Really excellent tips from Allie, and as a very long-time beader (at the craft for over 30 years), I'd like to offer a few other bits of practical advice that didn't make Allie's list: (1) Label your storage - if you don't know what you have, you don't have it; (2) If you're taking a hiatus from a bead-weaving project, either write down the names/number of the seed beads you're using and put the list with the project and put the tubes of seed beads away, or put the required quantity of seed beads with the project and put the rest away, so next month, you're not looking for that tube of Miyuki delicas and end up rebuying them; (3) at the end of your day, clean up your beading area - especially if you have pets. You might not get back to your project for a few days, and future you will thank past you went those expensive crystals DON'T go missing or you don't have to clean up beads scattered all over the floor; (4) and still on the subject of cleaning up - when you finish a project, put the rest of your supplies away. Basic kindergarten rules, I know, but we all seem to forget them in the rush to get to the next project; (5) Take a couple of hours every few months and go through your stash. Even if you are meticulous about putting things away, you'll still find things that need to be put in the right place. It's also a good opportunity to reorganize, cull, and rehome materials that you haven't used in a very long time.
Thank you Allie for those great tips… it would be nice if u can suggest tips to buying a magnifying glass.. with eyes deteriorating. I love Potomac beads and watch all the inspiration videos … 👍 to you and your team…
Hello Ana, currently the only location where we offer in-person instruction is at our Alexandria, MN location. Here is the contact information if you would like to sign up for classes! alexandriamn@potomacbeads.com Happy beading!
Would love to see a tip on best way to finish/burn/knot & end a thread for completed peyote stitch safely if you don’t already have a tutorial for this please 😊
Hello there! That is a great idea, thank you for your feedback! To end Peyote, you can sew threw beads, zig-zagging through several. Then after, end your thread in the middle somewhere of the project and burn off your sewing thread and burn up the tail into a little ball. Hope this is helpful!
Getting discouraged is a HUGE problem for me. I know it's time to take a break from some frustrating project when I start growling at myself loud enough that I scare my cats! Thanks, Allie, for sharing these tips..every one of them gave me a chance to evaluate what I'm doing, where I'm doing it, and with what tools and accomadations I'm making to help with my beading process.
I’m 80 years old and going strong with all my crafts especially beading. After spending years buying bright lights and various magnifiers I “bit the bullet” and purchased Craftoptic glasses with the light accessory. Yes they are expensive but are greatly extending my ability to handle the smallest beads even in dim light. If naming a product is not allowed I apologize but these have been a game-changer for me that allows me to happily make jewelry, knit and sew.
When making Fringe earrings what kind of thread should I use ? Some Tutorials say strong thread like Fireline or Wildfire. Others Tutorials call for a finer thread so the fringes are flowing. What does the become a better beader say?😮
Hi Allie I think your beading is amazing. I would like to add eyes to your tip list please important to go to a window or outside and focus on different distances as you would working in a computer all day. It helps if you havd tired eyes.
Thank you once again Allie for sharing your expertise with us! I’ve been a PB customer for about 4 years and don’t buy anywhere else!! Your videos are so instructional and easy to follow. I look forward to each one!! Thank you for putting them out for all of us to enjoy😊!!
How many days did it take you to film this video? I noticed several wardrobe changes. LOL Great info to keep in mind. Thx I keep a 3-ring binder with sheet protectors to organize my printed patterns and such. I organize my beads & findings in the Elizabeth Ward trays. I find them very adjustable as my collection grows. I am currently up to 6 trays!
Allie as always thanks so much for sharing your tips and tricks!! 1 thing I would suggest for those unfinished projects (ufo’s) is to put each in a bag with the supplies and then put all of them in a container/drawer or a big clear bag(I have a comforter bag that I use for all my ufo’s)! This way when you’re ready to get back to that project you have everything you need (even the pattern,etc.) right there ready for you!! Many hugs 🤗🤗🤗🤗 Melissa aka Made With Love By: Mel from South Florida!! 🤗🤗💜💜🥰🥰😍😍
Thanks, Allie, agree 100% with all 10 tips. When I first started bead weaving, I'd start a project with 3 yards of thread because I did not want to have to add thread. It was always knotting and getting caught on things and I was so frustrated with it that I quit. So years later when I picked it up again, I learned how to add thread and it has made all the difference. Learn how to add thread. It's not mysterious or hard and makes bead weaving much more peaceful. Thank you!!
