Moving Your Bead Stash: A New Chance to Organize Your Beads

re: Moving Your Bead Stash: A New Chance to Organize Your Beads

Ann Letchworth — Sat, 21 May 2011 21:28:59 GMT

Love all the ideas! I haven't read them all yet but thought I would add a few of my own. I have saved the little pink sampling spoons from Baskin-Robbins to reach into the little plastic compartments in the CraftMates and other storage boxes. For arranging my own stash of jewelry, I found a plastic suitcase-style box at Michaels that has 2 rows of 3" x 5" plastic snap closure boxes which I labeled with type of metal jewelry (ie copper) or gemstone jewelry (ie labradorite). The only thing that I can't fit into the boxes are wide bangle bracelets. The brand is Iris and is $39.99 but can be purchased when on sale 50% off or with 40% coupon. I was SO excited to find a fantastic deal at Big Lots a couple of years ago in the Clearance area. It is a real wood (not composite) hutch that I bought for a little over $100...which I couldn't have bought a genuine wood bookshelf for anywhere that price. It is HUGE : 58 inches tall and 45 inches long with 3 shelves. (I can't imagine this large a hutch fitting on top of a buffet.) I have filled the shelves with the 12 compartment plastic storage boxes which are arranged alphabetically & labeled by color, metal or bead type (acrylic, wood, pearls, shell, gemstone, etc. Because of the weight of the 29 storage boxes per shelf, I supported the middle of the shelves with 1/2 inch x 1 inch wood strips to keep the shelves from sagging and breaking. One other tip: I store a few T-pins in the middle layer of a 1 inch block of packing foam that is the size of a deck of cards. I use the foam to support my (card stock) earring cards when I poke holes in the cards for the earwires to go through.

re: Moving Your Bead Stash: A New Chance to Organize Your Beads

ChristineP@45 — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 19:11:04 GMT

I've gone through several different ways of organizing my beads, and think I finally found something that's working. I used to only use glass beads and occasionally crystals, but I'm also starting to use gemstone beads. For my glass beads (which I currently have the most of) I'm using Darice bead organizers, it's a tray that holds 24 or so smaller jars. They take up much less room than the Craft Mates 14 compartment organizers I was using, plus they are clear so I can see everything. I also like the fact that I can pull out a few jars to take with me if I want a project on the go, instead of taking the entire tray. These are sorted by color, and before putting the beads in, I use my Cricut to cut out circles of scrap paper that fit the bottom of the jar, I write down important info on the bottom, stick it in the jar, then fill with beads. Again, easy to change and reused, if I run out of a certain bead, I just pull out the paper and put in new.

I do still use the Craft Mates, but I only use them for my gemstones, pearls, and shells, since I don't have as many of these. I sort these by material (pearls, shells, amethyst, jasper, etc.)

re: Moving Your Bead Stash: A New Chance to Organize Your Beads

cindy baldinger — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 20:09:28 GMT

I use bead books that I found at Michael's. they have 8 covered trays to a book with 7 sections each for a total of 56 storage spaces. in addition to them taking up so little space, there is a tab on the side which releases the lids so they can be accessed one at a time without spilling anything. They run around $20 and are worth a million for the space saving organization they provide. I have 7 right now and know I will switch over till more. At Michael's watch the back of your sales slip for money off coupons. I've gotten as much as 50% off.

re: Moving Your Bead Stash: A New Chance to Organize Your Beads

JalayneW — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:22:17 GMT

This is a great article with wonderful suggestions!! I too use plastic dividers for all my beads and sort by type (gemstones, glass, seed, cabachons, dichroic etc) and then by color. My problem is I have over 200 pieces of jewelry made. ..How do you store them??? Usually I make jewelry in a set (necklace [or pendant], and/or bracelet and earrings.) I then name the set (it's easier to remember what it looks like instead of numbering) I put in on a black card with it's name in gold pen, with my business name, on the back I put the price, what it is made of and a sticker with my logo and address and put it all into in a zip lock bag and store in see thru plastic containers in alphabetical order by type (3 piece set, earrings only, fused glass sets, watches etc.). When I get to a show I set out the sets on cards with a few taken apart on set ups...but all have to be taken out of the bags and with handling the cards get to look "handled". So I have to remake lots of cards after every show. How do you manage your stash of made jewelry between shows so that if you want to wear it you can find it but yet have it ready to show? I'm obviously at a loss. Space is at a premium 'cuz I'm a bead junky!!! thanks jalayne

re: Moving Your Bead Stash: A New Chance to Organize Your Beads

SunshineDesigns2008 — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 01:19:28 GMT

