Bead Storage Series 1: How I Organize My Jewelry Findings

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Hi everyone! 💜 Here is the corresponding blog post: www.orchidandopal.com/blog/bead-storage-series-1-how-i-organize-my-jewelry-findings. I hope to bring you a new video each Saturday for the next few weeks, which will show you how I organize and store the different aspects of my supplies. I encourage everyone to find organizational methods that work best for your unique situation, but I hope that I can spark ideas for some of you by sharing the methods I have implemented, and enjoy. Please feel free to share in a comment what method you use, or if you have any findings storage tips, so we can all learn from each other, and get inspired to organize. 💜Thanks so much for watching!

[@bonita3710]

Genius!!! I have tried countless ways to organize my beads as well as my jewelry. Thank You for sharing this idea with everyone.

[@more2luv46]

Hi Gina, thanks for sharing your storage ideas. I really appreciate seeing it. I have a space challenge and I started with the ArtBin Cubes. Thanks again.

[@customMadebyACLD]

OMG! This is genius. I decided a few weeks ago to use mini binder to organize my planner supplies since I'm a planner babe junkie. Lol. So this will fit right in with my new system for my beads as well. Thank you so much for sharing ❤ 💕 💗 😊

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

💜💜💜

[@katymaffei6791]

I started making jewelry a year ago, and I think one of your videos was the first one I saw. Ive been watching since, and this one was just in time because Im wrestling with how to store my findings. But, I really just wanted to say how grateful I am for your teaching and sharing of your knowledge and experience.Thank you, Katy

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Awww, thank you so much, Katy! 💜💜💜

[@kariahmedard7175]

Me: hears the intro jingle to the beginning of every orchid and opal video and immediately likes the video.

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

💜😂☺️🤗💜 Thank you, Kariah!!

[@abbynormal4740]

Lol Kariah 😄 So do I (and plenty of Gina's other regular viewers)! It's like a conditioned response - hear intro 🎶, click 👍 😉 This really is a great idea, though! TFS Gina 💜 A combo of the Elizabeth Ward Bead Storage Solutions system, flip top containers in Darice plastic cases and small plastic divider boxes works great for most of my bead and crystal stash. However, the findings and tiny or low volume items that remain in their original bags get shoved into old $BeadBox mailers marked "findings". Your storage system would be just the ticket there 😄 (Now, for those round tubes of beads... As an old retired "lab rat" virologist,🔬👩‍🔬 some test tube racks would be perfect!) Take care and stay safe! ❤️

[@pattyspencer7795]

I do the same lol

[@jazzybee5148]

Wow! I have never even thought of using binders. I have all these plastic containers and it drives me nuts! Thank you so much, I think this will really help!

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

You're very welcome, Beverly! I used to store them in plastic containers too, and it just wasn't ideal for me. The binder method has been what I have stuck with for the long haul, so perhaps this will be a better method for you! 💜

[@lisavogel350]

What an amazing idea that won’t be to expensive. Thanks a bunch for sharing.

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

You are so welcome! 💜💜💜

[@healthyworld408]

The best video for how to organize jewelry parts. Thank you so much!💕👍

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Awww, it's my pleasure! Thank you for watching!! 💜💜💜

[@kristinkristin4467]

This is a great idea. There comes a time when you need to spread out your findings for ease of design and use. Now, if I only had a place to put binders on my wall o' beads!

[@catherinequick5416]

After you posted the earlier video on binders, I created clasp binder. And I love it-it makes it so much easier to find the clasp I need. No more digging through unorganized piles in a bin. I made one for pendants & cabochons, and thinking about creating a new one for metal spacer beads. The cookbook stand is a great idea-I have one of those; it may get commandeered for the bead table. Thanks for sharing so many great ideas!

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

That's so wonderful to hear, Catherine! So glad that method has been working out for you!

[@yvettepugin4035]

Thank you for sharing - I use plastic containers (pill boxes) where every compartment has a little lid to avoid spillage and mixing for small components. For my gemstones I found a container with drawers which I keep different colour mixes together. Strung beads I keep on the strings in satin bags received from subscription boxes. Finished jewellery go into plastic baggies (collected from when I buy new stock) - as I'm not a fan of diposable plastic I try to recycle/reuse as much as possible. I also have little stackable towers for miscellaneous items. Basically my stash is a fraction of yours so what I use meets my needs, but I do like the binders - I have a lot of those accumulated from emptying out paper records in my accounting practice and have been loathe to throw them out - so I thank you for that idea. I'm thinking some hard board to add those multipocket sleeves onto would be useful to keep them from sagging - lots of arts and craft materials abound in my studio. Normally kept for the nephews and adopted grandkids (friends kids) 😍 but mostly to keep my creativity flowing in between those intense financial projects. Greetings from Cape Town, South Africa 💞💖💞💖

[@sandrahaynie1594]

Thanks so much for this video on storing findings. I am definitely going to do this. I'm also excited about more of your storage videos coming up. I know you moved into a new home last year and your craft room is larger. I have just recently purchased the wall rack and tubes and am loving that for my beads. You have some great ideas and I appreciate your sharing them. Look forward to more!

