Every jewelry maker will have some loose beads at some point or another. It may be because you bought these beads loose in the first place or simply because you have a lot of leftover ones from various projects. No matter the reason, it is important to keep your beads well-sorted if you want to be able to find a specific type when you need it for your project. Instead of just throwing them all in a jar together, there are some great ways to store them.
Fishing Tackle Boxes And Toolboxes
Fishing tackle boxes and toolboxes are one of the most popular ways to store beads if you have a medium amount of them. These boxes will have separate compartments that you can store each type of bead in. The only problem is that the compartments are not always sealed, which means the loose beads could fly around. Because of this, you may need to put them in individual plastic bags or small containers before placing them in the box.
Pencil Bags
Another great idea is a pencil bag. These come in all sizes so you wont have to worry about finding ones to meet your bead needs. You can store either loose beads or ones on a string in these and will not have to worry about damaging them. The only thing to keep in mind if you go with this option is that you should either opt for clear pencil bags or label each of them clearly so you can find the beads when you need them.
Jars
A popular and versatile option for storing beads is in a variety of jars. Like pencil bags they will come in all sizes, which means that you can find the right one for any size bead. Try using jelly jars for larger beads (or ones you have more of), baby food jars for medium sized beads and medicine bottles for smaller ones. The great thing about jars is that they are usually clear so you may be able to skip labeling them depending on what type you pick.
Plastic Containers
Plastic containers are another very popular option for storing loose beads. You will find a wide variety of options. You can put the beads in smaller containers and then place them in a large plastic container without divisions. You could also find a smaller plastic container with individual drawers or that is sectioned off into little compartments. Plastic containers, like jars, are generally see through so you will be able to see your beads easily.
Larger Containers
When you have a lot of loose beads or simply a lot of beads in general, it becomes time to invest in larger storage. This is when you should look into shoeboxes, larger plastic containers or even moving boxes or filing cabinets, depending on the size of your collection. The one thing to keep in mind is that you will probably need smaller containers or bags inside the larger containers to keep your beads sorted. You will also need to clearly label the drawers or containers to prevent searching for hours.
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