When 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.
By Sandra Bridgeman from Montvale, NJ
What is a beading ring and how to use it?
This is a very vague question I'll give you an idea & after you can define more specifically we can go from there!
1) beading rings are ring forms in which you bead seed beads or crystals onto with a beading needle
2) Jump ring tool is a plier with 1 straight edg the other with a 90 degree downward bend at the tip these are used to open split rings etc
3.) Jump ring tool it is rounf ring shape with 2 slits in it to place your jump ring in & evenly split it open to place your clasps and to close correctly without misshaping your ring
I'd like to jazz up some of my wardrobe by adding beaded trims. Does anyone know what kind of beading thread is machine washable? Thank you!
By Stephanie
Any non-disolving thread is washable. Best to use NEW thread that is less likely to be brittle, fray or break and match thread to type of fabric. A cotton thread in a stretchable polyester will fabric break etc. There are also good quality glues for beads, jewels onto fabric that are washable.
Make sure to turn items inside out and be kind to your handiwork; wash on a gentle cycle and hang to dry.
When 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.
This is link for a site called Beadage which offers free instructions and online tutorials for making jewelery. It gives you ideas for ways to sell your own designs online and the chance to upload pictures and instructions to show others how to make your projects.
When beginning a new craft, such as beading, it is a good idea to identify and purchase at least the basic tools and supplies so that you can get started creating. This is a page about basic tools and findings for beading.
Most 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.
Making beaded bracelets and chokers is a longstanding craft that has delighted children and adults for years. The first thing you need is a loom. This tutorial can guide you through the steps needed to make your own.
Stretch elastic cord can be used to make bracelets and other craft project but it can sometimes be difficult to thread smaller beads or findings. This is a page about threading beads on elastic stretch cord.
An old spice rack is a great storage space for small craft beads. They can often even be found at yard sales or thriftstores, making for an inexpensive solution.
Weekly pill organizers, both the large and small sizes, are great for storing small beads and findings for your jewelry craft projects. This is a page about using a pill organizer for beads and findings.
I 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.
If 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.
Instead 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.
