Are you ready to start beading but unsure of what you need to get started? We have compiled some beading essentials that we always have on hand.
Tools: Tools are the number one essentials of beadings. Without the necessary tools, you will not be able to complete most of your jewelry projects.
Chain/Flat Nose Pliers – Personally, I like to have two pairs of chain nose pliers on hand. Sometimes when opening jump rings with a stronger gauge or for daintier/smaller size jump rings, it is helpful to use two pliers.
Round Nose Pliers – This is another great essential tool if you are planning to do a lot of wire or headpin looping and/or wrapping.
Flush or Side Cutters – These are great for soft wire or headpin precise cuts. Make sure to use a softer gauge wire with these cutters, as thicker/stronger wire can damage these cutters. You may want to get a Memory Wire Cutter for thicker and heavier duty cuts.
Crimping Tool – This tool is best to have around for your flex wire and crimp tubes.
Memory Wire Cutter – This cutter is used for thicker and heavier cuts like bulky chain or thick gauge wire.
Or, to get you started, you can always get a starter plier kit/set, which will have most of the essentials tools listed above.
Stringing Materials are the backbone of your design. It holds and shapes your beads and findings together.
Elastic Cord – Great for starting out making stretchy bracelets. Elastic Cord is sturdy cord that comes in different colors and thickness.
Beading Wire – For a clean, finished, durable, and flexible jewelry design, use flex beading wire of many different colors and thickness. It is best to use with crimping tool and crimp tubes.
Beading Thread – This is similar to nylon thread used for knotting a pearl necklace or hemp cord for making the popular macramé bracelet.
Chain – Make chain into tassels, or use as an extender to a bracelet or necklace, or layer different chain finishes for a necklace complete of chain.
Findings: Findings are the extra bonus pieces to your jewelry that gives it that WOW factor. It individualizes the jewelry with different pops of color finishes, unique designs or shapes.
Ear Wire – Ear wire comes in different styles: french hook, lever back, post, thread and kidney. Choose your statement ear wire.
Headpins/Eyepins – It is always essential to have some standard headpins with flat bottoms and eyepins with a looped ends of all different lengths and finishes on hand. They can be quickly used for earrings or to make bead dangles. We do recommend getting a variety of headpin/eyepin with different gauges. The larger the gauge count (22 and higher), the thinner and flexible the wire will be. These are best to use for wrapped loops or lightweight bead dangles. For headpins/eyepins that has a lower gauge count (18-21), they are thicker and sturdier. These are best for making wire loops and pendant charms.
Clasps/Claw/Toggles – Add finishing touches to your necklace or bracelet with a unique clasp or toggle. TierraCast® has some decorative clasps and toggle findings.
Jump Rings – Jump rings comes in many sizes and used for attachment of charms, pendants, clasps, beads, and anything that needs dangling. You can also round up a large amount of them for a chain maille project. The gauge of the jump rings also does help to have many different sizes on hand. A larger gauge jump ring are great to use for simple, small charms, while smaller gauge jump rings are thicker and best to use for holding clasps and extender chain for a sturdy hold.
Bead Storage:
Neatly contain your beads and findings with bead storage. We love to have see-through containers so that you can visually see your products. With many bead storage options to choose from, you are sure to find one for your beading needs.
Now that you have your jewelry beading essentials, round up your favorite beads, spacers, bead caps, pendants, etc. and get to beading! There are endless possibilities and styles when it comes to beading. What will you make today?
