5 Amazing Beading World Records
Posted by Andrew M on October 15 at 04:11 pmJust when you think you’ve seen it all! I found some really cool beading world records that might be enough to make any hobbyist question their dedication to the craft. 
1. World’s Largest Bead Flag
World's Largest Bead Flag
Measuring nearly 9′ x 4’6″, the world’s largest beaded flag contains 288,400 beads and weighs over 22 pounds! The flag represents the United Arab Emirates and is was completed during many sleepless nights by Jeyaraman Ravi. Photo: Ahmed Kutty/Gulf News
2. World’s Longest Chain of Beads
World Record Bead Chain
Alayna Salter of the UK strung together 80 meters of beads to create the world’s longest bead chain. That’s over 260 feet, more than enough to wrap around the outer lines of a tennis court! Her efforts began at her kitchen table but soon took over an entire room. Sound familiar?
Ms. Salter creates her own jewelry and got the idea to string this piece when audience members at her musical gigs asked her where she got her unique necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
3. World’s Largest Bead Mosaic
World Record Bead Mosaic
What do you get when you combine 372,000 beads and 1,000 fourth graders? Besides a migraine, of course…
If you answered “The World’s Largest Bead Mosaic”, you’re right! The kids chipped in to pay tribute to President Obama by creating the giant piece of art which is now housed in New York City. Photo: Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images
4. World’s Largest Pearl
World's Largest Pearl
Okay, it’s not really a beading world record, but it’s still a huge pearl that would make one heckuva pendant. It’s known as the Pearl of Lao Tzu and weighs in at 14.1 pounds!
The pearl’s history is shrouded in secrecy and mystery. Some legends even trace it back to the rise of one of China’s ancient dynasties.
We may never know the full story behind the Pearl of Lao Tzu, but it’s an amazing piece of natural beauty no matter who you believe!
5. World’s Longest Strand of Prayer Beads
World Record Prayer Beads
Mustafa Kara of India carved 999 wooden beads to create his record-breaking 25 meter strand of prayer beads. When fully assembled, it weighs over 130 pounds and requires 3 men to move.
Kara’s prayer beads are primarily used for decoration and he has since created many (smaller) copies that have been sold all over the world.
Are You Next?
You never know what might happen the next time you start getting carried away with a beading project. You might just end up in the kooky list of beading world records!
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LOL
P.S. Thanks to Lima Beads for …”
On Oct 15, 2009 at 4:22 pm #
Leslie W Mtn Chick says:The pearl looks like a white brain, Andrew! (This comment should get a few people to look at your blog!)
On Oct 15, 2009 at 4:57 pm #
Lynn Eileen Chicky LE says:OK, Leslie, it got my attention!!! LOL
Amazing beading records, Andrew! Who knows what ones the Chicks might set next….
On Oct 15, 2009 at 4:58 pm #
Lynn Eileen Chicky LE says:Speaking of the Lima Team, why isn’t Cathy pictured to the right with everyone else? Or Ingrid or Amy? Or AquaKitty or Tad? LOL Inquiring beading minds want to know…..
On Oct 15, 2009 at 10:12 pm #
Dora H says:the article on the large pearl was very interesting.
On Oct 16, 2009 at 8:35 am #
Deb D Grammy Chick says:Pretty amazing stuff, Andrew, especially that bead mosaic! Thanks for giving us such interesting info!
On Oct 16, 2009 at 9:31 am #
Chippy Chick aka Lindys says:I just want to see a picture of the oyster that created the largest pearl!
On Oct 16, 2009 at 11:56 am #
Andrew M says:Hi Chippy Chick, apparently it was a giant clam, not an oyster, that created this pearl. So it doesn’t have any nacre (mother of pearl) and wouldn’t be used for beading work.
There are lots of giant clam pictures here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_clam
Looks like they can grow up to 4 feet across and live for more than 100 years…
On Oct 17, 2009 at 12:23 pm #
seashellsally says:Some fun facts, Andrew.
So…what are/is the biggest, most, etc in the world of Lima Beads? For example, most Fresh Picks? Longest Lima conversation? Fresh Pick most favorited? Design most favorited? Best selling bead? etc. etc…….
On Oct 19, 2009 at 9:04 am #
Andrew M says:Sally, those are some good ideas for a future post!
On Oct 20, 2009 at 9:02 pm #
GlttrGuitarAngel says:I thought that pearl was a big glob of that crayola model magic sculpting material…
On Oct 20, 2009 at 10:44 pm #
Aqua Chickie Cat says:That’s just what it looks like
On Oct 25, 2009 at 10:30 am #
Faithful Chick aka Faith says:What a romantic story about the pearl. I think it looks like a giant blob of marshmellow cream. Mmmm I am hungry this morning.
On Oct 31, 2010 at 9:54 pm #
Bonnie R says:hey steve & Matt, can this joker be banned? We don;t need any ads on the blog.
On Oct 31, 2010 at 10:08 pm #
Jade aka Caryn says:I was thinking the same thing Bonnie
On Oct 31, 2010 at 10:27 pm #
Crystal Jewels says:Me too.
On Oct 31, 2010 at 10:57 pm #
KPJEWELS says:Some people have a lot of nerve. This is definitely not a place for advertisements, I agree
On Nov 01, 2010 at 1:58 am #
Kitty Chicky Cat says:Yes, what is up with them?!