Beading Materials And Tools
The purpose of this article is to help separate beading materials and tools into categories. Some items are essential, some are useful for particular techniques and some are just nice extras.
Essential Jewelry-Making Materials
The truth of the matter is, all you need are a few items to make jewelry. Here they are:
- Beading Thread
- Beeswax
- Beading Needle
- Scissors
- Beads
- Findings (Earring Wires and Clasps)
- A Set of Jewelry-Making Pliers
- Wire
Beading Thread
At first glance, beading thread seems to be simple. You would imagine that all beading threads are the same and that they are suited to all projects. Not quite.
There are various types of beading thread and it's important to become familiar with them because thread could literally make or break your project.
Some important aspects of thread are its composition, color and thickness.
Composition refers to the material from which the thread is made of. Different material threads are suitable for different techniques and beads. Nylon is a great choice for beading, but must be conditioned to prevent stretching. If you're using sharp beads such as crystals or bugle beads, you'll have to use a braided fishing line which can stand up to abrasion.
Color is important because your thread should blend in with the beads. It's not necessary to collect every color of thread you can find, but it's a good idea to have various neutral tones on hand (white, beige, black, grey and brown).
Thickness of the thread is also important because it can affect the tension and drape of your work. Thicker threads are more suited to large, heavy beads whereas thinner threads are best for seed beads and lightweight beads.
There are various types of beading thread and it's important to become familiar with them because thread could literally make or break your project.
Some important aspects of thread are its composition, color and thickness.
Composition refers to the material from which the thread is made of. Different material threads are suitable for different techniques and beads. Nylon is a great choice for beading, but must be conditioned to prevent stretching. If you're using sharp beads such as crystals or bugle beads, you'll have to use a braided fishing line which can stand up to abrasion.
Color is important because your thread should blend in with the beads. It's not necessary to collect every color of thread you can find, but it's a good idea to have various neutral tones on hand (white, beige, black, grey and brown).
Thickness of the thread is also important because it can affect the tension and drape of your work. Thicker threads are more suited to large, heavy beads whereas thinner threads are best for seed beads and lightweight beads.
Beeswax
Beeswax is necessary for conditioning nylon beading thread. Beeswax helps the thread strands bond to prevent fraying. To condition the thread, cut the length that you need, stretch it and then slide it across the beeswax holding it down with your thumb to coat it.
Beading Needles
Beading needles are generally very fine and come in assorted lengths. It's important to use beading needles rather than sewing needles since they're thinner and pass through the beads with ease. For stringing, there are also wide eye needles which are easy to thread and are flexible.
Scissors
Any scissors will do, but if you want a special pair for beading, they should have a thin point so that you can cut close to the bead work.
Beads
Although there are infinite styles of beads, there are a few types of beads that belong in every beader's stash.
Seed beads are the smallest of beads and don't look very impressive on their own, but these are the building blocks of amazing jewelry. Seed beads are highly versatile and are great for bead-weaving, but they're also very useful for stringing where they can be used as spacer beads (less expensive beads used to fill up space between costlier beads).
The most valued seed beads are uniform in size and shape. I recommend using either Japanese or Czech seed beads as they are known for their quality.
Seed bead sizes come in numbers. The higher the number, the smaller the bead. The most common sizes are 6, 8, 11 and 15. Sizes smaller than 15 are difficult to find, but are great for highly detailed work.
Seed beads are the smallest of beads and don't look very impressive on their own, but these are the building blocks of amazing jewelry. Seed beads are highly versatile and are great for bead-weaving, but they're also very useful for stringing where they can be used as spacer beads (less expensive beads used to fill up space between costlier beads).
The most valued seed beads are uniform in size and shape. I recommend using either Japanese or Czech seed beads as they are known for their quality.
Seed bead sizes come in numbers. The higher the number, the smaller the bead. The most common sizes are 6, 8, 11 and 15. Sizes smaller than 15 are difficult to find, but are great for highly detailed work.
Another type of popular bead are crystal beads. The most popular crystals are Austrian and Czech. Crystals can be somewhat expensive, but add a luxurious feel to jewelry. It's a good idea to mix crystals with less expensive beads to keep costs down.
Crystals come in many different shapes and finishes. Bicones are one of the most popular shapes for crystals and are used in many beading projects both in books and magazines.
Another popular type of crystals are Czech fire polished crystals. They are more irregular than Austrian crystal and have less sparkle, but they are still high in quality. Fire polished crystal is a lot less expensive than Austrian crystal and come in many sizes.
Crystals come in many different shapes and finishes. Bicones are one of the most popular shapes for crystals and are used in many beading projects both in books and magazines.
Another popular type of crystals are Czech fire polished crystals. They are more irregular than Austrian crystal and have less sparkle, but they are still high in quality. Fire polished crystal is a lot less expensive than Austrian crystal and come in many sizes.
If you prefer something a little more "earthy" than crystals, a great option for you is to use natural beads, such as freshwater pearls, shell and stone beads. Depending on the quality of the stone, these beads can range significantly in price. Some stone beads are known for being economical while other more rare stones can be quite pricey. Stone, shell and pearl beads come in all sizes and shapes. Stone beads even come in chips or pebbles for a more casual look.
Jewelry-Making Findings
Findings range from ordinary to amazing. Something to keep in mind when purchasing findings is the type of metal used for them. Plated findings are inexpensive, but depending on quality some last a long time and others turn quickly. Sometimes it's not even stated what metal a particular finding consists of. If you can't afford sterling silver or gold findings, you can still save money and purchase a good finding by looking for stainless steel or you can even purchase plated findings and give them a clear coat of nail polish to seal them (just be careful with moving parts like clasps, you don't want to seal them shut).
If you have metal allergies, look for niobium findings for a safe alternative to regular findings.
The most important findings when you're starting out are clasps and earring wires.
If you have metal allergies, look for niobium findings for a safe alternative to regular findings.
The most important findings when you're starting out are clasps and earring wires.
Jewelry-Making Pliers
One of the most important tools in jewelry-making are pliers. It's important to use pliers specifically for jewelry-making. Other types of pliers may have grooves or "teeth" that will mark the wire.
Like many things, jewelry-making pliers come in varied forms. While it may be tempting to purchase an economical set, these are often uncomfortable to use. An important thing to look for when searching for jewelry-making pliers are ergonomic handles. Some projects require continual use of pliers and you will want a comfortable pair that will not put too much pressure on your palms.
Think of your jewelry-making pliers as an investment. If you care for them properly, they should last you many years.
Like many things, jewelry-making pliers come in varied forms. While it may be tempting to purchase an economical set, these are often uncomfortable to use. An important thing to look for when searching for jewelry-making pliers are ergonomic handles. Some projects require continual use of pliers and you will want a comfortable pair that will not put too much pressure on your palms.
Think of your jewelry-making pliers as an investment. If you care for them properly, they should last you many years.
Wire
Wire comes in many different colors an gauges. The higher the gauge, the thinner the wire. For wire-wrapping 28 and 26 gauge are ideal. For other wire projects requiring more stability, you will want to use wire that is a little bit thicker.
Aside from gold and silver, wire can be made from various metals including copper, aluminum and niobium. When starting out, it's best to purchase economical wire and practice your jewelry-making skills.
Aside from gold and silver, wire can be made from various metals including copper, aluminum and niobium. When starting out, it's best to purchase economical wire and practice your jewelry-making skills.