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Beading Buying Guide

Beading is a fun, relaxing, and undeniably fruitful hobby. Not only can you spend hours creating beautiful pieces of jewellery,  but it can be inexpensive, and makes for some great gifts.  There are loads of techniques and different ways of making jewellery, making it an ever-increasing pastime. Buying beads is easy too; just find a hobby shop, fabric store, or department store with a crafts  section, and you are set.

 

 

 

 

 

What Do I Need?

Starting to bead is simple, you can begin with a handful of beads and a sewing needle  with thread  or fishing line.  One recommendation is to start out with a kit. It may sound silly to use a teen kit, but Klutz Book Of Beads  has a lot of instructions, and provides you with a lot of basic materials you will want to use, not to mention a lot of beads. You can use a kit like that to learn some basic, and not so basic, techniques that you can apply to the provided beads or some of your own. The instructions include photographs, and are very easy to follow. 

If you don't feel like purchasing a kit, there are a lot of do-it-yourself websites available, and you can choose which projects to embark on, provided with lists of materials and instructions. Basically, finding a place to purchase beads and beading accessories like tigertail,  crimps,  clasps,  beading wire,  earring hooks,  jump rings,  the beads  themselves, and bead organisers,  is probably your very first step. 

Different Types of Beading and Jewellery Making

Strung Beads 

This is the most basic form of beading; stringing beads onto a string or wire to make jewellery. It's fun and simple, and never goes out of style. 

Wire Jewellery 

This is a little different, very fun, and requires supplies like wire and wire cutters,  or pliers.  Nail cutters  can work as a substitute. The outcome looks great. 

Bead Weaving 

This is more complicated, and generally requires a lot of concentration, and probably a beading loom.  Of course, you can make one of these yourself with a few nails and a block of wood if you have the time. 

Bead Embroidery 

This is fun, and you can add to clothing and accessories you already own. It takes some learning, but the results are fun and beautiful. 

Different Types of Beads

Seed Beads 

These small beads work well on thread or thinner wires, they come in loads of colours and materials, from plastic to glass to metal. Widely available, easy to use, and looks great with most techniques. 

Charlotte Beads 

These are small beads, but have an added shine because of their flat sides. They are about the same size as seed beads and are generally sold on long threads, which are easily removed for simple storing. 

Metal Beads 

Available in loads of sizes, types, and designs, these beads can be tiny or enormous; it depends on what you're looking for. They add a lot of pop to any project, and can be used with many techniques. 

Glass Beads 

These are also available in a very wide range of sizes. They are colourful, and come in loads of different styles. They also make great pendants. 

Wooden Beads 

These come in all different shapes, sizes, and wood material types. They add a sophisticated or earthy feel to any project, and can be very diverse in their uses. 

Pearl Beads 

These can be real pearls or imitation, but either way they make for very pretty pieces of jewellery. They can be dressed up or down, depending on the piece, and can range in sizes. Natural pearls rarely have a uniform shape. 

Stone Beads 

These can be made of many different materials, and thus come in loads of different shapes, sizes, and colours. They are a lovely accent, and can be quite large for a dynamic centre. 

Terra Cotta Beads 

These come in loads of shapes, sizes, designs, and colours. They can be painted or natural, and generally are not uniform. They work great with traditional jewellery or hemp  jewellery. 

Different Shaped Beads

Beads of different shapes can be fun, and change the flavour of a piece by adding something unexpected. They come in loads of sizes, almost any shape you can think of, and lots of different materials and colours. Add something different to a traditional necklace, or make a geometric bead piece for a fun and bohemian feel. 

Horn Beads 

Diamond Cut Beads 

Saucer Beads 

Cube Beads 

Heishi Beads 

Tube Beads 

Pear Beads 

Star Beads 

Stick Beads 

Donut Beads 

Beading Necessities

Ear Wires  or Earring Hooks 

These are the foundation for a pair of earrings, and can be used in loads of different ways, from the simple to the complicated. Bags of basic multiples are widely available and affordable. 

Head Pins 

These wires with a blunt end keep beads on, and can be shaped and bent to your liking. Great for earrings or attaching hanging beads to a necklace. 

Earnuts 

These keep earrings firmly in the ear. Available in loads of different styles, colours, and materials, especially if you have metal allergies. 

Jump Rings 

These wire hoops attach around clasps, keep earrings together, and are basically a very important part of your toolbox. It's easy to make your own with wire and needle nose pliers. 

Clasps 

Attach one to the end of a necklace or bracelet to allow you to put on or remove the necklace or bracelet itself. Different types are available in different materials. A button in a loop will work in a pinch. 

Helpful Beading Tools

Bead Boards 

Great for storage, or just keeping your beads in order while making a project. 

Tweezers 

For tiny beads, or minute work, these can help you clamp on to thread or beads, especially if you need something smaller than your fingers for some of the work. 

Pliers 

These are perfect for metal working, or just for working with beading wire. Needle nose pliers  are best for beading, but nail clippers  work in a pinch. 

Bead Reamer 

Either electric or manual, these smooth the holes out, for better and easier use. 

Beading Organisers

Bead Compartment Box 

Keep your beads separate and organised. 

Circular Storage Trays 

Come with a cover, and carefully store your beads. 

Seed Bead Trays 

Works with small bottles or vials of seed beads. 

Related Guides

Charm Bracelets

Arts and Crafts

Jewellery Gift Guide

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