How to Enhance Your Beading Space - Better Beader Episode by PotomacBeads

On this week's Better Beader Episode, Allie and Bridgette share helpful tips to enhance your work environment and make you a more comfortable beader. Share your must-haves for comfortable beading in the comments below!⁠
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Enjoy using this jewelry-making bead tutorial video to help you become a more creative and happier beader!

[@nonenone4562]

Great tips!

[@suem.3651]

Also, I find the clip-on magnifying glasses a huge help. A tall accent table works well for me, too. It’s just a bit too small!

[@pinksapphire.2262]

I am a new jewelry maker as of five years ago while I cared for my aunt with Alzheimer’s I never sold anything I just bought and it was a creative outlet for me while I cared for her. Now I am looking at a menagerie of beads findings tools stringing materials and wire I think I’ve got just about everything that the jewelry making community has offered. The one thing I have realized is it’s not as easy as it looks and I started making my own dresses when I was 10 and then on from there I’m now 62.

[@loop40pa]

From Louise - Just a note - I am from New Zealand and we have a program called Fair Go. On it they have a consumers advice section. They did one on cheap magnifying glasses. They said that there is nothing wrong with them but before using them you should have your eyes tested at an optometrist then you can get the prescription from them and get the correct strength for you. But they also said that you can only use these glasses if both eyes are the same strength. Of course I can't get the cheap option as I have one eye that is way worse than the other and a stigmatism in one eye. Also thankyou for the information video. They are always very helpful.

[@Potomacbeadco]

Good advice! Thanks, Paul!

[@sue7777]

Another fun and informative "BB" episode. Thanks, Allie and Bridgette, for all the great suggestions.

[@pinksapphire.2262]

I think you’re wonderful

[@pinksapphire.2262]

I would love to have you visit Michigan and help me create my craft room. All of the loss I’ve had in the past few years has created a lot of depression for me. I’m trying to swim my way out of the mud.

[@loycehake7151]

You gals are so entertaining! Thanks!

[@peggyschott2879]

Outside in the park is one of my favorite places to bead. Outside light is the best.

[@maryreed1124]

Peggy Schott how do you do that? Do you use a picnic table? It sounds so nice, but I think I am too spazzy.... I have a rough time finding dropped beads on the carpet! 😂

[@peggyschott2879]

Mary Reed I have a covered bead board that I purchased from a company in England. I have also used a plain old washcloth as a beading surface on the tabletop. Totally possible to lose a bead but so far so good. It is a way for me to get in a little beading while allowing my grandson to play in the park which he really enjoys. I don’t get as much done as I’d like because of having to keep track of him but it adds up and at 72 I’m an old granny not exactly capable of running and playing with him.

[@pinksapphire.2262]

I found that for long European travel Vodka works the best. I’m kidding of course.

[@Potomacbeadco]

😂

[@nancyrosenthal2696]

Hi girls - good ideas!! If you have Joanne Fabrics by you ( or go online - they ship!) they have something called ‘OTT Lamps’ - they have magnifiers and a light - there’s a bunch of different sizes - definitely worth checking out & they always have coupons!! 😉 P. s. What size is that bead board showing? (and love the fabric!) Thanks!!

[@scruffshelene7041]

I have three lights, and one of them is the one that Bridgette is showing. I love that lamp ❤️ And bead on it boards are great, it helps a lot on your wrists 😃

[@fuzzylop9164]

Very helpful tips. If you are cheep like me I use trays from the $ store with my beading cloth and some edge padding I also got there works great. Some day I will be able to get the real thing.

[@lynnharrell303]

Definitely need the Bead On It Board for traveling. Can't wait until they are back in stock.

[@maryreed1124]

Super helpful to a beginning beader. Ordering that light ASAP! Love this channel, I learn so much. I started the subscription box to learn even more, as I’ve become obsessed. Every overtime dollar goes to beads and findings! I need intervention! 😀👍🏻

[@suem.3651]

Me too, Tammi! Allie, are those the Lamplight pattern, or what? What is your necklace, Bridgette?

[@shirleyrazey9595]

Thank you girls. I already use the glasses, because I need them when I read alto. I never thought about higher strengths. Great ideas.

[@rhondita95]

I actually use two lights and have one on each side of me, lol!

[@Surlyannefan]

I find the best light bead under is natural sunlight.

[@tamifuller5407]

Great tips, but I found it hard to watch... I kept staring at Allie's earrings lol

[@MichellesHandmadeCreations]

Lots of great tips. I'm definitely having an easier time beading since I got my glasses prescription updated. Ha ha. I never thought to use a plastic container to raise my beading mat. But, I don't bead outside, 'cuz where I live in SoCal it's either too hot or too cold, rarely in between and it's always winding. I use a lap desk that I put my bead mat covered (plush blanket material) low-sided butler's tray on to bring my beading closer to my comfort zone. Helps me to keep my back erect, my head up and my shoulders relaxed. A piece of foam drawer liner keeps the tray from sliding off the lap desk. We invested in several LED magnifying lamps. I have 1 on my night stand, my living room end table and both sides of my work bench in our flex room (aka my studio). I know that sounds like a lot of money, but we found some really great deals by shopping around. We like LED best, cuz the colors of our work are more true to life and LED bulbs don't get hot like incandescent. I carry my wedge-shaped lumbar cushion from room to room. It's the kind that straps onto an office chair, but works great on the sofa and against our headboard. I've done a lot to make my beading obsession more comfortable. If only I could get my bookkeeping caught up so I can spend time beading! Getting back to it.

[@pinksapphire.2262]

I fractured my spine in Italy after spreading some of my father‘s ashes in the Mediterranean Sea. My life journey over the past 20 years has not been kind.

[@dawsie]

😹😹I just made my own beaded mat with sides but I went one step more and made it a stable table style so that I can curl up in my chair in the living room and it sits on my knee and just sits there while I do beading 😹😹😹