Easy Bead SorterIf you work in beads, you know that certain sizes should stay together, even within their color. But who wants to hand-pick through beads just to separate them. I sure don't. So I was recycling one of the Dollar Tree scented bead air fresheners the other day and kept this handy little lid. Today it hit me like a big bag of beads!
Avoid Hanging Beaded NecklacesIf your necklace is beaded on any weight of beading thread, even a rope, it will stretch out of shape if you hang it on anything! Therefore, lay them flat.
Basic Tools and Findings for BeadingIf you are new to beading, here is an introduction to the basic tools and findings you will need to get started.
Pill Organizer for Beads and FindingsI had a few unused pill organizers laying around the house and almost threw them out. Until it dawned on me that their little compartments are perfect for storing small beads and findings. The lids snap securely so I don't have to worry about them spilling.
Picking Up Dropped Craft BeadsI don't know anyone who hasn't dropped beads on the floor (carpet) where they're working (in front of the TV). There are probably retail items one can use, but by necessity I quickly picked up a toothpick (or Q-tip) and put a small wad of Blu Tack on the end.
Beautiful Beaded EarringsI had some similar earrings and wanted to experiment and see if I could duplicate them, and also to design some other colors and give the earrings as Christmas gifts. I used what I already had in my bead box at home and this is the result.
Threading Beads on Elastic Stretch CordI spent about 2 hours frustrated that I could not put 1 to 2 pieces of elastic cord through the center of a seed bead or other beads to make a stretch bracelet. Finally, I had a brilliant idea, I took a piece of beading wire and cut about 2 to 3 inches off and folded it in half.
Use Silicone Bakeware For Small BeadsI use silicone cupcake bakeware for beading with smaller beads. I use one cup for each color and just roll each bead up the "flute" and put it on the needle or string. It makes the project so much more quicker and easier to do.
Victorian Beaded PoinsettiaIt takes just a few items to make these beautiful Victorian beaded poinsettias.
Ice Cube Trays for BeadsOrganizing beads is simple if you use an ice cube tray to keep them in.
Use Tape To Pick Up Glass BeadsIf you work with glass beads in your stitching, this tip might help to keep them in place. Wrap a piece of cellophane tape (sticky side out) on the forefinger of your non-stitching hand.
Store Bead Boxes in Stackable Paper TraysMost of us beaders have a lot of plastic multi-slotted storage boxes and they get heavy. Pulling one from a stacked group can be difficult with the chance of an avalanche. I have been able to obtain good quality plastic paperwork stacking trays at yard sales.
Watch Out for Lead Content in Crystal BeadsSwarovski (Austrian) crystals are gorgeous and shine brilliantly. But what makes them so dangerous is the very high lead in them. I refuse to use them for that very reason. Semi-precious stones, gemstones, and even glass beads can be used to make very pretty items.
Silicone Baking Sheet for BeadingWhen stringing many beads together, use a silicone baking sheet. It's flexible and holds the beads in place. Using a large eyed stringing needle makes a perfect combination for fast beading without having the beads fall all over, everywhere.
Beaded CrossI have been making these crosses for 3 years now. They are good for gifts. Hang them on your car rear view mirror or in the window of your home for sun catchers.
Reuse Cookie and Cracker Package TraysDon't throw out the plastic trays from cookie and cracker bags! They work great as holders for beads or paper pieces for your crafts, but you can also use them as mini-green houses and flower pots.
Salvaging Beads From Thrift Store FindsI recently purchased a tank top sweater with beaded fringe around the bottom edge at a local thrift store for $3.75. When I got home and carefully inspected it, I noticed that two strands of the beads were missing.
Saving Money on Beads for BeadworkTips for saving money on beads for doing beadwork. If you make costume jewelry using beads, consider shopping in thrift stores. Some of the best quality beads, such as crystal, can be found that way for restringing. All are much less costly than in craft stores.
Thrifty Bead ScoopInstead of buying a "bead scoop" why not use a metal Chinese soup spoon! Very inexpensive, I got mine for about .50 at an Oriental market. It scoops and pours with ease.
Ribbon BookmarksI have made hundreds of these and they are quick and easy! Make them with thin ribbon and beads.
Storing and Sorting Beads in Cupcake TinsWhen you are at your next garage sale or when you are planning your own, look and see what shape your cupcake tins are in. If you decide you want to get rid of them, think again, these make great storage for beads and a great place to sort those beads that come in an assorted package.
