It might be convenient and tempting to toss all your beading tools and supplies into a giant heap in a large box after your project, but you’re not doing yourself any favors. Storing your beading supplies this way guarantees you’ll be wasting time digging for each and every item you need for your next project, or money repurchasing items you cannot find. How can you quickly and easily organize supplies for later use?
First, Organize Supplies Into Piles by Type
Group similar items together, such as:
Tools
Wires
Beads
Findings
After you have organized them into piles, seek-out appropriately sized containers for each group of objects. You can find storage options nearly anywhere, from upcycled fishing tackle boxes and food storage containers, to clear bins, jars, and multi-drawered storage boxes at your area retail, consignment, or discount store.
Ensure Items are Visible & Essential Items Conveniently Located
Use clear storage containers, or clearly label items so you can find them in a snap. Keep the items you reach for the most easily accessible and close to your work area. If you can, show them off, making a beautiful and functional space. Label absolutely everything with a label maker, permanent marker, or tape and a pen, from the items you use daily, to those you rarely use.
Get Nit Picky
Organize beads and findings into sub-types so you can find what you need in a flash. Common options for organizing beads include by:
Color:
Organize by color, shape, or size in a single, multi-compartment container so you can envision multiple possibilities at a glance.
Pro Tip: If you’re organizing by size, try sifting a large batch of beads through a colander can quickly help you differentiate large and small items.
Hang spools nearby on a ribbon organizer or wooden dowel suspended between cup hooks. For smaller items, secure them in small, resealable zipper bags, likewise hanging them on the dowel.
Avoid Leaving Leave Supplies Lying Around
As soon as you’re done with something, put it away. It only takes a few seconds. This practice will help you avoid a cluttered workspace – and an overwhelmed mind. Jewelry makers are visual, and clutter disrupts the creative process.
Create a Scrapbook
Organize your design ideas and inspiration for future projects as well, sorting them into a 3-ring binder for easy reference.
Need more jewelry making supplies to complete your collection? Shop the wide assortment of wholesale beads and accessories at Crystal Findings today.
As we enter the new year and the temperatures drop, now is an excellent time to either take-up jewelry making for the first time or to approach it with an invigorated interest. Making jewelry is an amazing hobby that, for some, can become a nice side gig. With custom jewelry making supplies, you can craft and create a physical type of art that best expresses who you are. During cold winter evenings, making jewelry is a meditative hobby for which you’ll have something to show and share with your friends. Soon, you may even find them coming to you for advice on how to make a beaded bracelet or where to buy jewelry making supplies!
Crystal Findings: Your Go-to Website for All Your Jewelry Making Supplies
Speaking of where to buy the supplies, our team at Crystal Findings is dedicated to providing an online space where you’ll find all the jewelry making supplies you need to create beautiful custom-made pieces for yourself, your friends and family, and even your customers. Our supplies include the very basic items you need to get started, such as beginner books for jewelry making and specialty techniques like bead stringing and beading tools and pliers that are a must-have in every jeweler’s arsenal. Additionally, we have in-stock all the beads and other supplies you could want, from Swarovski crystal pendant beads to Shamballa beads in bulk, we got it.
So where do you start this winter? Snow-themed winter jewelry patterns are always eye-catching and reminiscent of the season itself. An Ice Princess Necklace is a gorgeous and easy bead idea. Here, you might choose aquamarine, blue zircon, and crystal colored Shamballa beads and string them along a silver line for a simple yet striking look. We love these colors for this type of necklace as they simulate the look of snow falling against a blue sky.
If you enjoy knitting, another wonderful hobby perfect for cold evenings spent bundled up, then you’ll love how easily you can add beads to transform your crafts. Using a thick cord or similar heavy-duty material of a blue shade, knitters can glide on Swarovski crystal beads for that same beautiful snowfall against a winter sky effect.
Contact Us for More Information and Visit Crystal Findings
We hope this inspires you to start crafting and start creating your own beautiful bead and other creations. Get started this week by visiting our online store where you’ll find all of the beading supplies you need.
Our shop has been around for over ten years now and we are proud to have loyal customers that include both individual buyers and shops looking for bulk bead supplies. We offer fast shipping, no minimum purchase, and a no-questions return policy seven days from your package receipt. Other questions? Contact us today to learn more!
For those new to jewelry making, the seemingly simple task of selecting beading wire can quickly turn into an overwhelming experience. With so many types, sizes, and manufacturers, how can you find the right one? The tips that follow offer general guidelines (not rules), and are meant to help those new to beading avoid trial-and-error frustrations.
