Beading Information
Hello Again!
If you are new to beading, this is a good page to have landed on. I have been beading and creating beaded jewelry for over 35 years. I started out purchasing made findings, (clasps) and doing basic stringing on flex wire. I later advanced to knotting between beads using silk thread, and finally into silvesmithing to create my own special parts and findings. I have sold pieces from $2.00 to over $8,000.00. My jewelry has shown in films and in wonderful art galleries around the country. My advice to beginner is to get a very basic book to read and view. Don’t start with a book the size of the bible, start with something short, sweet and to the point. We carry that book - “Flash Jewelry Making and Repair Techniques” by Therese Spears. 20 pages of wonderful facts and diagrams that will help you get started and know the lingo that will help you navigate bead shopes online and brick and mortar.
Hand tools are the tools of the trade. Don’t be fooled by people touting “German Quality” for $20+ per plier. You don’t need those to start with, actually you don’t need those at all. India or Pakistan made hand tools work great and last for years. Just make sure they are padded handles and spring loaded. We carry very good quality/priced tools. The titles below link to our items.
The very most basic tools you will need are:
- Beading book
- Round nose pliers
- Chain nose aka (flat nose pliers) get 2 pair
- Diagonal cutter aka (flush cutter)
- Bino visor magnifer Jeweler tweezer
- Jewelry display tray
- Jewelry display pad
You will be able to accomplish most all stringing, basic jewelry repairs with what is listed above.