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Hi Sandra! Yes, thanks so much! I know not everyone has a dedicated room, but I am hoping some of these methods can help others. I'm so glad you are excited about more storage vids, and I hope you are enjoying the wall rack and the flip-tops! They are my go-to for multi-hole and oddly-shaped Czech glass beads, and seed beads, in particular. 💜

[@junetonelli4846]

Thanks Gina. I love this idea. I had seen it in your other video but hadn’t implemented it yet. My findings stash wasn’t that big but it is growing now. I currently have them in a plastic shoebox from Target. So it is time to put them in a binder like you have. I love that idea. Can’t wait for the rest of your series. Thanks Gina, stay well and happy beading💜

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Thanks so much, June! Have fun with your organizing!

[@sftraub]

Brilliant! Less space taken up, sorted and protected, I love this idea!

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

💜💜💜

[@murphy1384]

Great system Gina....I just moved & have the rest of the house organized. Now it's time to organize my Craft Room. Can't wait, never had a space to work & keep my supplies organized. Can't wait for the rest of the videos. Mary

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

That's awesome, Mary! I know it will feel great to get the craft room organized! 💜

[@AprilDesignsSMD]

Awesome! I remember the first video and I got the stuff for it but I never put anything in it. I should do that LOL. Anyway. I'm very much looking forward to the rest of this series! Thanks

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Yay! Better late than never, right?! Thanks so much for enjoying this series. 💜

[@auggiequeenparker]

Thanks so much for this series! I have hundreds of those sleeves from my crazy coupon days! I've tried so many different storage ways. Right now I'm trying to figure out how to store what I personally use and what I sell. I'll be trying the binders for both.! Thanks so much!!!!!!!

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

OMG - SAME! That's why I had them originally from like 10yrs ago. How funny! 💜💜💜

[@flormorena3778]

What an amazing idea! Thank you for sharing!

[@shaymarie7045]

Gina, I have had my eye on these sleeves for some time but, I couldn't justify the purchase. Thanks to your idea now I can justify and purchase. Love the idea, it cuts down on all the plastic compartment boxes plus when making jewelry I can have more stuff out at my fingertips than I could with all the plastic boxes I have full of findings. Love, love, love the idea. Going to start my binder system soon.

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

💜💜💜

[@amber6607]

Gina, what a wonderful idea 👍. Tfs this with us. I have the empty base ball plastic sheeting, I was doing the AC cards. 2.5 -3.5. so I am half way there. Thanks so much. Stay safe you and yours 😊

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Yay, that's terrific, Amber! I hope this method works for you too. Thanks so much for watching! 💜

[@NonnisBoutique]

Gina have you thought about using those small velcro dots to close the card slots? I am wondering how well that would work.

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

That's a great idea! That could work, I think! :)

[@nikkiwilson7362]

I not only store my findings, but my beads in these binders I get for Micheal's, it works for me, and it holds all my beads and findings. Still organizing, but it's coming along. Thanks for sharing your system

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Wonderful, Nikki! Thanks for sharing! 💜💜💜

[@janetwilliams7705]

Your system looks great! Thank you for making it so easy for us to replicate/adapt it for ourselves.

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Thanks so much, Janet! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it! 💜

[@sakthornton5626]

You are super organized. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

I try! 💜💜💜 :)

[@mary-denisegiesing2843]

I saw your first binder video and tried it out. I use it for my gemstone cabs, chandelier findings and small amounts of specialty beads. So far it works fine for those things. My storage also is growing and evolving. Thanks for the idea.👏👏🎉

[@kimbain4368]

I bought a 3-ring binder a couple years ago after seeing your video then. As I recall, you had pendants and large one-of-a-kind stones in it. I thought it was brilliant, so I followed suit. However, mine remains empty, as my life took a turn and jewelry-making came to a halt. I see you've greatly expanded the idea, which I think is even more brilliant! I WILL be filling my binder soon, and possibly buying more, as you have done. I remember your video on your Wall O' Beads, too. I was so envious! If I can reclaim one of my spare bedroom/storage rooms to be my studio, I'm definitely going to look at something like that. Also brilliant! Thanks for the tips!