My beads and beading supplies have always been stored in the clear plastic boxes with dividers. Now I have some of the clear plastic boxes without dividers that I use to store my seed bead tubes. When I first started beading (or at least buying beads!) I would buy a case to hold them, as well. I already had a 3-shelf rolling cart that I used to store all my beads, bead supplies and tools. I still like the divided boxes for storage and whenever I purchase new beads, I cut the card or tab that the pkg. of beads is sealed with to include the description, quantity in pkg. and the price and slip that into the section where I put the beads after pouring them out of the pkg. they came in. I also purchased 2 small 3-drawer cases that I use to store findings (by finish), charms,colored jewels, thread and other stringing material. All of this was in the den next to my chair and as the collection outgrew its designated space I decided to move it upstairs to my 2nd bedroom -also where my computer is located. This room had not been used as a bedroom for at least 3 years and was fast becoming a "junk room" and I did not want that! Someone who had come in to help me get all my storage organized kept telling me "don't overlook your vertical space" so I purchased a closet organizer system and my bead boxes now happily reside on those shelves on the wall over my worktable. I love it - everything is visible, and makes it much easier to find the color I am looking for! I am still in the process of getting everything sorted by color, but it is so much better than it was in the beginning. I did invest in a Brother P-touch labeler so I can label all the storage boxes by color and I still have room to put the shape, material - whatever I need to help me quickly identify what I am looking for. The only box that will not be sorted by color is one that is for holidays, and it includes Christmas, Mardi Gras, etc I do still use one of the 3-shelf rolling carts which fits perfectly under my work table. It holds gift boxes, mailing supplies, extra beading mats I found a small "basket-style" container with hooks that hangs on a lover shelf and that is where I keep my labels, glue dots and is a perfect place to hang my tools on the front side where they are just above eye-level. I have purchased Christmas ornaments on sale after Christmas to decorate and because they are seasonal, I have them stored in large plastic bins in the closet. I also have wired ribbon, decorative picks, glitter, etc. in those bins. If I am using several colors, shapes, sizes, etc. in a project I have used the muffin tin liners to hold a supply of each. It's not all completed yet, but the changes I have already made make it so much easier to grab what I need for projects.

re: Moving Your Bead Stash: A New Chance to Organize Your Beads

Gloria Borrero — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:47:22 GMT

This article is just so timely for me. I've been laid up for 4 weeks now and can't do much of anything. (Pinched Sciatic Nerve) but I can bead and organize my beads, while sitting down. My husband brings me my bead containers and I've been really sorting seed beads, spacers, jump rings, crimp beads, crystals, glass beads and then those beads that are specifically for MY jewelry. (I'm sure there's more categories) I just started beading in July 2010, so I'll throw nothing out, but I've purchased these fantastic small glass and/ or plastic containers that are easy to see through. I've even gotten these beautiful little glass bottles from a famous pancake place and keep the bottles for small items, like the spacers, etc. I also quilt, but beading is something I can while I'm in pain and can't stand or move around!

re: Moving Your Bead Stash: A New Chance to Organize Your Beads

judyevelyn — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 21:01:17 GMT

Sorting: Use a flat box (hardware store cheaper) with movable blatic dividers - the low ones. I have a different section by colour, plus god silver etc., and earring findings. at the end of every project I collect the bags of large beads back where they came from, but all odds and ends ad sed beads etc. go in by bolour.

One day when I feel like it, I take out my box of seed bead tubes, or my silver findings box - and put them away. this saves toens of loose thigns you dont want to do. I lvoe it, used system for 7 years now. judy.

re: Moving Your Bead Stash: A New Chance to Organize Your Beads

judyevelyn — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 20:52:46 GMT

I KEEEP A LARGER FLATTER CLEAR PLASTIC HARDWARE BOX with sections - FOR FISHING ETC. - BUT IT is called Sorting. leftovers of seed beads, small beads, gold, silver, brass, etc. each go in a colour section. Also findings etc.

From time to time I can take the box and file away in boxes where they belong.

This aves me clanup time, sorting time!

re: Moving Your Bead Stash: A New Chance to Organize Your Beads

judyevelyn — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 20:52:42 GMT

From time to time I can take the box and file away in boxes where they belong.