First Things First: Understanding Beading Wire Measurements
To make an informed decision, the first thing you need to do is familiarize yourself with beading wire terminology and how it applies to measurements and durability:
Beading wire diameter
Wire diameter determines the overall strength of the beading wire. The smaller the number, the wider the diameter and more durable the wire. Wire diameter will also determine what types of beads will fit on the wire. Measurements are typically given as a fraction of an inch.
Strand number
Beading wire is actually a cable composed of multiple strands. The more strands in the wire, the more flexible it is. The smaller the number of strands, the stiffer the wire will remain. For example, 19-strand wire is more flexible than 7-strand. This is a classic more = better scenario. More flexible wire feels higher quality, whereas less flexible wire will be prone to kinking. The tradeoff is in the expense.
Pound test strength or “break”
This number is sometimes displayed on beading wire, denoting weight tests surrounding the maximum pounds of pressure beading wire can take before breaking. The higher the number the stronger the wire.
Tips for Selecting Beading Wire by Design
Considering these aspects of your project can help you determine the best beading wire:
What diameter are bead holes? How small/large are the beads?
Small, lightweight beads, such as sterling silver beads and Bali beads, work well with .010-0.15-inch wire.
Light to medium crystal and stone beads work well with medium diameter 0.15-0.21-inch wire.
Heavy beads are best with heavier 0.24-0.36-inch wire.
What’s your budget (or your client’s)?
Affordable & durable for gifts, crafts: 7-strand.
Middle-of-the-road: 14-19-strand.
Higher-end jewelry for sale: 19-49-strand.
Will you be using oversized beads or large crystals?
Large, heavy beads and multifaceted crystals such as Swarovski crystal beads and Swarovski crystal pendants are best strung on beading wire with a pound test strength of 26-40-pounds.
Necklace style:
The more strands, the more wire will drape. Seven-strand wire holds its shape; whereas 49-strand is supple like string, allowing for elegant draping. Here is a general rule of thumb you can use while choosing the number of strands for your beading wire:
Stiff, choker-style: 7-strand.
Artful drape/movement: 19-49-strand.
Unsure: 19-strand.
Visibility of the wire.
If beading wire will show between beads, carefully consider the color of beading wire. Bead wire now comes in an array of colors and finishes. Carefully chosen, your wire color can showcase or enhance your bead colors.
Looking for high quality beading wire and beading supplies? Shop the wide selection of quality jewelry making supplies at Crystal Findings today.
Leftover beads? These simple and unique beading projects can help you utilize your ever-growing collection of beading odds and ends.
10 Great Beading Projects for Leftover Beads
Beaded Earrings
Because it takes relatively few beads to make earrings, earring projects are a great way to put leftover beads to good use, especially sparkly statement pieces like Shamballa beads. As an added bonus, these make great last-minute gifts for family and friends.
Beaded Bookmark
Make a pretty beaded wax linen twin bookmark from odd beads for yourself or the avid reader in your life. This simple project takes only about 10-minutes, making them a fantastic project for children or any potential new jewelry makers in your life.
Burlap Curtain Tie-Backs or Napkin Rings
Spruce up your curtains or dining room table with stretchy strings of your leftover beads. Have a little extra time and quite a few extra beads? Add a beaded fringe to your drapes or make a full beaded curtain for budding bohemians.
Wine Glass Beaded Charms
Enjoy a glass of wine while making charms for your stemware. Wine glass beaded charms are a great way to mark glasses. Make color variations from leftover beads for dinner parties, or put those alphabet beads to good use for your next family gathering.
Beaded Barrettes
A few bobby pins and a bit of glue and you can turn just a few leftover beads into a fun hair accessory for children or friends and minutes.
Beaded Insects
Dresser or desk less than inspiring? Top it off with a conversation piece. Create your own beaded spider or dragonfly. A quick Google will have you on your way to a unique beaded centerpiece in no time.
Beaded Wind Chime or Sun Catcher
Artfully arrange your assortment of leftover stone beads into a unique and sparkling sun catcher or set of wind chimes for your yard.
Beaded Candleholder
Drape fringes of beads surrounding a mason jar or string and glue beads around a simple glass votive or pillar candle holder to make a colorful home accent piece.
Holiday Ornaments
Your imagination is the limit for turning your leftover beads into a fun or stunning holiday ornament. Shape with craft wire, create a wrap, or simply glue to a frosted glass ball.
Beaded Art Lose the wire and string and grab a tube of glue, turning your leftover beads into art atop a photo frame, mirror, or into a collage. A fun project with or without the kids for the artistically inclined.
