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Beading Resources
One of the most common questions I get is, “Where can I get that [bead, finding, thread, needle, etc.] you used?” I encourage you to try your local bead shop first. We need to keep them in business so we have a place to go see and touch the beads and supplies before we choose! If your local shop does not carry what you’re looking for, here are some online suppliers I have used.
Caravan Beads—Miyuki beads of all types and sizes Bobby Bead—Toho beads of all types and sizes, including Aiko Shipwreck Beads—Huge selection of fire polished crystals as well as many other beads Fire Mountain Gems—Great source of fire polished crystals and other beads, including micro beads (see tip above) Beadcats—Lots of pressed glass, the needles I like (John James tapestry pointed beading needles size 10 and 12) and Silamide (my favorite thread) Beyond Beadery—Huge selection of Japanese seed beads from all three major companies (Miyuki, Toho and Matsuno) Out on a Whim—Huge selection of Japanese seed beads and the plastic flip-top storage boxes. Nearly all of the metal findings I use are made by TierraCast. In my opinion, they combine beauty and quality with a very affordable price. If you can’t find them at your local shop, here are a few links for retail sources online:
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Juniper Creek Designs
Houston, Texas |
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Contact Information: |
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June Huber |
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Juniper Creek Designs |
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Tip: Micro Bead Endings Here is a handy trick I use in most of my beading projects. It can be very helpful to have clasps, charms, findings, etc. attached to your beadwork with a jump ring rather than sewing them in place with your beading thread. You can change the finding easily, and don’t have to worry about a sharp hole in the clasp cutting your thread. The jump ring also gives better movement or “swing” to hanging bits like earrings and charms, and helps clasps turn so that they can lie flat. The basic trick is to sew a large-holed metal bead in place of the finding. Make sure you use a metal bead with a hole large enough to handle several thread passes and the jump ring you will be using. You should also make sure the metal bead has a smooth enough hole that it won’t cut your beading thread. Crimp beads can be the right size, but may have a rough hole so that they grip beading wire better when used as a crimp. The bead I use for this purpose is sold as a “micro bead” by Fire Mountain Gems, and is available in silver or gold plated finishes. If you search on their site for “micro bead”, I use the smallest size: 2x1mm. One caution with these micro beads—the hole is not sharp, but it is not as smooth as a glass seed bead. If you pull really hard, it is possible to cut your thread, so just use a medium tension when you sew it into place. |
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Disclaimer: Tips on this page are things that have worked well for me. Your experience may be different, so use what works for you and ignore what doesn’t! The only rule in beading is that the thread goes through the beads. Mention of specific businesses or products is for your information only and is not necessarily an endorsement of a company or product. |
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