Here’s the ultimate list of gifts for jewelry makers. If you know someone who loves beading, this is the gift guide for you.
Do you have a beader on your Christmas gift list this year? Or maybe, you just want to get yourself a little something.
Either way, you’ll surely find this beading gift guide helpful. I’ve compiled a list of gift ideas for jewelry makers that anyone would be thrilled to receive.
15 Best Gifts for Jewelry Makers
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1. Customized Beading Board
One of the most important tools I think every beader should own is a bead mat. It’s a flat piece of material — made of foam, sticky rubber or other materials — that prevents beads from rolling around as you work.
Now, if you really want to step up your game, you can invest in a custom bead board. These bead boards have a wooden base and a cushioned lip that stops the beads from falling off. The solid surface and rim allow you to easily move your work from one place to another in a breeze.
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Plus, these boards have rounded corners which means your thread won’t get caught on the edges.
Click here to get a custom bead board.
2. Sharp Scissors
Anyone who’s bead-weaving will need something to cut their thread. That’s where a pair of scissors comes in handy. Beading thread like Fireline is very strong so it’s important to have a sharp one.
Recently, I’ve heard about the Om Tara Best Scissors Ever. This small, serrated scissors can cut through kevlar thread and even craft wire up to 20 gauge.
Click here to get an Om Tara Best Scissors Ever.
3. Thread Burner
A thread burner is a non-negotiable tool for me when I’m bead-weaving but not every beader has one. I personally own the Beadsmith Cordless Thread Zap II but there are other models on the market.
It allows you to get super close to the beadwork and remove excess thread without those annoying little tails that scissors can leave behind.
You might even consider getting some replacement tips to go along with this particular purchase.
Click here to get a thread burner.
4. Beading Needles
Every bead-weaver goes through plenty of needles. They bend, break and can even rust over time.
There are two popular brands of beading needles on the market e.g. John James and Tulip needles. I recommend sizes 10 and 12.
Click here to get John James needles and Tulip needles.
5. Jewelry-making Pliers
Pliers are essential for jewelry making. You need them to open and close jump rings, pull needles through tight spots in beadwork and to make loops in wire.
While you can purchase pliers individually, it’s much more cost effective to get them in a set. The basic ones required for jewelry-making are the chain-nose, flat nose, cutters and round-nose. Any other would be specific to your jewelry-making needs.
Click here to get a pliers set.
6. Beads
Of course, no beader’s tool kit would be complete without some beads. And, there are a ton of options out there.
If your gift recipient loves bead-weaving, perhaps a selection of Miyuki Delica beads would be nice. If they prefer stringing, gemstones are a fabulous choice.
7. Bead Spinner
A bead spinner is basically a spinning bowl that you use to quickly string beads. Simply place the seed beads in the bowl and use a curved needle to pick them up as the bowl turns. The curved needle catches the beads and the force of the spinning pushes the beads up the thread.
This tool saves so much time when doing a project where the beads need to be pre-strung before starting. So, it’s a blessing for anyone who enjoys making strung seed bead jewelry, bead crotchet or kumihimo.
Click here to get a bead spinner.
8. Bead Storage
I know first-hand that beads can get a little out of control. You need a good storage system, otherwise you end up with beads scattered everywhere.
Storage solutions for beads can be as simple as a bead storage container with compartments, plastic drawers or as fancy as pieces of furniture from The Original Scrapbox. Their EZ View desk 2.0 was the inspiration for the storage desk that I had built. I kept mine very simple with just a couple drawers but if I was to do it again, I just might go for the whole thing.
Click here to get bead storage containers.
9. Lighting
Working in good lighting is a must when beading. Those beads are tiny and every beader wants to protect their vision and avoid eye strain.
Daylight lamps are the best solution, if actual sunlight is not available e.g. when working at night or in a dark room. Some beading lamps even come with magnifying glasses — very handy for working with 15/0 seed beads.
10. Beading Kits
Sometimes, there’s a beading project you really want to make but it requires a lot of beads you just don’t have. It’s not always worth it to run out and get those materials especially when you only need a few of them. Afterwards, you’re left with a ton of beads you don’t have a use for.
This is where beading kits are useful. They’ll have just what you need to make a beautiful piece of jewelry without having to run around finding everything yourself. Plus, there won’t be a lot of leftovers.
11. Beading Patterns
Beaders are always searching for new beading patterns because no-one wants to make the same old thing over and over. I never say no to a new one. New tutorials keep things fresh and exciting.
There’s a wide selection of beading patterns to choose from but of course, I highly recommend The Bead Club Lounge beading patterns. You’ll get step-by-step instructions in English with clear pictures that make creating the jewelry designs easy. And, they’re digital, so no waiting for the mail to arrive.
Click here to shop The Bead Club Lounge detailed patterns.
12. Books and Magazine Subscriptions
Books and magazines are great ways to learn new beading techniques and have access to more beading tutorials.
I always recommend the book, Mastering Beadwork by Carol Huber Cypher. I honestly believe it’s a must-have for any bead-weaver.
As for magazine subscriptions, there’s Beadwork, Bead & Button and Bead & Jewellery.
13. Beading Course
For anyone who’s really looking to master Right-Angle Weave, my online course, From Zero to Expert: Right-Angle Weave is the tool you need. This self-paced course is designed to fast-track the development of your beading skills without the confusion.
Click here to enroll in From Zero to Expert: Right-Angle Weave.
14. Coffee Mugs
It’s always fun to have a coffee mug with an amusing statement on it.
Click here to get funny coffee mugs perfect for beaders.
15. Gift Cards
When in doubt, get a gift card. These are the best gifts for the jewelry maker who seems to have everything or you just don’t know what they need.
They can use the gift card to buy whatever they want and you don’t waste your money and time buying something they won’t use. Win-win!
Click here to get gift cards from Beadholique and Amazon.
These are some of the best gifts for jewelry makers. Hopefully, it will help you make some crafty person’s Christmas just a little merrier.
Download this free pattern!
Boost your Right-Angle Weave skills with this easy-to-follow pattern.
Simply sign up for weekly beading tips to have the bracelet tutorial sent straight to your email inbox.
No spam ever! Unsubscribe at any time. See Privacy Policy here.
Hi, I want to hook my girlfriend up with an entire compliment of tools, beads, figurines, bead wires and string with patterns and directions. Can you steer me correctly?
How sweet of you, Doug! I’ll send you an email with some information.