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Wednesday, February 18, 2009

What To Do With All Those Beads??????





I was just reading Terronda’s blog, http://UniqueCommodities.etsy.com regarding her dilemma as she so aptly asks, “Ok so where do you guys keep your beads left over from projects or that you open and realize it doesn't work for the project. I have sooooo many beads and they are covering my work table!” “I can’t seem to figure out where and how best to store them….”
Well, Terronda, Magdalene to the rescue. I was about to leave a comment when I thought I would share with you and other beaders who may be just as frazzled with “50,000” beads floating around. I purchased at a local craft store, Michael’s, a few bead containers which hold the many beads I use when creating my jewelry. As they come in different sizes - some with 6 compartments (I don’t know if compartments would be the correct word, since they are each about 3x3”); 10 compartments, 20 compartments of various sizes. They all have different uses, the smaller one is for seed beads I don’t use too often, another has larger beads, and pearls, bali beads, etc. The one I use the most is for my crystals, and beads spacers – items I use often. Now you ask, how does she manage to keep track of what she has? Well, I actually, (and no, I am not OCD!) I arrange them according to colors, or colors that blend (violets, lavender, amethyst, purple velvet- 4mm, 6mm 8mm), which makes it easier when I have a certain idea and color scheme in mind. When I do craft fairs and shows, I always take this particular container with me in case someone asks for something custom made. Oh, you know all those extra make-up cases you get when you purchase a certain amount of Lancome, Clinique, etc. well, they make great holders for your tools: pliers (which I have all sorts of), beading wire and string, clasps – well, you get the idea. Oh, when you do buy one of the beading compartments, make sure you get the one that says the beads won’t move, or you’ll wind up with Hemitite Jonquil’s!
So Terronda, and all my jewelry blogger friends, I hope this helps you just a little. Oh, I also bought a cheap shelve (Bed & Bath) that I keep all my jewelry items on. Knitting on another shelf, and whatever quilting project I am working on, on another shelf. Hey, does this count as a tutorial blog!

11 comments:

uniquecommodities said...

Awesome! Thanks Maggie! I remembered that I do have some Craft mate bins! I am working to get organized now and NOPE it wont be by color Mrs. OCD! LOL! ((HUGGLES))

BeadedTail said...

I used to use all those containers but recently switched to a big box with containers - I think it's actually a tackle box, that has multi levels and many, many compartments. I can take all my beads everywhere I go now and keep my wire and tools in the bottom. Now I just need to figure out where I put everything but that'll come when I have more time to actually bead again after April 15th!

agoodwitchtoo said...

I think this definitely counts as a tutorial or sorts, Hippy Chic!

I wish my craft were as portable ;) Guess I'm going to have to figure out something to do!

Miss ya, Mags!

Anonymous said...

Great tip. Another options is to use a professional makeup case for storing beads. They've got lots of places for small things and they're a little more glam than tackle boxes and just as functional.
Check out this one on Salon Hive: http://www.salonhive.com/pro-silver-aluminum-makeup-case-ts-92.html

TiLT said...

I think you can count it as a tutorial :)
I use an art/tackle box for my beads 'n things...but since I only use them to decorate bags - I don't have anywhere near what you jewelers have...50,000!?!

On a Whimsey said...

Great post! Now what to do with my waxes, hot air gun, iron.... only kidding!!

Fused Glass said...

I have so much clutter that I wouldn't even know where to begin putting stuff away...34 kinds of glass that need to be kept separate.... wow... but Pam this is a great article for your blog!

Chauncey said...

MJ, you've done a great job of addressing the age old question... "how do I even begin to keep this stuff organized"? wonderful post

Anonymous said...

I just did the same thing a few weeks ago with all of my supplies. It is so much better with everything in its own spot !
Great blog Pam.

Pamela Baker said...

Thanks all, but thanks to Terronda, if she hadn't had asked what to do with all her 500,000 beads all over the place, who knows what article I might have done!

Unknown said...

I think this absolutely qualifies as a tutorial! Thanks for the tips, and the great ideas! I am going to implement some of them for my smaller craft items!