Greetings Beaders! Leah here with another blog from Eureka Crystal Beads! About a week and a half ago I wrote a blog for you about some great “splurge” items for your bead box. These were items that, while not necessary, could be fun and helpful additions to your arsenal despite their added expense – hence why they were called “splurge” items. Today I’m blogging about items that I feel are “must-have” items – essentially, the opposite of the splurge items. Because I know many of our customers are bead-weaving oriented, that’s where my focus will be this time around. Ok, let’s get into it!

*** NEUTRAL METALLIC SEED BEADS ***

Neutral metallic seed beads are a must-have for any beader. You’ll always add a pop of “that little something” missing when you utilize them, however sparingly, in a project. I always recommend having on-hand a Japanese seed bead in a gold, a silver, and a pewter color. Depending on the color(s) you’re working with in your project, or even the finish on those colors, will help determine which one to use – or – just go with your preference because I’m calling them “neutrals” for a reason! Here are my favorite picks for this category:

• Size 11 (#PF557) Starlight Galvanized Permafinish Toho Round Seed Beads
• Size 11 (#711) Nickel Toho Round Seed Beads
• Size 11 (PF558) Aluminum Galvanized Permafinish Toho Round Seed Beads
• Size 15 (#PF557) Starlight Galvanized Permafinish Toho Round Seed Beads
• Size 15 (#711) Nickel Toho Round Seed Beads
• Size 15 (PF558) Aluminum Galvanized Permafinish Toho Round Seed Beads

*** CRYSTAL AB SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL BICONES ***

Another great product to have on-hand to enhance many of your projects are Swarovski Crystal Bicones in a variety of sizes and colors – BUT – I would most recommend the ever-versatile “Crystal AB.” This is a plain clear crystal with an iridescent finish over half the surface that will reflect beautifully whatever you use with it! Sizes such as 3mm and 4mm visually fit in nicely with your seed bead projects, and even the teeny tiny 2.5mm adds the most amazing touch of sparkle among your stitches!

• Crystal AB 2.5mm Swarovski Crystal Bicone Beads
• Crystal AB 3mm Swarovski Crystal Bicone Beads
• Crystal AB 4mm Swarovski Crystal Bicone Beads

*** AN AWL TOOL ***

I just love this inexpensive fine-pointed pokey tool that, surprisingly, assists me so often when I’m seed beading. It helps with some tangles, with popping out what might be plugging up a bead hole, and with helping to more nicely shape small beaded loops (like the ones on which you may be threading an ear wire) which makes them look oh-so-perfect for photographing! And at under $3, it’s a total must-have your stash to assist with seed bead projects and so much more! Awl with rubber grip

Ok folks, that wraps up my suggestions this time around! Hope you found this blog helpful and informative. I want to hear: what products do YOU consider “must-haves” in your bead stash?? COMMENT BELOW! :-

Until next time, 

-Leah