Tips and Tricks

November 2002

Everyone is always trying to find the best way to keep her beads under control while beading. I prefer the ceramic "chrysanthemum" trays that have 8 wells surrounding a larger center well. They are the right size for seed beads, and their weight keeps them from moving as you work. (I usually get some sticky-back felt and cover the bottom of the tray so that it doesn't scratch my work surface.)

There are times, however, when I don't have the ceramic trays handy, and I tried a suggestion from one of the bead mailing lists I read. If you enjoy Pringles, save the lids! They make a great bead tray. I've found it easy to scoop beads out of with my needle, and the lip prevents the beads from rolling away. Also, when you are done beading for the day, you can bend the lid to form a U-shape and easily pour the beads back into a tube. (Just be careful that you have a firm grip on the lid. If it slips out of your hands, you'll end up with beads everywhere as the lid snaps back flat and flings the beads like a catapult!)

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