Out of ideas? We’ve got more than a few. Shop the wide selection of wholesale beads and jewelry supplies at Crystal Findings, or peruse our blog for inspiration today.
Love jewelry making but wish you could find a way to cut the cost of beading supplies? You may be surprised to discover you don’t have to be a large retailer to purchase wholesale beads and jewelry making supplies. Most wholesalers have many customers who buy in small quantities. Even crafters and hobbyists can purchase beads at wholesale prices from Crystal Findings.
Why Should You Buy Wholesale Beads?
Wider Variety, Lower Prices
Buying beads in bulk from a wholesaler, rather than a retailer, will give you access to a greater variety of high-quality beads at a much lower price. And if you think this means millions of the same boring beads, think again. You can purchase beads wholesale in variety packs, ensuring a variety of colors, textures, and styles, sizes or choose your own in quantity or by the piece for special projects.
Shopping & Delivery Convenience
Save time and shop from the comfort of your home. Purchasing your beading supplies online from Crystal Findings gives you access to a wider variety of beads than your area craft store, allowing you to create beautiful, unique projects without trekking to a multitude of stores. Once you place your order, items ship quickly to your door, ensuring you don’t have to wait for your bead and gemstone orders to trickle in before you can finally begin your project. With wholesale beading supplies, you can start your project anytime, or stock your shelves for future projects throughout the year.
Tired of the Same Old Craft Store Fare?
Shop our fantastic variety of interesting and unique wholesale beads and find something new and exciting:
Our semi-precious stone beads come in a variety of colors, adding a unique, earthy feel to your jewelry designs. Use them alone, alternating colors and shapes, or pair with your favorite accent pieces such as Bali beads and gold-filled and silver charms.
Shamballa Beads
Shimmery and colorful, disco-ball-like Shamballa beads make a stunning addition in any jewelry design.
Cloisonné Beads
Pair the colorful art of our Cloisonné beads with your favorite gold or silver beads and findings.
Tips for Gaining Additional Savings When Shopping Wholesale Beads
Purchase Larger Orders, Less Frequently
Rather than spending a few dollars here and there, make a list of what you need and wait. The larger the quantity of beads you purchase, the more you save.
Get a Tax ID
If you’re a jewelry making aficionado, an inexpensive business license and tax ID can help you save on the cost of retail taxes.
Shop Only Trusted Websites
Shop only online wholesalers with a trusted reputation who you know will be around to handle any customer service needs.
Treat yourself to a little something new and exciting. Shop the wide variety of affordable wholesale beads and jewelry supplies at Crystal Findings today.
Already sweating summer boredom? Whether you are a parent or activities instructor, summer break is the perfect time to try a few fun jewelry making projects with your kids. Easy and inexpensive, jewelry projects help kids develop their fine motor skills and creativity and leave them with a unique memento of the summer season.
Inspire Your Child’s Creativity with these Kids Jewelry-Making Favorites:
We offer a variety of colorful and unique beads that children love for making necklaces and bracelets. Choose from some of the kid-friendly favorites below, complementing them with our wide assortment of gold-filled and sterling silver beads and findings…
It’s easy for kids to get creative with a mix of alphabet beads and colorful spacers. We offer a wide assortment of alphabet bead options, sold by the letter.
A-Z alphabet bracelet or necklace for younger kids, placing colorful round beads between each letter.
Name bracelet.
Friendship bracelets: “BFFS FOREVER.” Or “X O X O.”
‘Positive message’ bracelets, such as, “BE HAPPY,” “DREAM BIG,” “THANKFUL,” “SMILE,” AND “U R AWESOME.”
Alternate colorful semi precious stones in a vibrant pattern of each child’s favorite colors, stringing on a stretch cord for an easy fit. Add in fun accent pieces such as Bali beads or gold-filled and silver charms with a jump ring to make a statement.
Colorful yet sophisticated, Cloisonné are favored by older girls, adorned with beautifully painted imagery with metallic accents perfect for pairing with gold and silver beads and findings.
The perfect way to add both color and texture to a jewelry design, smooth, shimmery cat’s eye beads make kids of all ages ‘ooh’ and ‘ahhh.’ Alternate bold colors of stones of the same shape, or mix shapes to stunning effect.
Don’t Miss Out on these Other Fun Bead Styles
Providing an assortment of beads allows each child to showcase their own unique personality through their jewelry making creativity.
From simple shapes to flashy designs to liven up any creation.
While the day away, creating a new tradition. Discover the fun of jewelry making with your kids. Shop the wide selection of inspiring options at Crystal Findings today.