Thanks for sharing!! We appreciate your awesome feedback! We're glad you hear that you picked up beading again and that learning how to add thread made all the difference for you. Hearing this could possibly help someone else who may be having the same issue. Here is another video that you also may find helpful! www.potomacbeads.com/helpful-exercises-for-beaders Happy beading!
I have learned so much from you over the last couple of years. I have started to get more organized. I bought the same Delicas three different times because I couldn't see what I already had. I am making my old office desk into my beading area because I don't need the desk for a catchall for everything I will get to later. I have a basket for that now. I am also using all of my bead boxes for storing patterns and different types of beads. I have no way of using something if I can't find it, and it is exhausting trying to go through a whole pile of stuff looking for something you know you have. On the subject of discouragement, it took me over a year and a half to figure out CRAW stitch. When it clicked, it went like I had been doing it forever. Read it, watch it, and practice, practice, practice. It will happen. I now have a bead soup necklace/wrap bracelet to wear this year. I am determined to make some of the pieces by Tereza that she created for you, but my mental block with CRAW was holding me back. And yes, quality of tools is a must. If you have good tools to work with it goes so much easier. Thank you for all you do and for having the quality of products we need to become Better Beaders! 💖
You are so correct about tip one, Allie, I never thought of it like that! Lots of great tips to help me, I really appreciate your enthusiasm and expertise and that you are so happy to share the love! I am from the UK, unfortunately it is very expensive to buy from your store, not a criticism at all, just the way things are. I cannot get hold of dragon thread here, if anyone knows how to, please let me know! Have a great day everyone 😘
Hi Ellie Will you introduce what is the good or premium quality , of wire beads , stones etc, For us newbie’s please. I have bunch of real tiny stones and beads that needs wire or something that doesn’t break them while I’m working on the them, especially for the ones with holes on the sides that needs loops.
Great ideas! I would add that if you’re a beginner, you should try to keep it simple. Make some easy projects first, and keep your goals achievable. Build up your confidence. Thanks, Allie!
I always have a second needle ready to sew in tails. I also made a needle book to store by size. Everything I need is in a bag that can go anywhere. Enjoyed all the tips.
These tips are great! Thank you so much!!! I love Tip 1! I've been working with wingspans of thread at a time but never realized I was weakening the threat or wasting time pulling all that through every bead! Bead vacuum? I've got to get one of those! I always get discouraged with loops. Book of ideas and laminated cards and a stand for my phone/iPad! Thank you so much! I always love your videos!! My tips are don't pull your threat too tight and when you are working on a pattern that requires several passes, occasionally put it on a flat surface so you can see if you've pulled too tight. You want it to lay flat and make sure your tension is even throughout. Also, check your work. When working on a project that has levels, it's always good to check your work. A missed bead on the previous level can throw off the 2nd or 3rd level.
I have a clear bag (oversized pencil bag) that I keep all my supplies (beads, thread, needles, pliers, thread burner, ect) I need for a project. Makes it easy to pick up and move and keeps my thread from getting caught on everything around me.
I am over 70 and learned to do beading and crochet just recently; my daughter thinks I'm ace at both, but this episode of Better Beader's was really useful; thanks Allie. I recently watched and decided to do the floral squares bracelet, but you used larger beads for yours and I didn't want a huge bracelet, so I swapped out the IrisDuos with Mini GemDuos, the 8/0 seed beads with 11/0's and the SuperDuos with MiniDuos; I also altered the last row of beading slightly. I ended up with a slightly smaller individual segment and slightly rounder, which I found softer. Thank you for sharing your Potomac patterns with us I think they are great.
I want to make a key fob, bookmark for my granddaughter using the logo. I would like to learn how to draw a pattern, choose beads, choose which stitch to use. Thank you! I enjoy your videos.