This aves me clanup time, sorting time!

re: Moving Your Bead Stash: A New Chance to Organize Your Beads

GloryaO — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 20:36:42 GMT

I have probably more Delicas then the local bead shops put together. However, everytime I get a new batch of Delicas in before putting them away I put them into my Access database. That way no duplicating beads, now to figure how to get it onto my smart phone so I will always have the list handy. After recording them I put them in those nice little "tic tac" boxes, there are so many sizes now and 5 grams fit perfectly into the smallest. I then label them and put them into the snapware plastic containers. These are great they snap together and you can keep everything organized. I had used different methods before but this is compact, and because the beads are in their "own" container no worry about accidently having another section open and spilling the whole kit and kaboodle. I also do the same for my crystals and other beads. I try to color code everything. The nice thing about the snapware is they snackable so you can get them as high as you like. I perfer 3 to a stack. You can get them at Joann's. Snapware now has a new one I found at Christmas his is about half as deep as the other ones and they are great for if you are going somewhere. Or you just want to keep your tools or current project in them.

I really appreciated what you said about all the loose beads. Good Idea. Have a good move. Last time when we moved, before putting moving, I started a corner with "garage sale" items for either before or after the move. Depending on the time frame.

Enjoy your beading.

re: Moving Your Bead Stash: A New Chance to Organize Your Beads

radicallyriley — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:22:24 GMT

Moving the Bead Stash

Over the last few months I have been in the process of moving house. We have the luxury of getting a lot of work done in the new place prior to listing our old house and moving. This has afforded me time to set up the studio of my dreams.

In the old house I had a pretty good set up, with tons of built in shelving for storage, but my workshop area was quite spread out and there was no place for me to leave my major tools set up at the ready. Of course this inhibits stealing a few minutes (ok hours) here and there as I have to set up and take down on top of creating.

The new house has a great workshop space for me to be able to have everything in one place and walk away and close the door in the middle of the project. What makes it great? The room is off the attached garage, which has an indoor entrance from the house. It also has an outdoor separate entrance and three lovely windows that open for ventilation and provide a lovely southern exposure to the Saint Lawrence River. Thee walls are cement block, which relieves my nervousness about compressed gas and setting my house on fire! I was also able to paint it in cheery and inspiring yellow and orange without offending my husband’s sensibilities. A huge old oak bookcase was left in the house, so that along with some surplus cabinets from the kitchen provide both closed and open shelving for storage and display.

Here are a few of the bead/shop organizational changes I decided to make:

1) In my earliest days of beading, I bought a lot or plated findings and more economical beads that I grew out of quite quickly. Investing a lot of time an creative energy in my work called for high quality materials, so the original stuff has sat around for a few years. It was taking up valuable space in fishing tackle boxes. I organized like items in zip lock baggies that I keep saving as new supplies are delivered. Like groups of items were then organized in labeled opaque larger plastic boxes that I had on hand. These can be taken to workshops etc. for students to use as they are getting their feet wet.

2) The divided fishing tackle boxes then provided the perfect place to store my polymer clay. I got this tip a while ago from a fellow clay buddy (can’t remember who but I think it might have been Sandy Willis). The small clay block fit neatly in the individual compartments, and larger clay blocks were cut up to fit. The containers don’t need to be air tight for polymer clay and the type of plastic used in these boxes, translucent and pliable, probably polyethylene, does not react with the clay. The transparent brittle plastic found in some containers ( probably polycarbonate) is a no- no for polymer as there is a chemical reaction between it and the clay. I was able to organize the clay according to the spectrum, but we’ll see how long that lasts!

3) Baggies of like coloured gemstones are grouped in translucent plastic bins. Likewise pearls, seed beeds, metals, and findings are organized in these containers and grouped together in various cupboards. I’m not sure I like having to open cupboard doors and bend down in some cases to get at my stash, so display in open shelves may go the way of the dinosaur and the beads may take their place in the light of day.

4) A large workbench, fashioned by my husband, takes up the east wall and enables me to have all of my tools visible and at the ready.

5) Organizing pliers, hammers, files etc. has gone through various unsatisfactory incarnations. A nylon bag with pockets for the pliers served for a while, but the number of pliers soon outgrew the bag and storing them jaws down meant a lot of hunting around for the ones I wanted. I could never remember which colours of handles belonged to which pliers. I tried a commercial wooden plier rack, but found the depressions too shallow and they kept toppling over like dominoes. The latest was a tip I think I picked up on Beading Daily. I cut holes in the plastic lids of containers and was able to store hammers and pliers handles down through the holes so I can see what I need. This works pretty well, but the plastic lids are weakened and brittle from all the cutting. On my last trip to the dollar store I found some wooden boxes with a wooden slide out front. They are meant to carry wine and have a rope handle. I can cut holes in the wooden lids much like the plastic ones, and it will be neater and sturdier. Transporting the tools to a workshop means sliding off the front to stash the tools, grabbing the handle, and away I go.

