Making a Revolving Jewelry Display | Picking Up Tiny Beads

Find a new use for a mesh garbage can and save little spoons for a quick pickup for small beads.

1 letter perfect
To organize alphabet beads, string them on a pipe cleaner (available at craft stores). Form words, or sort by letters to keep the beads easily accessible and to help you quickly see how many of a particular letter you have. Fold the ends to keep the beads in place.
- Marie Rankin, via e-mail

2 tidy tote
Pick up a plastic organizer from your local home-improvement store. This one has four drawers with multiple compartments, a handle that folds down, and holes for wall mounting - all for only $10.
- Ruth Zamarripa, Los Gatos, CA

3 bridging the gap
If you see a gap between beads in a finished piece, fill the space with a crimp cover. Select a silver- or gold-colored crimp cover to match your design, then simply close the cover over the beading wire - no restringing required.
- Elizabeth Wall, Irvington, NJ

4 sweet spoons
Small spoons are indispensable for picking up tiny beads. Save plastic spoons that are packaged with artificial sweeteners. Or, keep one after you've sampled a flavor from the ice-cream shop. These plastic spoons are free and always available, so you won't be frustrated if you lose one.
- Marlene Vidibor, Ghent, NY

5 revolving display
To display many earrings, hang them in the holes of an inverted mesh trash can. Place the trash can on a lazy Susan, and spin the lazy Susan to see your jewelry at a glance.
- Catie Hoover, via e-mail

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May 2006