Hello Ellie, I am a newbee here. But I have been admiring you work. Wish I had patience to sew seed beads. I design jewelry now hopefully I will learn someday. As a kid when I was in trouble grandma made me sew my own clothes. Maybe that brings back a time I didn't like. And that is not all we had to make dozens of tortillas from scratch when were in trouble as our punishment. Poor grandma she had to use that as an excuse to get help from us kids. LOL
After beading many many years, and always I stuck me in a corner that was I thought would perfect and I found out now I'm out in the front I have my beating neatly organized it's right here where I needed all the tools at my lighting but yet I could also see what's going on outside around me I'm not in a corner and I just love it. So yes many years I beated at the table many years I beated this little corner now I have a tablet stand like watch the text I even have UA-cam on my TV I can see it when I need the tutorial enlarged and able to slow the speed. UA-cam videos are blessing....Thank you and all the other beading videos for us. 🥰🙏
Click here for complete bead & jewelry-making supply lists:
➡www.potomacbeads.com/allie-s-top-10-beading-tips
Really excellent tips from Allie, and as a very long-time beader (at the craft for over 30 years), I'd like to offer a few other bits of practical advice that didn't make Allie's list: (1) Label your storage - if you don't know what you have, you don't have it; (2) If you're taking a hiatus from a bead-weaving project, either write down the names/number of the seed beads you're using and put the list with the project and put the tubes of seed beads away, or put the required quantity of seed beads with the project and put the rest away, so next month, you're not looking for that tube of Miyuki delicas and end up rebuying them; (3) at the end of your day, clean up your beading area - especially if you have pets. You might not get back to your project for a few days, and future you will thank past you went those expensive crystals DON'T go missing or you don't have to clean up beads scattered all over the floor; (4) and still on the subject of cleaning up - when you finish a project, put the rest of your supplies away. Basic kindergarten rules, I know, but we all seem to forget them in the rush to get to the next project; (5) Take a couple of hours every few months and go through your stash. Even if you are meticulous about putting things away, you'll still find things that need to be put in the right place. It's also a good opportunity to reorganize, cull, and rehome materials that you haven't used in a very long time.
Thank you for taking the time to add these!!!
Thank you Allie for those great tips… it would be nice if u can suggest tips to buying a magnifying glass.. with eyes deteriorating. I love Potomac beads and watch all the inspiration videos … 👍 to you and your team…
If you have a nice surface, this is great www.potomacbeads.com/desktop-folding-magnifier-with-led-light#attr=
I love this. Could you please teach us how to use a caliper?
ua-cam.com/video/_I9P-FgVEqk/v-deo.html
Can you give classes on beaded purses
That is a big one, we shall see what we can have in store
I'm an aspiring beader. Meaning that I need to learn from the very, very beginning. I live about 15 minutes away from your shop. Do you offer classes?
Hello Ana, currently the only location where we offer in-person instruction is at our Alexandria, MN location. Here is the contact information if you would like to sign up for classes! alexandriamn@potomacbeads.com
Happy beading!
I am over 50 now and I find magnifying glasses a huge help when working with either small beads or monochrome projects.
Sometimes our eyes do not want to cooperate with our hobby!
@@Potomacbeadco especially when working with 15/0’s. 🤣
Would love to see a tip on best way to finish/burn/knot & end a thread for completed peyote stitch safely if you don’t already have a tutorial for this please 😊
Hello there! That is a great idea, thank you for your feedback! To end Peyote, you can sew threw beads, zig-zagging through several. Then after, end your thread in the middle somewhere of the project and burn off your sewing thread and burn up the tail into a little ball. Hope this is helpful!
Getting discouraged is a HUGE problem for me. I know it's time to take a break from some frustrating project when I start growling at myself loud enough that I scare my cats! Thanks, Allie, for sharing these tips..every one of them gave me a chance to evaluate what I'm doing, where
I'm doing it, and with what tools and accomadations I'm making to help with my beading process.
Of Course!!!! We have all been there at times
I’m 58 and had to purchase a magnifying lamp and it is a necessity for me. Thanks for the tips, I look forward to the next ten!
It happens to the best of us
I’m 80 years old and going strong with all my crafts especially beading. After spending years buying bright lights and various magnifiers I “bit the bullet” and purchased Craftoptic glasses with the light accessory. Yes they are expensive but are greatly extending my ability to handle the smallest beads even in dim light. If naming a product is not allowed I apologize but these have been a game-changer for me that allows me to happily make jewelry, knit and sew.
