Beading

Beading is a hobby that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It will provide you with hours of fun, helps you relieve stress and can also help you make a little money by selling what you have made.

Basic Beading is easy and fun. It doesn’t cost much to get started. A wide variety of beading supplies are readily available at crafts and art supplies stores. A search for “beading supplies” on the internet will give you many great resources for what you need to get started beading.

To start beading, you will need a few basic tools and supplies. Here is a list of what you will need:

Beads

The beautiful fancy beads, made from glass, wood, and semi-precious gemstones are so very tempting for beaders at any skill level. However, you can avoid unnecessary expenses by starting with simple plastic beads. They come in many different shapes, colors, sizes and styles. After you become more skilled, you can start using those tempting fancy beads.

Crimping Beads

Crimping Beads are made of flexible metal that are clamped shut to help keep clasps attached to jewelry. An essential to beaded projects, crimping beads are gold or silver and are available in different sizes.

Clasps

“Findings” is another name for jewelry clasps, clamps and closures, and can be purchased at most stores that sell beading supplies. There is a wide variety from which to choose, and beginners should start with the less expensive findings. Most findings products have instructions on the package.

Stringing Materials

These come in a variety of sizes and types. Beading strings are made of silk, nylon, leather cord and coated wire. Beginners may want to use flexible wire. It is easier to use and doesn’t shrink, stretch or curl. Working with thread requires special large-eye or curved needles made for beading, and can be found in most stores that sell beading supplies.

Beading Boards

Beading boards make pre-selecting and measuring beads and working with multiple strands much easier. Most beading boards are made of plastic and are equipped with a device that measures in inches, millimeters, or both. Although any segmented plastic tray can be used, a beading board is highly recommended.

Tools

Purchasing the right tools for your beading is a must! At the most basic, you will need round-nosed pliers that can be used for crimping. If you can afford it, add smooth edged needle-nosed pliers, a bead crimper, light wire cutter, wire straightener and jewelers tweezers. These tools are not required, but they do make stringing beads easier.

Beading pattern books and magazines can be purchased at craft stores or online. Free patterns can also be found on the internet.

Beading is a great hobby. You can bead jewelry, accessories, clothing, handbags, key chains and other items.