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

I am so glad you enjoyed the idea, Kim! 💜💜💜

[@Rachellemiano]

I love this idea! I never thought of storing findings like this. I’m going to have to try it out!

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Thanks so much, Rachelle! I hope it works well for you! 💜

[@sandrarobertson7135]

Great ideas! Thank you

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

You are so welcome!

[@rubywatson1144]

This is great! Thank you for showing!

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Thanks so much for watching, Ruby! Glad you enjoyed! 💜

[@StitchesbySharonH]

This is an interesting method of storage! I have patterns in binders but hadn’t thought about using them for the actual jewelry items. I’m sure I must have seen your original video (I’m pretty sure I’ve seen all of your videos), but I just don’t remember seeing it... I have things in little clear buckets/tubs with lids (about the size of a shoe box) and have them divided by type. Then inside the tub/box I’ll divide them even further. For instance, I have a tub/box for pendants, clasps, and another for ear wires - but since ear wires don’t take up a lot of space, that box/tub shares with wire guards and jump rings. Even though there are three items in that one box, they are separated by plastic bags and then separated again by metal color. In my tub/box for clasps, I have things again divided by type, so toggles together, hook and loop together, box clasps together, etc. Then, in each bag, they’re further divided by metal color. I hope that my explanation made sense. Thank you for sharing your method and I’m looking forward to seeing more of how you store your items!

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Thanks so much for sharing all of the details about your findings storage too, Sharon! 💜 I love hearing how everyone tries to organize all of the little bits and bobs we all end up acquiring. Hope you have a great weekend!

[@pamlee5716]

This is a great idea! Thanks:)

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

💜💜💜

[@Nancy_S]

I’m so glad you are sharing your ideas with us. This is very clever. Thanks a bunch❤️

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Thanks so much, Nancy!

[@keenapearce2872]

I think I like this method plus using coin slots I can see working well for me thank you!!

[@kathiejohns1418]

Great idea!Incredible organization!But I use those flip top containers because I can just at a glance see what I have & go right to what I want!But this is a great idea!

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Awsome, Kathie! Those flip-top containers will be making appearances in future bead storage vids. I love them too!

[@Gkiss-sw2oz]

Binder for findings - are great idea. Thank you for sharing. I found clear coin pages, they are even better since have closures. Comes in 12 and 6 pockets (at least what I could find).

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

That sounds perfect!

[@meloneebeal1060]

Hi Gina!! I remember when you showed us this storage system a few years ago and thought....what a great way to know exactly what and how much you have of a particular item. Wow!! Yours has grown quite a bit!! Lol 😆. I have bins for mine, and their placed in bags according to the type of metal inside the bin. Your system is much more efficient. You can can see each type of finding and know what you have in a second. Where as mine....I dig through the bags for what I’m looking for. We plan to move next year, so, I’m going to redesign my current system then....I’m going to give your binder system a try then. Thanks for sharing your method/system of storing your findings with us!! I love it!! ❤️

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

💜💜💜

[@Multiplemom3452]

Gonna try this never woulda thought of it thanks.

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Awesome, April! So glad to hear it! 💜💜💜

[@sandranielsen4951]

Great video, great storage system. I’m amazed at how many pages of of findings fit in that one binder!

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

It really holds so much! 💜💜💜

[@zechainarodriguez7532]

Great idea! Minimizes all the clutter that boxes make. Gonna try this👍

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

I'm so glad you like it, Zechaina!

[@jolenetener2719]

i love your binder ideas

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Thank you, Jolene!

[@KsCraftsnJewelry]

Love your notebook system. I may expand my own. So far the only thing I have in the binder is tiny crystals, and pages with stones and information about what they are, symbolism if I have come across any. I used it to corral all that stuff for a presentation I made.

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Thank you, Karen!

[@samanthafischer1130]

I love this system 🙂. I use it for my cabachons

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

That's awesome, Samantha!

[@brigetteleavell-carr6906]

I think you just saved my sanity! I was looking for a creative way to store findings as my current system is NOT working!

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Awww, so glad this is helpful! Thanks, Brigette! 💜💜💜

[@srvntlilly]

I've used binders in the past for clay. But I would probably need a lot of them for my findings (not as many as you, lol), and my problem is always space. I don't really have the open space to put the binders. It's a great idea, and maybe someday, somehow, I'll be able to have the space to try this. 🤷‍♀️🌺💕

[@zhannaclark5395]

ohhhh, that is an excellent idea. Thank you for sharing.

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

You are so welcome, Zhanna! Glad you enjoyed!

