Bead Storage

The subject of Bead Storage came up last week on the Art Charms Group. I thought that I would share with you my very unique first bead storage system--Skoal chewing tobacco cans!

I started beading as a freshman in high school, using tiny size 12 seed beads. As a young person, I didn't have a lot of money to spend on bead storage--I wanted to spend my money on supplies. Some of my guy friends chewed tobacco (yuk), but I discovered that the cans snapped shut tightly, and were just the right size to hold a hank of beads. Plus, they were cheap--I paid my friends .05 cents to save them for me. I would wash them out and put the beads in. The only disadvantage was not being able to see through the green tins. But I typed out labels (yes, on a typewriter), and taped the labels to the cans. I still use these cans for the older stash.

My newer stash, though, is color coordinated in the clear plastic compartment containers that you can get everywhere. I have about 3 shelves stacked with beads and wire in my living room!

Needle Felted Book Covers

Playing around with my new Embellisher--these are a couple of medium size (5 x 6 inch or so) book covers. Just plain felt--cut out the shapes and went to town with the Embellisher. Added a few seed beads for interest. I am amazed at how much the original black background piece shrunk with all of the needle felting! I have since purchased some black duck cloth (canvas) to try the technique on again, as I know that the canvas won't shrink up much. Still have to add the pages, but thought I would post my progress.