6) A set of shallow shelves, that my husband had previously built to organize my clay, now stores inks, paints, mica powders, etc in a single row so that it is easy to pick out the ones I want to use.

Moyra "Radically" Riley

www.radicallyriley.etsy.com

re: Moving Your Bead Stash: A New Chance to Organize Your Beads

dizzyamber — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:04:58 GMT

We JUST moved our entire warehouse across the state...oh boy. I've moved it a couple of times but not this far, actually, we are getting better with each move..we keep outgrowing our warehouse.

We use tackle boxes that I've ripped the lids off to inventory everything and the system, of course, tells me where they are all at. Then went to a retail shop supply store and have metal shelving that can hold ALOT of weight. The lids go back on and carefully packed into the back of the car, with no space left...the drive carefully and HOPE nobody slams on their brakes. We only tipped one out of 100's of these boxes, phew! The worst part is when you get where your going and have to unpack, and remember where it all went!

Now, for my personal stash of seed beads and filler stuff..yep, that's a wreck, in a huge rubber tub, seed bead salsa, for sure!

It's been awesome to read everyone's ideas, if I ever get the ambition to organize that tub, in the meantime, I'm just glad the store is orgainzed!

Amber

www.mobile-boutique.com

re: Moving Your Bead Stash: A New Chance to Organize Your Beads

Beadin Di — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 19:50:24 GMT

I bought a cherry changing table when my first grandchild was born. I never used the bottom shelves for changing - just the top. So, I got the Stanley yellow and black containers from Lowe's and Amazon.com. I put them two by two on each shelf and stack them 5 high. I can fit 24 of them on the shelves and the floor. I label each storage container with a Sharpie - most are colors, some are for hanks of seed beads, some for silver, some for tools, some for projects. I haven't decided what to do with the other 10 containers.

The best thing about the Stanley storage containers is that the inserts can be moved from container to container and the beads never go from one insert to another.

re: Moving Your Bead Stash: A New Chance to Organize Your Beads

dmgcats — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:19:40 GMT

I belong to a local (Charlotte, NC) beading group called CAJA. This is what we do:

Bead Soup is for leftover or 'lost' beads - you select a dish or container, keep it on your working surface and throw in the beads that are now 'loners' after a project or those pesky beads you find on the floor and don't want to put away. Next month (August), at our normal meetup, we are going to learn how to make resin beads using our soup and bezels.

Bead Swap is for those beads that don't inspire us or that we are ready to let someone else use - we accept these donations at monthly meetups and quarterly we set them out for members to look through and make selections to take home with them.

Storage? Anne keeps her beads color sorted and labeled and alphabetized. Pat likes her seeds in rectangular flip top boxes that are labeled by name, size, colr and amount. These are kept is flat plastic containers and each container holds specific beads (Delicas vs hex vs bugle, etc) Everyone treats their Delicas as gold and stores them appropriately.

I you aren't going to label like crazy, please keep them in plastic containers so that you can see what you have. I cannot wait to move my purchases from bags to plastic containers - the bags don't store neatly and they are no fun to paw through when i want to work with them.

re: Moving Your Bead Stash: A New Chance to Organize Your Beads

musicfan_rn — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 05:42:08 GMT

I read in one of the beading journals about how well a computer hutch-type desk performs for a work space and organizational space. Shortly after that, a lady at work was selling one, so I snagged it. It does work great. Her idea was to use the slideout keyboard tray for the bead board. That doesn't quite give me enough work space, so I have a separate little folding table in front with a light and all my tools. But the hutch is great for organizing everything because it has all the little cubbyholes. It has a pullout drawer below with space above it that would be for a printer. On the walls on the inside of the cabinet I put some of those stick-on hooks where I hang strands of beads. I hung some over-the-door hooks (bathrobe hooks) on the outside of the doors to hang finished projects. I open the doors and have access to all my beads, findings, wire, etc. When not beading, I can stick everything inside, close it up, and it doesn't look like such a jumbled mess to other eyes. It also takes up much less space in the corner of my family room than my previous bead table and boxes everywhere.

Sally