Beading Kit

A beading kit is a great gift for someone who already beads or for someone who you think would like to take up the craft. You can build your own beading kit by bringing together a few basic supplies (and a few optional splurges) for the perfect crafty gift.

Beads for your Beading Kit

The place you’ll probably want to start when building a kit is with the beads themselves. That’s because the other items you include in your beading kit will depend on what kinds of beads you select.

I suggest getting a variety of beads that could be used for many different purposes. At minimum, one package of assorted seed beads, a package of glass beads and a selection of pony beads would be lovely.

You might also want to include some spacer beads that coordinate with the other beads you chose. You could add charms that reflect another hobby of the recipient or crimp beads to make their beading projects more beautiful.

You can choose to keep all these beads in the same color family (all greens, for instance, or all pastels) or you can go all over the map. Or choose a single type of bead if you are making a beading kit for someone who is already a beader and you know what they like (only seed beads, for example, for someone who loves bead weaving).

Wire for your Beading Kit

If your kit contains a great variety of beads, you’ll probably want to include several different kinds of wire that will accommodate different beads. Check the bead package to determine the size of wire that is appropriate. You can buy wire in many different sizes and several different colors (in a regular craft store you might only find silver, but a bead store will have greater variety).

Beads can also be strung on thread of silk, satin, nylon or cotton. There are elastic cords for bracelets and other jewelry that needs to be able to stretch. For larger beads, suede, leather, faux leather, hemp and rubber cord can be used.

Don’t forget memory wire, that heavy metal wire that keeps its shape. Or you could just buy a plain gold or silver chain onto which a beaded pendant could be threaded.

Findings for your Beading Kit

If you’re making a kit for a beginner, you don’t want to get too technical. Just include a couple of kinds of basic beads, a couple of different wires or cords and some of the most basic findings.

Jewelry closures will be necessary for beaders of any skill level. These are the little clasps that allow a necklace or bracelet to be taken on and off easily. There are a wide variety of closures from barrel clasps to lobster claws, from the basic round spring-loaded clasp you see on a lot of purchased jewelry to beautiful ornate clasps that allow multiple threads of beaded wire to be part of one necklace.

Choose a variety pack if you can find one, in gold, silver or bronze depending on the color of the beads you have purchased for your beading kit.

Other findings that you might include in a beading kit include earring components live studs, hoops and ear wires, pins that can be used to make drops or pendants and jump rings to attach a charm to an earring or necklace.

There are many more choices you could include, such as supplies for working with memory wire, making barrettes or hat pins, setting beads and more. Don’t go overboard on supplies that will intimidate a beginner; just include the minimum you think they will need to get started.

Other Supplies for your Beading Kit

If you bought a lot of seed beads, you might want to include some needles that will work with the beads and the wire or thread that you purchased.

For someone who like necklaces, throw in a bead board, which will help them organize their beads while working and lay out a design before stringing it.

Another nice touch might be some basic jewelry making tools. Cutters, crimpers and needle-nose pliers are about all a beginner would need to make some basic projects. You can get an all-in-one tool for a beginner, but the separate tools are better in the long run.

Putting Together your Beading Kit

Of course you could just collect your kit supplies and throw them in a box to give to someone. Or you could jazz it up a little by putting the supplies in a decorative tin or basket.

You could even buy a plain wooden box and decoupage it with seed beads (as explained in Quick and Easy Beaded Picture Frame). Get creative and make a great gift any friend or family member will be sure to love. You might even get a great beaded item as a gift in return!.

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