Seed Beads

These tiny rounded beads are used for the majority of bead-weaving and embroidery projects and can be used for multi-strand jewelry. They come in various colors, finishes and sizes. The higher the size number, the smaller the bead, because the the size number refers to the number of beads that can fit along an inch.

Crystal Beads

Crystal beads are made from glass with a high lead content, which increases the sparkle when the facets are cut. This makes them more expensive but the quality is so much better.

Bugle Beads

Bugle beads are long, thin, tube-shape beads. They are also made of glass and come in many of the same finishes and colors as seed beads do.

Wood Beads

Wood beads are inexpensive and lightweight, even when very big, so they are suitable for chunky designs. Wooden beads often have bigger threading holes than other beads, so you can use a wider variety of stringing materials.

Pearls

The real pearls are usually very expensive. For beading projects, we usually use the imitation pearls. They are made of glass beads with a pearlized coating, which are more affordable and are great for fashion.

Semi-precious Stone Beads

Beads made from semi-precious stones can be very expensive but using them for accent or focal point can greatly improve your design. Some stones need special care so check with the seller before you buy them.

Round Nose Plier

Round nose pliers are used to make circular loops on head pins, eye pins or wire. The bottom section is used for large loops while the tips are used for smaller loops.

Chain Nose Plier

The jaws of these pliers have a smooth gripping surface for holding tiny objects. They are essential for gripping wire, making right angles and to open and close jump rings and loops.

Wire cutters

These are used to cut beading wires. The shape of the blades gives you a clean and flush cut on the wire which will make your design look neat and professional.

Crimping Plier

The jaws of these pliers have two grooves which are designed to secure crimp beads or tubes onto beading wires.

Flexible Beading Wire

Flexible beading wire is made of various strands of fine stainless steel which are coated with a nylon coating. That is why they come in all sorts of fun colors that you can incorporate into your design. Usually, the weight and the design will determine the choice of wire.

Memory Wire

Memory wire is tempered wire that remembers its shape and retains its coiled form. For those who want to make wine charms or napkin rings, it is important for the wire to keep its shape.

Stretch Thread & Cord

These are made of plastic. They are flexible and are used for making designs that don't need clasps. To fasten these, tie a square knot with an extra wrap and finish it with a bit of jeweler's cement.

Suede & Leather Cord

These also come in various colors. A very simple design for this kind of material is to hang a pendant or a single beautiful large bead from the cord or the suede. The cord ends are used to finish this kind of design.

Silk Cord

Silk cord must be used with a needle. They are traditionally used for stringing pearls and small gemstones with knots between the beads. Knotting between beads prevents the beads from rubbing against each other. Also, if the string breaks, you will not have a disaster.

Head Pin

A head pin looks like a long, blunt, thick sewing pin. It has a flat or decorative head on one end to keep beads on.

Eye Pin

An eye pin looks like the head pin except it has a round loop on one end instead of a head.

Jump Ring

A jump ring is used to connect two loops.

Split Ring

Splits ring are used like jump rings but are more secure.

Crimp Bead

Crimp beads are small, large-holed, thin-walled metal beads designed to be flattened or crimped into a tight roll.

Earring Finding

When making earrings, you can choose lever-back, hook or post-style for the findings.

Clasp

The most common clasp is the toggle, consisting of a ring and a bar. They are the easiest to fasten and the most secure. The lobster claw opens when you pull on a tiny lever. The S-hook links two soldered jump rings or split rings. The slide consists of one tube that slides inside the other.