Taking Photos of Projects | Displaying Earrings | Organizing Beads
A digital camera can help you record your work-in-progress and simple items such as business cards, tissues with lotion, a garden rake and a workbench staple can simplify your beading.
1 rake rack
I made a jewelry rack with the metal head of a garden rake. I removed the head from the handle, cleaned and painted it, and decorated it with artificial flowers. The curved tines are long enough to hold many necklaces and bracelets.
- Barbara McAleese, Yuma, AZ |
2 nonsticky glue tubes
Use a lotion-infused tissue to wipe the tip of a glue tube before closing it. The lotion keeps the cap from sticking.
- Chris Thommen, Portage, MI |
3 digital design tool
My digital camera is an indispensable jewelry-creation tool. I take photos of beads to see how different colors and shapes work together. I also take photos of pieces that don't seem to be working so I can better see how to fix them. Finally, when I get an idea that makes me want to change course in the middle of a project, I take a photo before I undo any work. Knowing I can go back to the earlier version frees me to take creative risks.
- Michelle Mach, via e-mail
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4 earring display
I display earrings on my business cards. Then, I put them in plastic bags to keep them neat and secure. I tack the bags to a cork board for display on an easel at craft shows. I can fit 50 pairs of earrings on a 15 x 21-in. (38 x 53cm) board.
- Olivia Wendorf, Charlotte, MI |
5 bead organizer
A Stanley Tool Organizer (model 14166 is shown) is a handy way to store and transport beads. You can adjust the size of the compartments, and the side drawers are great for strung beads and finished pieces.
- Judi Case, Long Valley, NJ |