That is amazing!!!!!!
Great Share Allie!
✨Thank you! ✨
Thank you
When making Fringe earrings what kind of thread should I use ? Some Tutorials say strong thread like Fireline or Wildfire. Others Tutorials call for a finer thread so the fringes are flowing. What does the become a better beader say?😮
Hi Allie I think your beading is amazing. I would like to add eyes to your tip list please important to go to a window or outside and focus on different distances as you would working in a computer all day. It helps if you havd tired eyes.
Thank you once again Allie for sharing your expertise with us! I’ve been a PB customer for about 4 years and don’t buy anywhere else!! Your videos are so instructional and easy to follow. I look forward to each one!! Thank you for putting them out for all of us to enjoy😊!!
Thank you so much
How many days did it take you to film this video? I noticed several wardrobe changes. LOL Great info to keep in mind. Thx I keep a 3-ring binder with sheet protectors to organize my printed patterns and such. I organize my beads & findings in the Elizabeth Ward trays. I find them very adjustable as my collection grows. I am currently up to 6 trays!
I wear many hats.....sometimes it takes more than one day, lol
Allie as always thanks so much for sharing your tips and tricks!! 1 thing I would suggest for those unfinished projects (ufo’s) is to put each in a bag with the supplies and then put all of them in a container/drawer or a big clear bag(I have a comforter bag that I use for all my ufo’s)! This way when you’re ready to get back to that project you have everything you need (even the pattern,etc.) right there ready for you!! Many hugs 🤗🤗🤗🤗 Melissa aka Made With Love By: Mel from South Florida!! 🤗🤗💜💜🥰🥰😍😍
Thank you for this tip
Thanks, Allie, agree 100% with all 10 tips. When I first started bead weaving, I'd start a project with 3 yards of thread because I did not want to have to add thread. It was always knotting and getting caught on things and I was so frustrated with it that I quit. So years later when I picked it up again, I learned how to add thread and it has made all the difference. Learn how to add thread. It's not mysterious or hard and makes bead weaving much more peaceful. Thank you!!
Thanks for sharing!! We appreciate your awesome feedback! We're glad you hear that you picked up beading again and that learning how to add thread made all the difference for you. Hearing this could possibly help someone else who may be having the same issue. Here is another video that you also may find helpful! www.potomacbeads.com/helpful-exercises-for-beaders
Happy beading!
I have learned so much from you over the last couple of years. I have started to get more organized. I bought the same Delicas three different times because I couldn't see what I already had. I am making my old office desk into my beading area because I don't need the desk for a catchall for everything I will get to later. I have a basket for that now. I am also using all of my bead boxes for storing patterns and different types of beads. I have no way of using something if I can't find it, and it is exhausting trying to go through a whole pile of stuff looking for something you know you have. On the subject of discouragement, it took me over a year and a half to figure out CRAW stitch. When it clicked, it went like I had been doing it forever. Read it, watch it, and practice, practice, practice. It will happen. I now have a bead soup necklace/wrap bracelet to wear this year. I am determined to make some of the pieces by Tereza that she created for you, but my mental block with CRAW was holding me back. And yes, quality of tools is a must. If you have good tools to work with it goes so much easier. Thank you for all you do and for having the quality of products we need to become Better Beaders! 💖
Heather, thank you for taking the time to write this. It is a great example of we all start somewhere. THANKS!!!!
Great. For me it is important a magnifying lamp, carrying always with me.
Regards from São Paulo 😍
Greetings and thank you for watching
You are so correct about tip one, Allie, I never thought of it like that! Lots of great tips to help me, I really appreciate your enthusiasm and expertise and that you are so happy to share the love!
I am from the UK, unfortunately it is very expensive to buy from your store, not a criticism at all, just the way things are. I cannot get hold of dragon thread here, if anyone knows how to, please let me know!
Have a great day everyone 😘
If that becomes available we can let you know.
Hi Ellie
Will you introduce what is the good or premium quality , of wire beads , stones etc,
For us newbie’s please.
