Beading Storage and Organization Tips from Quick + Easy Beadwork

The perfect beading storage and organization system is different for every beader and tends to be based on beads, supplies, and space. It’s pretty much the holy grail that we’re always seeking. Over the years, my own storage has evolved to include trays, boxes, cigar boxes, and more. Consider repurposing containers that you own and investing in a few key pieces to bring it all together based on your immediate needs. For this special Quick + Easy Beadwork, we asked three beaded jewelry designers to share some of their top tips with us.

ABOVE: Danielle Wickes uses a combination of storage strategies including recycled containers and shallow storage bins/shelves made for beading.

Danielle Wickes says organizing is a Goldilocks situation: Too much inspiration on your tabletop and it can get overwhelming. Too many beads stashed away where you can’t see them, and you might forget they’re there. Read on for a few tips from the pros!

Think Vertically

Cover artist Lisa Krupp-Dooley advises, “In my beginner beading days, I used floor storage units such as rolling carts, plastic tubs, bookshelves, etc., which made it hard to find and identify things easily. To remedy this situation, I invested in a vertical shelving system that accommodated my bead storage needs. By reorganizing my floor space into vertical shelving, I opened up my space and gave myself more room to work.”

Strand Beading Storage

Tracy Proctor says, “I have a LOT of supplies, but this organization could be applied to smaller needs, too. Gemstones and natural materials like wood and shell are kept together and stored by color. Ditto glass, acrylic, and man-made materials. Strong themes like lampwork, ceramic, and pearl get their own drawers.”

Seed Bead Wall

Danielle Wickes uses a bead wall made from peg board where she hangs seed bead tubes. She says, “It doubles as a nice display background for my Zoom classes. I often study it to dream up new color palettes.”

Excerpted from Bead Storage & Organization in Quick + Easy Beadwork eMag vol.1. Download your copy of the issue to read the entire article, along with 10 new beading projects and lots of artist’s tips. For beaders who are just getting started, this issue also includes an article by Tammy Honaman: 10 Seed Bead Tips, Facts, and More!

Read Quick + Easy Beadwork: For Beginners and Beyond for a peek at some of the projects, including a gorgeous gold-outlined bracelet by Edgar Lopez. This special Quick + Easy Beadwork collection includes 10 beautiful, beaded jewelry projects to make, wear, and share. Use your favorite stitches or learn a new one with brick stitch, right-angle weave variation, circular peyote stitch variation, square stitch, circular netting, tubular netting, flat peyote stitch variation, and more in the mix.

Happy beading,

Katie Hacker, Content Manager – Bead & Jewelry