As you explore the fun of beadweaving, you will come to rely on a few simple tools over and over. There are a few tools that I always have handy when I sit down to work. Not only does having these items nearby make my work easier, but also more enjoyable.
1. Scoop-Eez
These handy little scoops resemble the same scoops that are used in laboratories to measure out precise amounts of powders and capsules. In fact, they are probably the very same tool, just put to a different use. It is a long piece of metal with an indent in the middle and a point on one end. Very easy to hold, this tool makes short work of picking up your beads from your bead mat and getting them neatly back into whatever storage container (box, tube or bag) you prefer.
2. Beading Mat
The beading mats that I prefer to use are made by the Beadalon Company. You can purchase these at most Michael’s stores for about $3 for a package of two mats. They are not very large (only about 5” square) and are very portable. The color is nice and light which makes seeing your beads much easier. When used with the Scoop-Eez mentioned above, these two items will drastically cut down on the number of beads lost when they go rolling off your work surface! One idea for these mats: You can glue them to the inside of a small plastic case with a lid to create a take-along beading box.
3. Needle Nose or Chain Nose Pliers
Even if you don’t do wire work, a pair of these flat-nosed pliers can save the day. As your bead holes fill up with thread, it gets harder and harder to pass the needle through the bead. Instead of trying to pull the needle with your fingers, grasp it firmly in the jaws of a pair of flat-nose pliers, and gently twist as you pull through the bead. As you twist and wiggle the needle, it should pass smoothly through the bead. But take note: if you have a hard time getting the needle into the bead, you might be better off looking for an alternate thread path to avoid breaking any beads in your work.
4. Needle Case
I collect needles. Even if I don’t need any, I always end up throwing in a package or two (or three or four) into every order of beads I place. A needle case is a fun way to make your needles portable and can also double as a beautiful piece of jewelry! Just take care to make sure that the lid of the needle case sits firmly in place, otherwise you could end up with a little pile of needles on your desk! Wooden needle cases come in two sizes, and can be purchased for around $2.50 each.
5. Embroidery Scissors
Good scissors are a must for any serious beadweaver. I purchased a pair of Fiskar scissors about five years ago for $20 from my local Michael’s, and it was well worth the price. These scissors are light, with large handles that make them easy to hold. The tiny, pointed tips make getting into tight corners easy, and they cut through just about any thread with ease. They also work beautifully for cutting through faux suede and Stiff-Stuff for bead embroidery. You should always take care to sharpen your scissors periodically, and replace them when the blades become dull.
