Bead Room

Frugal beading tips for organizing and selling

Use what you have and get creative with freebies.
by Cathy Jakicic
Published: July 1, 2011
No one loves new organizational tools and containers more than I do, but I also get satisfaction from finding new uses for things I already have. Here are two organizational tricks to try with items that may already be in your bead room or office. Plus, a free source of professional-looking price tags.
clipboard
Inspiration and free time seldom come simultaneously. I use cheap clipboards to keep some-day-project materials together. I re-use plastic bags in different sizes so I can see all of the elements. I usually add a note to remind my future self what I had in mind when the inspiration hit.
storage-jars
I needed a few of these cool vessels for message-in-a-bottle necklaces. They're sold by the dozen, so I use the rest to keeps small amounts of tiny beads organized and visible. If I make more necklaces later, I always know where the extra bottles are. PS: I got these at Rings & Things.
price-tags
When I do a craft or trunk show, I like to have number of lower-cost "impulse buys" ready — usually at the same price. A quick way to make small professional-looking tags in quantity can by found in the template/clip art section of Martha Stewart's Web site. Try the Date Clip Art. When you fill in the price on one tag, it is automatically copied to the rest. What a time saver!
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MARGARET SERRES from ILLINOIS said:
I use shower curtain rings and clip baggies of beads together then hang them on hooks. I can see my inventory and store hundreds baggies on removable hooks on a full length mirror on my craft room door. When I move things around the hooks remove easily and leave no damage behind. I did add extra support clips to the mirror to make certain it can hold the wieght.
MARILYN BENNETT from TENNESSEE said:
I have found that using glass baby food jars are perfect for storing my beads..they are clear and a variety of sizes...the plastic ones work well also..just use a permanent marker to label the beads and sizes..happy beading..:):)
VIRGINIA DANFORD from ALABAMA said:
I could not bead without Ziplock bags, all sizes. I also love the curved bottom storage containers sold at Hobby Lobby are easier to get to your beads while you are working on a project. I also put items for special projects in a large ziplock bags with instructions or descriptions for the project so all are together.
DOROTHEA CAIAZZA from KANSAS said:
I store my wire that is not on a spool in an old cd jewel case with the description on the spine. I store them in wire cd racks.
VIRGINIA F COLE from FLORIDA said:
I found a ribbon organizer at Joann's that has three rods which lift out. It's perfect for hanging all my spools of beading wire - I can see all the colors and can cut pieces off while they hang, if I don't want to slide the spool off. It stands alone or can be hung on the wall. Great way to use those 40% off coupons.
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