There are a multitude of products available for
stringing your beads. The one you choose will depend on your budget, the size of the beads you are working with, and the project you are making. Here is a list of the more popular products available for beading with kids:
- Cord: This is available in a variety of styles and materials such as satin, leather, elastic, and cotton. Our favorite is the transparent, stretch cord.
- Hemp Twine: This is commonly used with beads and macramé techniques to create your masterpieces using knots!
- Thread: Embroidery thread can be used like hemp. You can also use metallic thread or elastic thread to make jewelry.
- Ribbon: Use 1/4-unch thick ribbon to make fun jewelry or it is one of my top choices for making pony bead creatures.
- Plastic lacing: This is commonly used when making pony bead creatures; however, It is hard to tie tightly.
- Wire: You can find a large selection of soft, colorful craft wire on the market, or you can try a product called Memory Wire which is a hard, strong wire that remembers its original shape after being stretched.
- Monofilament: You can use this plain fishing line for an invisible string effect.
- Yarn: Simple yarn can be used in your beading projects. To make it easier to thread, wrap the end with tape.
- Chenille Stems: When working with very young kids, let them practice stringing beads on chenille stems.
- Safety Pins: One of the more popular sections on my Web site explains how to make jewelry using beads and safety pins.
Of course once you have your
beads and string, you may need a few other supplies to help you with your beading projects. Graph paper is a nice tool to have on hand when it comes to designing original pony bead creatures or jewelry.
Tweezers and
needle-nosed pliers are helpful when it comes to handling and positioning small beads. You might want to keep a selection of jewelry findings on hand along with key rings, zipper pulls, and other items to help make your beaded creations useful.
