Tiles, Pinch Beads, Two Hole Bricks and Cube Beads all in Olivine Opaque.
Because these beads are made in the Czech Republic, you can find them in many of the same colors as other designer beads made there, including mottled “Picasso.” This means that you can often match Two Hole Tiles with other shapes of Czech Beads in your designs like above.
The bottom line is that due to their superior quality it’s not only easy to work with Czech Two Hole Tiles, but it’s a real pleasure to wear jewelry made with them!
“What do I do with them?”
We’re here to answer that question. Below are a variety of designs using Two Hole Czech beads that will inspire you to think outside the single hole box and give you some motivation to get started working with these beautiful beads.
Reminiscent of scales, this Two Hole Dagger bracelet is a beautiful way to use these daggers.
This beautiful Art Deco necklace by Penny Dixon is an ingenious use of Two Hole beads (Tiles and Bricks) to create a fabulous and trendy design.
How about this fun and bright bracelet from Bead Street Online using Czech Two Hole Lentils.
These fun earrings using Czech Two Hole Bricks from Around the Beading Table are perfect for summer.
If you’re still stumped and need more direction, check out our Tutorial page for step by step instructions on how to make the above bracelet using Two Hole Tiles and Two Hole Bricks as well as seed beads.
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Why are the Czechmates brick beads AB coated on the side where the holes are? That doesn’t show in a beading project.
Which bricks are you referring to? We don’t carry any AB coating bricks but we have luster, picasso, matte and others. It’s much easier to coat the entire bead rather than just one surface during the manufacturing process. Also, there may be some designs where that surface will show so it’s good that the beads look the same with the same surface finish on all their sides.
Joanna
I appreciate the information you provided on all the Czech Mates, where could I find the instructions for the two-hole dagger bracelet pictured above, I’ve used the bricks on a small petal bracelet which turned out beautiful. Thank you. MaRY
The image is from Starman and the design is by Svetlana Einy but I don’t know if there are instructions available for it. The pattern website is here: http://patterns.beadindex.com/
Amanda
I appreciate the info. Thank you!
That’ s so true. I always use the tiles because tila beads, they’re more like seed beads, just not as nice looking or feeling.