https://youtu.be/smawKPlCXJ8 Silver is such a versatile colour to use in beading, and there are many finishes to choose from. These are the metallic silver beads available, and the varying shades that you can choose to suit what you are looking for. Which is your favourite silver ? Is it the Toho Perma Finish...

When you start using seed beads it's quite common to find that your beading is loose and you are not keeping a good tension. This means you may end up with a blob of beads and lots of frustration. The benefits of keeping your thread a bit tighter means that the beads will...

Duracoat beads by Miuki and Perma Finish by Toho are two of the most popular bead ranges. They come in vibrant metallic colours and some come in a matte version too. Duracoat are now available in silverlined and dyed opaques. Why do beads need this coating? In the past some colours on beads...

We have been expanding the range of nicer quality clasps. At the moment we are focusing on wide clasps for bacelets.    Elegant Element Clasps are made I need Germany and have a solid feel to them. They are either rhodium plated or 24kt gold plated.  The best way to see them is...

One of my big beading bucket list items has been to see seed beads being made. Recently I was fortunate to tick this off the list. I previously have seen  beads being made in The Czech Republic, which was amazing. These were bigger beads that were pressed out of hot glass. Seed beads are made differently, they are extruded...

Like needles, thread is a personal preference. It's best to try several and see which ones you like. Most beaders develop a preference after a while. Also some types are better suited to different types of beads than others. My current favorites are One G for work with mostly seed beads and Fireline...

I often get people buying wax thinking they are essential, usually because a friend or teacher has told them to get some. They are not necessary but they do have their uses. Let's looks at options then you can decide if you want to try them too.  Wax: Either bees wax or synthetic...

I know many of you like to make jewellery with your beads. You might also make accessories and decorations with them, or add them to other crafts. Perhaps quilts, felting, cross stitch or embroidery. Quite a few of you add seed beads to your knitting projects. Lacy knitted shawls are very popular items...