BEAD & CRAFT STORAGE TIPS

Organizing your bead collection can feel like a never-ending and sometimes frustrating task. We all know home organization is an ongoing struggle that we revisit several times a year. Creatives love, but also need a variety of supplies on hand to fully embrace the creative process. Beads can be especially challenging - they are small and come so many colors, shapes and sizes. Our staff has over 20 years experience in beading so we created this guide to help you with ideas and inspiration to transform your storage space from a chaotic bead jungle into an inspirational, organized creative oasis.

There is no one size fits all solution. Your storage needs will change and evolve over time as you progress in your art, so go easy on yourself and stay open minded as you grow creatively.
 

CREATE A DEDICATED SPACE FOR YOUR ART

You might find it helpful to have a dedicated work space and storage space.

If you aren't able to commit an entire room, maybe a small nook or corner will do. Use a bookshelf, cabinet or armoire to maximize a small space with vertical storage.

Other places to find storage in your home may be a closet (even just one or two shelves), or the kitchen. Use the opportunity to comb through and downsize your cook ware & kitchen accessories. You'll be able to free up some space to store your beading, art and craft supplies. You might even find some great storage containers you can re-purpose for storing beads and other items.

STORAGE CONTAINERS IDEAS

Here are some ideas on different types of containers you can repurpose or buy to keep your beads and craft supplies organized.

FOOD CONTAINERS

Food containers are very functional for storing beads and craft supplies. You may food storage containers hiding in the back of a cabinet that you are no longer using. Save yourself a trip to the store and use them to help you get started with the organization process. You can also save food containers and jars from yogurt, spices, dips, ice cream, and other foods.

HOW MANY BEADS FIT INSIDE?

Here's a handy guide on how many beads fit in common food container sizes.

8oz containers are often used for hummus, yogurt and dips. This size can hold about 625 of 6x9mm pony beads or 7mm cube alphabet beads.

12 oz containers are often used for cottage cheese, salsa and dips. This size can hold about 850 of 6x9mm pony beads or 7mm cube alphabet beads.

16 oz containers are popular for yogurt and cottage cheese. This size can hold about 1450 of 6x9mm pony beads or 7mm cube alphabet beads.

RECLOSEABLE PLASTIC BAGS

Re-closable plastic bags are an economic and convenient way to store beads. The clear plastic let's you see what is inside and organize your craft supplies by material, size, shape and color. Most of the plastic bags available in stores are thin and don't last that long, but you can buy thicker bags in various sizes from online stores that specialize in packaging. Generally 2 or 3mil is thick enough for beads and can last many years. If you want a more eco-friendly option, re-purpose bags or containers that you already have rather than purchasing new ones.

 
TACKLE BOXES

Tackle boxes with dividers are extremely convenient for keeping charms, beads and small parts organized. These storage boxes are made of transparent plastic and are available in different sizes. Stackable boxes and those with adjustable or removable dividers can be especially convenient.

ECO FRIENDLY TIPS

• Upcycle food containers: Jars and plastic tubs with lids are make great craft storage containers. Hummus containers, Noosa yogurt and Talenti gelato jars are transparent so you can see what's inside. You can also ask friends and family to save their containers for you. This helps to keep plastics out of the landfill and environment and give them a new purpose. 
• Cosmetic jars and candy tins can also be repurposed for bead & craft storage.
• Thrift stores are also a great place to look for containers and storage solutions like bins, tubs and shelves.
• Mesh fabric bags with zippers or drawstrings are also great storage containers. They are re-useable, flexible and the mesh allows you to see what is inside. Use these to store items that won't fall through or poke through the mesh.
  
  

USE LABELS AND NOTES

Before throwing away packaging, use labels or place notes inside containers to help you remember important details like the store where you bought an item, the item number, color, size, and material. This information can be useful when you want to purchase them again.