A bead board is a must-have tool for planning jewelry designs! It allows you to see what a design will look like before you string it, plus it provides a nice work surface and you can organize beads and findings while you work.

What features do I love about my bead board?

  • The flocked surface keeps the beads from rolling around. Before I had my bead board, the rolling of the beads used to drive me crazy… So be safe by getting one! :)
  • I can create multi-strand necklaces and bracelets due to different grooves on the bead board.
  • Being able to make more than one bracelet at a time is a lifesaver! As I am looking for beads to make one bracelet, I usually come up with other ideas on the way. The five slots on the bracelet section makes it easy lay out the patterns for all of the ideas that inspire me! 
  • The sections allow me to lay out all of the components for earrings, clasps for necklaces and bracelets, and any crimping beads I may need.
  • Because the grooves are marked with measurements, I can determine how long my necklaces and bracelets will be. This is important if you are trying to make your jewelry a standard length, or if you are making a custom fitting piece.

 

Take advantage of the measurements on the outside of the bead board to determine how the long the design will be. For example, a pattern that reaches 8 both sides would make a 16″ necklace, which is standard length for a choker. But don’t forget to include the clasp, which will add another 1/2 – 1 1/2″.

There are a few different types of bead boards, but most will at the very least have one long groove around the board where you set your beads as you prepare to string. On either side of this groove are markings and numbers. These markings help you determine the final length of a piece of beaded jewelry. In the center of the board, are small extra compartments where you can store beads as you work.

How to use the the board?

Don’t worry, it’s easy! If you already have a pattern to follow, great, just go ahead and put them in the correct order on your board. If you don’t know your pattern yet, this is when the board becomes super handy! Just play with your beads, arrange them in different ways until you find a design that you like.

Bead stoppers

Bead stoppers

Now you’re ready to go ahead and string up your beads onto your chosen stringing medium.  On either side of the strung beads its a great idea to have bead stoppers. I love these, they’re also must haves! Small fabulous gadgets that help to make sure you don’t lose your beads before you’re ready to finish!

Once you’re finished arranging the beads in your item (necklace, bracelet, anklet, whatever it is) you can remove the piece from the bead board and finish it off using your choice of finishing technique, such as a crimp bead or a bead tip.

The bead board is a wonderful tool when making jewelry as a hobby or professionally. It makes everything so much easier!