Sep 19 (edited) • General discussion
Required Materials
These materials are essential for beading, I will provide links, mostly Amazon, to where they can be purchased.
· Beading thread: I use Berkley Fireline 6lb test, in crystal. It also comes in black, but I find crystal better and easier to use for beginners. I typically purchase the 300 yd spool, it’s a little pricy but 300yds will last through a good many projects. https://a.co/d/bgdF1Vh
· Beading needles: Any beading needles will do, but they are not all created equal. If you’re like me and hold your needle in a death grip, then a sturdier needle is best. I use Tulip #11 needles, they’re high quality, come in a package of 4 and have terrific durability. https://a.co/d/5KTHypE
· Bead mats: Bead mats are an essential part of beading, without one your beads will just roll away. Mats are made of a soft foam-like material similar to velux. I use Beadsmith brand mats, they come in a package of 3 which is great if you’re working on multiple projects. I use the 11”x14”.
· Scissors: A pair of good sharp scissors is necessary to make clean cuts in thread. The beading thread has an almost Teflon like coating on it for durability, this will have a tendency to dull your scissors over time. Great brands are Fiskars and Singer. You don’t need big fabric cutting scissors, a little pair of thread snipping scissors are best. https://a.co/d/5tEdHxE
· Stuffing material: For use when stuffing 3d stars, pods, or jingle balls. You can use just about anything to stuff, polyfil stuffing, cotton balls, some people even use plastic shopping bags. I like to use tulle because it keeps it’s bounce so your stuffed projects stay puffy and keep their shape. It comes in a 6in x 100yd spool which will last for many, many projects. It comes in tons of colors, but I use plain white. https://a.co/d/aahpSKr
· Lighter: Yes, a cigarette lighter, this is for joining new thread and making knots. This is for ADULT USE ONLY!!! Kids, ask mom or dad for help, never try to use it on your own.
- Bead scoop: Not entirely necessary but it certainly makes picking up your beads to put away easier, there are many styles and shapes out there, but this is the one I prefer.
· Beads: The most important part! And no, I do not get them from Amazon. The main type of beads we will be using are Miyuki Delicas in sizes 8/0 and 11/0, 8/0 being the bigger of the two. I like to use bigger beads to start because they are less frustrating for a new beader. Hobby Lobby has a nice selection of 11/0 beads but they are expensive. I get most of my beads from firemountaingems.com or auracrystals.com. Both site’s prices are comparable, they average between $4 up to $12 for a 7gm tube depending on the finish. I will be sharing in a video on my classroom on how to search for bead colors on each of the sites.
- A string or bag of larger beads to use as a bead stop (keeps your beads from falling off the thread). They don't have to be fancy and are available at any craft store, Michaels, Hobby Lobby etc.
Helpful but not necessary tools
· Beading Tray: This doesn’t have to be super fancy, for many years I used cookie sheets, until I needed a cookie sheet to actually cook, and didn’t have one available. I, of course, turned to Amazon and purchased a couple of small cafeteria-like trays. Your bead mat fits into it nicely, and now your project is portable. https://a.co/d/7fSLzqN
· Thread Zapper: This is a nifty tool for cutting your thread after you’ve woven it into your work. It’s not necessary sharp scissors work just as well, but with a zapper you can get the tail end cut as close to the work as possible. This works on a AA battery and has a heated element tip. It gets very hot so use with caution. https://a.co/d/910jzKI
· Sandwich bags: These little baggies are great for storing your bead tubes for a particular project. For example, say I’m making a Santa star ornament, I pick the pattern, download and print it, then from the bead legend order the appropriate beads. When I receive said beads, I place the tubes in a baggie and put a little scrap of paper or a little post-it in the bag with the name of the pattern. That way I know which beads go with what pattern.
· Stick: This is used for stuffing your 3d project. I use a knitting needle, but any long slender implement will do, a pencil, a kabob skewer. This isn’t absolutely necessary but it does help a lot.
· Lettered Beads: Packages of lettered or alphabet beads are available at any craft store, these will help in sorting your working beads on your bead tray. I will post a video about setting up your bead tray, and explain more on how this works.
This may all seem like a lot, but most of these items are long lasting in terms of value for your dollar. The only real expense is the beads themselves.
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Required Materials
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