I have bunch of real tiny stones and beads that needs wire or something that doesn’t break them while I’m working on the them, especially for the ones with holes on the sides that needs loops.
If you email hello@potomacbeads.com and let our team know what you are trying to make, they will point you in the right direction
What is a caliper used for?
Sizing beads in mm...Hope this helps.
@@kathyryan4153 it does! Thanks!
Thanks for the help Kathy
Great ideas! I would add that if you’re a beginner, you should try to keep it simple. Make some easy projects first, and keep your goals achievable. Build up your confidence. Thanks, Allie!
Great Advice!
Thanks Allie for great tips. I’d love to hear more when you have time to share! ❤
Thank you for watching
I always have a second needle ready to sew in tails. I also made a needle book to store by size. Everything I need is in a bag that can go anywhere. Enjoyed all the tips.
Great Idea
Excellent even after doing this awhile - this was fantastic ❤
Thank you
Great tips😀
Thank you
Thank you
You are welcome
These tips are great! Thank you so much!!! I love Tip 1! I've been working with wingspans of thread at a time but never realized I was weakening the threat or wasting time pulling all that through every bead! Bead vacuum? I've got to get one of those! I always get discouraged with loops. Book of ideas and laminated cards and a stand for my phone/iPad! Thank you so much! I always love your videos!! My tips are don't pull your threat too tight and when you are working on a pattern that requires several passes, occasionally put it on a flat surface so you can see if you've pulled too tight. You want it to lay flat and make sure your tension is even throughout. Also, check your work. When working on a project that has levels, it's always good to check your work. A missed bead on the previous level can throw off the 2nd or 3rd level.
Thank you so much for joining me
I have a clear bag (oversized pencil bag) that I keep all my supplies (beads, thread, needles, pliers, thread burner, ect) I need for a project. Makes it easy to pick up and move and keeps my thread from getting caught on everything around me.
Great idea
Thank You Thank You Thank You For all the advice, inspiration and knowledge you share!!!
Of course!!!! Thank you for joining me
I am over 70 and learned to do beading and crochet just recently; my daughter thinks I'm ace at both, but this episode of Better Beader's was really useful; thanks Allie. I recently watched and decided to do the floral squares bracelet, but you used larger beads for yours and I didn't want a huge bracelet, so I swapped out the IrisDuos with Mini GemDuos, the 8/0 seed beads with 11/0's and the SuperDuos with MiniDuos; I also altered the last row of beading slightly. I ended up with a slightly smaller individual segment and slightly rounder, which I found softer. Thank you for sharing your Potomac patterns with us I think they are great.
Wow Sally, that was a great way to adapt the project. Thanks for sharing
I want to make a key fob, bookmark for my granddaughter using the logo. I would like to learn how to draw a pattern, choose beads, choose which stitch to use. Thank you! I enjoy your videos.
Sounds great!
Thank you for these tips. Very helpful information and much appreciated.
Thank you for watching
Hello Ellie, I am a newbee here. But I have been admiring you work. Wish I had patience to sew seed beads. I design jewelry now hopefully I will learn someday. As a kid when I was in trouble grandma made me sew my own clothes. Maybe that brings back a time I didn't like. And that is not all we had to make dozens of tortillas from scratch when were in trouble as our punishment. Poor grandma she had to use that as an excuse to get help from us kids. LOL
LOL, Grandmas. Do not ever hesitate to ask questions or reach out to us at hello@potomacbeads.com
Thank you, I love all of your videos! Hoping to do more beading in the future.
You are welcome!
Thank you for all the great tips, Allie!
Thank you!!!!!
After beading many many years, and always I stuck me in a corner that was I thought would perfect and I found out now I'm out in the front I have my beating neatly organized it's right here where I needed all the tools at my lighting but yet I could also see what's going on outside around me I'm not in a corner and I just love it. So yes many years I beated at the table many years I beated this little corner now I have a tablet stand like watch the text I even have UA-cam on my TV I can see it when I need the tutorial enlarged and able to slow the speed. UA-cam videos are blessing....Thank you and all the other beading videos for us. 🥰🙏
beating is beading ☺️
You are so very welcome! Happy beading!