The vibrant world of beading has recently seen a surge in new enthusiasts, particularly those discovering the craft through platforms like TikTok. A recurring question among these burgeoning artisans is a fundamental one: where can they source the beautiful beads they see in captivating designs or simply to fuel their creative aspirations? This is a topic I've chosen to focus on not solely because I operate as a supplier, but primarily because it's genuinely heartwarming to witness the sustained and growing interest in beading as a creative outlet and a rewarding hobby. This increased engagement signifies a healthy future for the beading community, inviting a diverse range of individuals to explore the artistry and joy that comes with working with beads.

The constant interest in beading continues to amaze me, as I've mentioned before. However, another consistent observation I've made is that many individuals acquiring beads seem unsure of their ultimate creative goals. While some are explicitly looking to replicate a specific necklace design they've admired, a significant portion of bead enthusiasts simply want to identify reliable sources for their materials. This indicates a gap in knowledge beyond mere acquisition, suggesting a need for guidance on translating raw materials into finished pieces. My MOoK newsletter and blog posts will delve into these topics in much greater detail, providing insights into design inspiration, practical application of beads, and comprehensive lists of trusted suppliers. We aim to equip our readers not just with beautiful beads, but with the confidence and skills to transform them into wearable art or decorative accents.

Although not knowing your creative needs upfront is mandatory, one thing is for sure: that it helps to keep down your investment in quality beads and beading supplies. 

In the expansive and intricate world of jewelry making and crafting, the term "beads" functions as a remarkably broad and generic descriptor. While often conceived as simple, uniform units, the reality is that the category encompasses an astonishing array of distinct components, each serving specialized purposes. Despite their individual functions, these diverse elements are frequently combined in harmonious and innovative ways to create complex and captivating designs.

To truly appreciate the versatility and depth of beadwork, it's crucial to understand the various sub-categories that fall under this overarching term. These include, but are not limited to:

• Seed Beads: These are tiny, often uniform, glass beads that are foundational to many traditional and contemporary beadweaving techniques. They come in a vast spectrum of colors, finishes (like opaque, transparent, metallic, matte), and sizes, measured in "aughts" (e.g., 11/0, 8/0, 6/0), with smaller numbers indicating larger beads. Seed beads are indispensable for intricate detail work, filling, and creating delicate textures.

• Pony Beads: Larger and typically made from plastic, pony beads are characterized by their cylindrical or barrel shape. They are popular for children's crafts, hair braiding, and casual jewelry due to their ease of handling and vibrant colors.

• Glass Beads: This is a vast category encompassing numerous styles beyond seed beads. It includes lampwork beads (individually handcrafted by melting glass rods over a flame), pressed glass beads (formed by pressing molten glass into molds, often resulting in specific shapes like flowers or leaves), fire-polished beads (faceted glass beads that have been heated to smooth and polish their surfaces), and many more. Glass beads offer an incredible range of colors, transparencies, and surface finishes, providing endless design possibilities.

• Gemstone Beads: Carved and polished from natural minerals and crystals, gemstone beads introduce an element of natural beauty and often, symbolic meaning. They can be found in various shapes (round, faceted, chip, nugget, briolette) and sizes, showcasing the unique patterns, inclusions, and colors inherent to each stone. Examples include amethyst, turquoise, jasper, lapis lazuli, and quartz.

• Wood Beads: Lightweight and organic, wood beads bring a natural, earthy aesthetic to designs. They can be plain, stained, painted, or carved with intricate designs. Their versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of styles, from bohemian to minimalist.

• Metal Beads: Crafted from various metals such as sterling silver, brass, copper, pewter, or plated alloys, metal beads can be highly decorative. They include plain rounds, ornate filigree designs, Bali-style beads, spacers, and charms. Metal beads are essential for adding weight, structure, and a touch of sophistication to jewelry.

• Pearl Beads: While traditionally referring to natural or cultured pearls formed within mollusks, the term also encompasses a wide array of imitation pearls made from glass, plastic, or shell. Pearls are revered for their lustrous, iridescent surface and classic elegance, making them a staple in timeless jewelry designs.

• Shell Beads: Sourced from various marine and freshwater shells, these beads offer unique organic shapes, textures, and natural iridescence. Mother-of-pearl, abalone, and puka shell beads are common examples, often used in coastal or natural-themed jewelry.

• Ceramic and Clay Beads: Handmade from various types of clay and fired, these beads often feature unique glazes, textures, and hand-painted designs. They can range from rustic and earthy to highly polished and artistic, reflecting the artisan's touch.

• Polymer Clay Beads: Made from a moldable plastic-based clay that hardens when baked, polymer clay beads allow for an incredible degree of artistic freedom. Crafters can create intricate patterns, realistic miniatures, and vibrant color combinations that are impossible with other materials.

The beauty of beadwork lies in the harmonious interplay of these diverse elements. A delicate necklace might combine tiny seed beads with a focal lampwork glass bead, while a robust bracelet could feature chunky wood beads interspersed with sterling silver spacers and a single striking gemstone bead. Understanding the distinct characteristics and applications of each bead type empowers designers to unlock a world of creative possibilities, transforming simple components into intricate and expressive pieces of art.

• Czech Glass Beads (not seed beads) Fire Polished (faceted), Pressed (Wafers, Druks), Handmade, Venetian, Duo’s

• There are also different brands of Czech Glass beads

• Czech Glass Seed & Bugle Beads

• Miyuki (Japanese) Seed, Bugle, Delica, Cube, Drop, Cube, Hex, Magatama’s (maybe a few more)

• Toho (Japanese) Seed & Bugle Beads

• Swarovski Crystal Beads - no longer available for retail small quantities; however, there’s still inventory available for purchase but they are either vintage, or very limited quantities; so purchase all that you can when you find some.

There are also wooden beads, acrylic beads, plastic beads, natural gemstone beads, gold filled and silver beads. Within these beads are many, many shapes, sizes, and finishes.

Under each brand, type of bead listed there’s different colors, finishes, coatings, sizes and more.

The purpose of this post is to give a broad overview of what’s available in the bead world.

When you discover an amazing deal on beads from a Goodwill or an estate sale, you've likely stumbled upon numerous treasures. But how can you accurately identify them?

While it might not be a significant concern if you're using the beads for personal enjoyment, it becomes crucial if you're building a small business selling them. Misrepresenting a bead, even unintentionally, can lead to losing a knowledgeable customer. This valuable lesson was taught to me by my own customers when I first began selling beads. 

So to answer the question, ‘where do you buy your beads?’ first let me say that beader’s are some of the worst gatekeepers of bead sources-my customers taught me this when I started selling beads. But I must admit people on tiktok are being very generous with their suggestions.

First, know what you’re looking to create. Then purchase the best quality beading basics: beading wire, beading thread, glue, ruler, bead board, clippers, bead mats, bead trays. Then practice, practice practice.