When first getting started with beaded projects, I was overwhelmed with the variety and endless styles of beads, and I was not sure where to start. At the time I would pick beads based on what looked the best, or what colors I liked. Over time I have found that the material the bead is made of matters, not just the style. Some beads can break easier than others, some sparkle more than others, and some fit certain projects more than others. Some can even be multiple types at once, for example a glass seed bead.
I am a big believer that you can make anything out of almost anything, however, I also believe some beads are easier to work with than others. It all comes down to what you are making and how you want it to look. There are endless uses for them but choosing the style you want to work with can get overwhelming. Especially since there is not only style but the size of the beads, which can range from 2mm to 20mm and up.
I decided to document some different bead types, what projects you can use them for, advantages to using these types, and popular uses of the beads. For example, is the bead type can be used as a spacer bead or a statement bead, are they most used for jewelry or larger products. I won’t be able to fit all of them into this post as there are many types of beads, so stay tuned for an additional post coming soon to continue the list. I do share quite a few opinions I have of the beads and how to use them.
1. Seed Beads
Seed Beads are one of the most recognizable bead types. It can be used on almost any beaded project. These beads are on the smaller size, most common sized used is 2mm but you can get them in 4mm sizes. Due to their size, they are limited to certain widths of bead wire and stretch cord. Make sure you are matching them to a string size that will fit, you can also get beading needles to help string these beads easier. These beads are easiest to find, and you get a lot of them for the price, so they last a lot longer than others depending on how you use them.
Seed beads have been used to as spacer beads, for those who don’t know what these are they are the beads in between your statement beads. They separate bead groups and add dimension and color. I like using seed beads this way because there are so many colors of them. Plus, you can get crystal seed beads, and glass seed beads, and they all look unique.
The projects I think are best for them (my opinion), are beaded jewelry so bracelets and necklaces, for fully beaded bookmarks. I like to use them when making coil bracelets because you can fit a lot of them on there and get fancy with the colors. One of my all-time favorite designs was a rainbow seed bead bracelet.
2. Glass Beads
Glass beads are one my personal favorites, I use them a lot and they are easy to find. I know they sound fragile because they are glass, but for the most part they are very sturdy. Glass beads have different styles within themselves, allowing for more options to pick from.
There are some that look like they were made by glass blowers with different colors and textures. Some look like sea glass and others like round crystals.
Glass beads also come in a variety of sizes, you can get them in a smaller size like 2mm or larger like 20mm beads.
You can usually purchase them in multiple strands in different sizes. I like getting them this way so I can use the same bead style for even more projects. I tend to design using glass beads more as a statement bead. Meaning, I design around that bead making it the focal point of my piece.
They are so colorful! Some even look like crystal beads in their design so they reflect light well. This bead style is so eye catching, I would use it to make suncatchers, bookmarks, windchimes. I would use it make fun jewelry, and beaded curtains. They are made and designed to stand out. I have also seen them used for Christmas decorations!
3. Wood Beads
Wood beads are so unique, because they can be stained, painted, sanded, and they come in so many shapes. They can have beautiful cutouts too! I love the natural wood colors the most because they can ground a piece. Too much shimmer or sparkle can get overwhelming. These beads are sturdy and smooth, they add that to whatever project you add them too.
These can be simple or statement beads depending on the size or shape of the beads. I like to use the small ones for spacers, and the large ones as statements. I would use the wood beads for jewelry and key bracelet, which are larger round rings to add your keys to. Unless it is your base I wouldn't use it for a suncatcher but it would look good as a car charm!
4. Metal beads
Metal beads in my opinion are a staple bead you need to have. They come in unique shapes and make up most of the spacer category. They are made into bead caps and small 2mm beads very often.
These tend to have more designs and extras in them than other bead types. Metal beads have gemstones in them, carvings, mixture of metals. I like to use silver, but you can pick the metal of your choice.
Like previously stated they are good for spacers, but I would also use them to add shine and shimmer to a product. Since most are still reflective they would look good in suncatchers, beaded curtains and car charms. As always they would look good in jewelry but they are not widely used in weaving, that I have seen.
5. Gemstone Beads
Gemstone beads are a great way to add depth to a piece. They all have texture and patterns. Unline metal or seed beads, each gemstone bead will be unique. Like in the picture, each one of those beads while similar are different.
Gemstone beads are more pricey, due to the rarity of the gemstones. Tigers eyes, amethyst, rose quartz, and more add a unique quality. Gemstone beads are another popular bead type, used by lots of jewelers and beaders.
I love to use them with wood beads to add a earthy feel to a piece. They look best when made into jewelry in my opinion. I do use alot of them in my beaded bookmarks as well. They are so fun and unique and there are so many different styles and sizes.
6. Pony Beads
Pony Beads! These beads are in my opinion the starter beads. Found in all stores, they a popular bead type for someone who is just starting. They have a wider bead hole allowing them to fit on stretch cord and wire of most sizes.
They come in starter kits, that come with cord and a rainbow of colors. These beads are mostly made into stretch bracelets. They are one of the easiest beads to work with. They come in simple shadess, so solid, clear, glitter, and metallic.
7. Crystal Beads
Crystal beads are exactly as they sound, little crystals. They come in a variety of shapes and facets. One of my favorite ways to add a reflective quality to a project. The diamond shape is a very well known shape for a crystal bead.
These beads look amazing in the sun, any project that puts these on display is a must do! These are one of the staple beads I would recommend to anyone who likes shiny art projects. They are mostly sturdy, however some of the tear drop styles will break if you are not careful. This is mostly when the drill hole is across the top rather than down the middle.
8. Clay Beads
Clay beads are similar to gemstone beads as each one is unique. This bead type is one I do not use often but I love the look of. You can actually make them yourself if you wanted to. Gives you more control over the design.
They come in so many patterns and designs I would use them as a statement bead. These beads are harder to find but still so nice. They can be matte or polished, and can come in a variety of sizes. I would use these for larger beaded bookmarks or larger beaded bracelets, earrings, and the key bracelets. I have seen a lot of key bracelets and they look stunning.
If you are new to beading or just looking to expand the variety of beads in your collection, I hope you enjoyed this post. Beads come in all shapes and sizes, textures, materials, and colors. There are so many to choose from and I hope this helps you pick out the ones you want for your next projects!
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Where is the best place to buy beads?