DIY Jewellery Supplies: Beads and Beading Wires for Handmade Jewellery
DIY jewellery making lets you create unique pieces for yourself, as gifts or for sale. Beads and stringing materials are the starting point for most projects. This category covers DIY beads and beading wires.
DIY beads
Beads for DIY jewellery come in many materials, shapes and colours. Glass and crystal beads add sparkle, natural stone beads offer earthy tones, wooden beads are light and natural and acrylic beads are affordable and colourful. Letter beads create name bracelets, popular with children and for friendship bracelets. Bead kits with assorted colours are ideal for beginners and children.
Beading wire
Nylon-coated stainless steel beading wire is strong and flexible, used for necklaces and bracelets with heavier beads. It is secured with crimp beads. Wire comes in different strand counts: more strands make the wire more flexible.
Elastic cord
Stretch cord is used for bracelets without clasps. Tie a secure knot, such as a surgeon's knot, and add a drop of glue for security.
Thread
Nylon and silk threads suit seed beads and pearls. Pearls are traditionally knotted between each bead to prevent loss if the thread breaks.
Memory wire
Memory wire keeps its coil shape, creating bracelets and rings without clasps.
Choosing stringing material
- Heavy beads: beading wire.
- Stretch bracelets: elastic cord.
- Seed beads and beadweaving: nylon thread.
- Pearls: silk thread.
Tools
Basic tools include round-nose pliers, chain-nose pliers, flush cutters and crimping pliers.
Children's crafts
Large plastic beads and elastic cord are easy for children to use. Supervise young children, as beads are choking hazards.
Practical tips
Use a bead mat to stop beads rolling. Leave extra length on wires for finishing.
Selling handmade pieces
Makers who sell their jewellery benefit from buying beads and wire in consistent batches, so colours and sizes match across repeat orders.
With beads and the right stringing material, anyone can create beautiful handmade jewellery.
Related categories: Jewelry & Apparel, Jewelry, Watches, Jewelry Accessory