Easy Elastic Stringing | Handy Bead Scoop | Displaying Earrings
Having trouble stringing beads on ribbon elastic or picking up tiny heishi beads? Our readers can help.
1 bead caddy
I made a bead caddy and work mat that I can roll up mid-project when I need to. The work surface is large enough for a beading board, the side flaps have pockets to store supplies, and the loops on the outside hold tools or other items.
- Laura Daily, Carmel, IN |
2 easy elastic stringing
To string beads more easily on ribbon elastic, fold a 2-3-in. (5-7.6cm) piece of flexible beading wire and simply string beads over both ends of the wire. Transfer beads from the wire onto the elastic.
- Luann Cowdrey, Tulsa, OK |
3 bead scoop
Slushee straws are perfect for scooping up small beads. Pick up beads with the spoon end and empty them into a storage container through the straw end.
- Cheryl Finley, Oak Park, IL |
4 heishi help
Heishi beads can be difficult to pick up and string. Stringing size .018 (or narrower) flexible beading wire through the beads while they are still on their original thread saves time when adding heishis to a strand. This method also works well with sequins.
- Debbie Tuttle, Ballston Lake, NY |
5 mobile earring display
Sports-card pages are a convenient way to transport and display earrings for sale. Close the top of the packets with double-stick tape to keep the earrings secure while still allowing buyers to remove them for a closer look.
- Nicole Jeske, Minocqua, WI |