[@ruthhaynes1104]

I am starting with two large binders that zip closed, one for gold tone, one for silver tone. I will eventually go this route that you are showing here. How do you store seed beads,

[@maryzylema9699]

Good idea I don't know if you already do this , but you can get strips that protect your metal from tarnishing.🤗💖

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Thanks for the tip, Mary!

[@ToniMaritima]

What do you do when your supply is too extensive to fit in the pockets? (I have thousands of head pins, jump rings, clasps, etc., etc.) I have spent days/weeks/months organizing and reorganizing. I mostly like what I have (I'll take pictures to share if you'd like to see), and I can see how some of what you do will benefit my current systems. I LOVE the idea of the colored dot labels. I think my seed bead collection will benefit a lot from it. I use a variety of plastic boxes and jars that are labeled with color, gauge, and size info. I have a large container of jump rings, another of head pins (11" x 17" x several inches deep). Then most of the rest of my organization is done in 9"x13" plastic boxes (food storage from grocery stores; I have a few of the smaller boxes, but have found 9x13 to be a good size). I've developed uniform handwriting so it's pleasing to look at the stacks of boxes (several hundred of them) as they are organized on industrial tall rolling racks in my studio/office/workshop. Thank you so much for your work and for your videos.

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Good question, Toni! Perhaps some others will have some tips for that level of qty. 💜💜💜 Thanks so much for sharing!

[@bethdurbin3279]

I have a bunch of misc beads that don’t go with a particular shape. I’m going to use this method of storage for them instead of them being all in a bin and a mess lol. I will be able to see what I have.

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Love it! Thanks for sharing, Beth! 💜💜💜

[@shellybeals2806]

I love this, thank you 💗👏🏻😊

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

💜💜💜

[@fuzzylop9164]

Great idea.

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

💜💜💜

[@crystalr5090]

I've been waiting for this series to get some ideas. I recently redid my bead and finding storage and it's working better than it did. I'm always looking to improve it. I'm happy with my findings...they are in multi-compartment drawer cabinets like those found in hardware stores. Each drawer is labeled and has saved me so much time looking for pieces parts. My bead storage is better than it was but needs some improvement. Seed beads are a problem for sure. They are currently in a two-bin type container with Miyuki in the bottom bin and Tohos in the top. I keep spreadsheets so I know what's in my inventory, complete with purchase place, price, color, size, shape, quantity, etc. Anyway....I could go on and on. Lol. I can't wait for the next installment! Thanks!

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

WOW! That's wonderful, Crystal! Thanks so much for going into detail about your findings storage and what has been working well for you. I can only dream of having spreadsheets with all of my materials detailed out - I enjoy spreadsheets so much, and use them often. Once again, you "rock!!" 💜💜💜

[@crystalr5090]

@@ORCHIDandOPAL It took me a couple of weeks to count my beads and get them on a spreadsheet (had my daughter help) so now all I have to do is maintain it whenever I buy something new. Everything for beading goes on the spreadsheet but I only keep an exact count of beads for how many in inventory, number used for a project so I always know how many are available. I also have a spreadsheet for each design I create for loomed work or other project that shows colors used, number of beads required, and type of closure with a picture to make it easier to reproduce. As I said, I could go on and on. Lol! "Rock" hahaha Thanks for responding.

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

​@@crystalr5090 That sounds amazing! So good of your daughter to help too! On a similar note, since you enjoy being very organized too, I recently discovered a free website called trello.com, and it has been amazing for keeping up with projects, instructions, materials, lists, photos - anything and everything, really, all in one place. Just thought I would share since I've been getting so much enjoyment out of it! :)

[@crystalr5090]

@@ORCHIDandOPAL Thanks! I will definitely check them out!!

[@tammiecarbohn6796]

Very impressive! Thx

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Thank you, Tammie! 💜😁

[@sharontalley5103]

Love this idea. I'm going to try this. Already have a hundred binders. Lol

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

💜💜💜

[@lianeanderson2800]

So helpful!

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

💜💜💜

[@vickiemundie7812]

Thank you so much!!

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

You're welcome! 💜💜💜

[@alesiahowington5507]

Thank you!

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

You're very welcome! 💜💜💜

[@jmspegel]

Totally Tiffany storage for scrapbookers will have zipper pockets if your viewers have different needs.

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Thanks for sharing! 💜💜💜

[@dh6035]

Please come organize my entire house! 🙏

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

Haha! 💜😁

[@carolyahoo1278]

It seems like you could spend more time organizing than beading.

[@ORCHIDandOPAL]

At first perhaps, but I find that once I have a system in place, it takes almost no time to find things, which ends up saving a lot more time and money in the long run. 💜 I definitely spend a lot more time beading than organizing now that I have established methods that work for me.