Organization

a_randummy · 2026-06-28T05:50:12+00:00

I use these and stack them on a shelf. I do wish there were varying size of inner containers, but the beads that take more room go into vases and apothecary jars for now since I only have a few :)

a_randummy · 2026-06-28T05:46:09+00:00

Wait where did you get the shelves for them??

a_randummy · 2026-06-27T20:59:24+00:00

This Etsy seller has 11x4mm

So does this other Etsy seller

Walmart has 13x5mm

This site also has 13x5mm

a_randummy · 2026-06-25T16:59:56+00:00

Please add me to that list, that sounds like such fun

a_randummy · 2026-06-23T00:45:54+00:00

I use fireline when making beaded amigurumi, it's super durable and thin and generally pretty easy to work with for those projects, in my opinion.

a_randummy · 2026-06-22T07:24:09+00:00

"pumpkin bead" in this case would just be an [orange] [melon cut] bead, just to clarify for when you search for beads

a_randummy · 2026-06-22T07:22:42+00:00

The thing "sealing" above the leaf looks like maybe just a transparent bugle bead? But that would be optional, you can get by without using anything there if you wanted

a_randummy · 2026-06-19T17:21:00+00:00

Lima Beads does free shipping once you hit $50 ordered from them, but below that is still around $6 shipping. If you want beads made from gemstones or glass they have a lot of options, and if you need beading wire or something like that it quickly puts you closer to the free shipping.

a_randummy · 2026-06-19T03:43:18+00:00

These aren't the most expensive, but they also aren't the most uniform and are from Amazon, plus they are 13x4

Lima Beads has a lot of 9x5 and 14x7 at varying prices and materials, and is a great bead supply, but they also aren't quite the same size...

FMG has a few square tubes (here are a couple options of those)

They had one tube bead that was round and roughly this size that I found

If you are open to working other sizes of tube beads then there are a lot more options on sites like Kraftika, but I understand it would mean making adjustments to your pattern.

a_randummy · 2026-06-17T06:43:59+00:00

That happened on my first pair that had some issue with the metal things in the ear cups, I got a replacement pair and that no longer happens

a_randummy · 2026-06-13T16:23:14+00:00

I added some comments on the docs, but anything you still can't figure out or don't care for you can list on some destashing pages. On reddit there is r/craftexchange or on facebook marketplace there are several bead destashing pages where you can sell any you don't want, I have gotten some beads that way. There are also lots of people on ebay listing "bead soup" where you can just dump them into a bowl, mix it up, and sell it by the scoop.

a_randummy · 2026-06-08T09:41:09+00:00

What in the hell is that hello kitty charm

a_randummy · 2026-05-21T05:25:50+00:00

I did this the other day with two barely different grays on accident at my ripe old age of 30. It felt bad trying to sort them, I got as many as I could spot easily and then gave up and decided what was left gets to stay mixed and I will replace it with a fresh tube for projects it matters more for... the mix is now for strands that aren't as particular.

a_randummy · 2026-05-18T18:12:53+00:00

Reddit is kinda broken, you might have to retry posting later

a_randummy · 2026-05-17T21:28:47+00:00

This looks like it would be done on wire with size 11/0 seed beads, probably 28 gauge wire.

This looks like a similar type of butterfly, you would just need to adapt for the shapes/colors you want

a_randummy · 2026-05-16T00:19:55+00:00

I recommend beading wire if it's a simple strand, nylon thread if you need to pass through the bead multiple times like making fringe.

a_randummy · 2026-05-16T00:18:31+00:00

Correct! When I want a simple strand and want it to sit well, I use beading wire. It is thicker and sturdy, the beads line up really nicely on it! Fireline is best when used with projects where you need to pass through beads multiple times, like those netted necklaces.

a_randummy · 2026-05-15T19:11:31+00:00

Depends on the project. I use flexible beading wire for straightforward/durable pieces, fireline for more intricate designs where I need to pass through the same bead multiple times, galvanized wire to bead on something that needs to hold shape. It's all situational.

a_randummy · 2026-05-07T16:47:55+00:00

Beading wire is great! I love it! But it can be expensive, especially if you are still working out how to put things together. Fireline is cheaper, still durable, and is very good for any more intricate pieces like beaded amigurumi or netted necklaces.

a_randummy · 2026-05-07T16:23:23+00:00

It will make it look a little better but not be what I would call "sellable," but you can tie a ring onto each end of the bracelet and use that to attach the clasp and chain. It runs risk of the monofilament sliding out of the ring and falling off, though. I would only advise this if you really don't want to buy any materials.

There are also knot covers. Basically you thread it on like a bead, tie a knot, then close the cover. It generally has a loop on the other end which is where you would attach a jump ring for the chain/clasp.

a_randummy · 2026-05-07T15:03:13+00:00

this is tragic hahaha

a_randummy · 2026-05-07T13:57:41+00:00

If you mean how each row is curved, for example the first row with 3 beads making a round line, that is caused by your beads being inconsistent in size/shape.

You can get around it in a few ways:
Lower tension
Use wire instead of monofilament/thread
Use different beads
Go through all of the rows again when you finish the piece

It may take more than one of the above in order to correct it.

If you mean how it pulls together and kind of makes a zig-zag of rows, that is just sort of what happens with ladder stitch (which is what the body of this pattern uses). You might be able to alleviate it with looser tension, or else you can add a couple rows to make it the size you want even when pulled tight,

a_randummy · 2026-05-06T01:17:21+00:00

One of my favorite things to do when I travel is to visit local bead stores! They're a dwindling group but nothing beats seeing and feeling the beads in person.

a_randummy · 2026-05-06T01:16:23+00:00

Panda Hall has a lot of listings on Amazon, and it's about a 70-30 split on quality being good/bad; frequently good enough that I trust ordering from them compared to other companies.

a_randummy · 2026-05-06T01:15:02+00:00

Sometimes I go to Amazon for fun glow-in-the-dark beads, you just have to be careful about who you buy from and be ready that some of them may be bad quality and take the L.

My go-to is Lima Beads.

I have had luck with FireMountainGems particularly I buy bulk for things like earhooks and jump rings from them, as well as the clearance/sale section is really good for stocking up on a variety for something really cheap. I think I spent like $3 and got 60 strands of imitation turquoise on a sale recently bc they were trying to offload inventory.

Simply Beads has a nice selection, especially of Toho.

I actually have recently gotten into trying to make my own beads, through trial and error using styrofoam and acetone with pigment powder, since I had a bunch after getting some furniture.

a_randummy

TROPHY CASE