Dita of Alankarshilpa describes her space-saving method of storing and organizing her beads and findings:
Organizing beads and the different findings is always a challenge.
I found a way that is working very nicely for me.
I put the beads and findings in tiny zip lock bags that are available in any craft stores or jewelry suppliers.
Then I put the bags in a see-through sheet protector, and file them in a three-ring binder.
This helps me see what I have and what I need, and helps prevent tarnish on my metals.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
What a great ideal. That would make it easier to see what you have on hand.
Since i now make my own jumprings & findings, I save empty medicine bottles (with labels removed) and store my jumprings & findings in them. Then I just write the size of ring & gauge of wire on the bottle with a marker.
My store bought findings I leave in the bags they come in and put them in favorited coffee tins. And label each tin accordingly. Jumprings, head pins, etc.
Linda
MixedKreations.com
I found myself stuck with a lot of glass baby food jars after having twins. So I decided to use them store beads and findings. Since they are clear all I do is take off the label and wash them. All I need now is to label each jar with name and price.
I have so many beads that I have to put them on peg boards. I have these peg boards going up the wall of the steps towards my upstairs studio and I also have peg boards in my studio. I arrange the beads by color and I have a separate board for newly purchased beads. For miscellaneous findings, I store these in zip lock bags and hang from my peg board; that way I can see everything I have without having to go through drawers. I separate my wire by putting them in separate zip lock bags for each type of wire and I use anti-tarnish strips for the sterling and gold-fill wire. Believe me, if you have a lot of beads, do the peg boards, will make your life much simplier. That’s not to say that I have everything neat and tidy though, lol!!!
Janet
I am a wire artist and when I do shows, I carry my beads, stones, wire, tools, etc. with me so that I can create custom pieces or stock pieces at the shows if it is slow. I have found a way to store & transport my materials that has been a time saver. I put my beads & stones in the bead boxes (some 7 compartment, some 14 compartment). I purchased 2-6 drawer scrapbooking organizers that hold 12×12 size paper, so the drawers are spacious. I stack the two units and the bottom unit has casters on it; in my workshop, everything is handy; beads, stones, wire, tools; I even have bags, receipt books, pens, business cards, brochures, basically all of the “show” stuff in the drawers. When I get ready to do a show, I seperate the two units, secure them with straps, set them on a dolly and roll them out to take to the show. After 25 years in the business, this is the most convenient system I have ever had.
I have so many beads this would never work for me. Plus I have so many three ring binders that I really don’t have anyplace to store more. Great idea for someone with a small quantity of beads, findings, etc. Check out my blog and see my organized messy art studio.
I have an organized system that works for me. I have been doing this for about 3 years. Everytime I purchase items from a store I give it abbreviation and place that on the bd package along with size, number of pieces, year purchased and cost I paid for them. Then when I run out I can look back to see where I purchased and how much I paid. This also helps at inventory at the end of the year.
I also picked up a tip a while back from Rena’s site, I now place all my beads according to color that has been the best thing I have done in my whole life, ha ha. I am more organized now. I have my beads in IKEA stationary boxes and because I am librarian as well I was able to purchase an old card catalog and store my beads in the many drawers. I have drawer for spacers, cords, chains, and different colors. Just thought I would share!