Organizing Beads | Strengthening Magnetic Clasps | Finding Inspiration
Try a different type of magazine for colorful inspiration and find a new way to make your magnetic closures more secure.
1 double-duty trays
Playing with bead combinations for a while before committing to one design is a practice of mine, but sometimes I lose pieces when working on multiple projects. Now I keep the pieces of each project together in recycled frozen dinner trays. The trays have high walls and can be stacked - a benefit if you work on several projects simultaneously or have limited work space. (You can also use airline-food trays, available at surplus stores.)
- Brenda Schweder, via e-mail |
2 for towels and tools
Using an inexpensive towel bar keeps your beading tools organized and easily accessible. Buy one with substantial wall mounts, prop it up on your workspace, and straddle the tools over the bar. - Marissa McConnell, via e-mail |
3 keeping it together
Magnetic clasps are easier to fasten than other types of clasps, particularly on bracelets. To make a closure more secure, attach a short piece (about 2 in./51mm) of chain to the clasp's loops with jump rings. With the safety chain, there is less risk of losing the bracelet if the clasp accidentally opens.
- Patricia Russo, Medina, Ohio |
4 good taste
Food and cooking magazines feature seasonal ideas and interesting combinations of colors and textures. I find them as inspirational as fashion magazines for jewelry design ideas. - C. Francis, via e-mail |
5 storage by color
Organize your beads by color, shape, or size, instead of in individual containers. By storing similar beads together in one container, you'll see multiple possibilities at a glance. - Lisa Calhoun, via e-mail |