Happy 2014 to all! A new year usually starts off with people making resolutions and vowing to be better to themselves and others. I don’t usually make resolutions but late last year, I’ve decided to adopt the “YOLO” motto. YOLO means You Only Live Once. I plan to meet life head-on, embrace what I have and work towards what I want.

My Favourite Beading Tools

Anyhow onto beading stuff. I thought I would show you my absolute essential beading tools.

Thread Burner

First on my list is a thread burner. Since I have started using mine, I don’t know how I’ve survived
beading without it. It really helps you to get close to your beadwork and cut the thread without leaving those annoying tiny pieces of thread behind. I use the Thread Zapper II from Beadsmith.

Bead Mat

A bead mat is also essential to proper beading. It stops the beads from rolling away from you. I like to organize my beads in the order in which I will use them so it’s easy to get into the rhythm of the project you’re completing.

An alternative is a bead board. These are nice because they come complete with measurements that you can use while beading.

Plastic Spoon

The final essential on my list of beading tools, and this is my favourite one, is a plastic spoon. Yep that’s right! A plastic spoon.

They are great for scooping up seed beads and placing them back into their containers when you’ve finished working. Of course you can buy a regular bead scoop but I’m sure everyone can get their hands on a little plastic spoon for free (save your icecream spoon). It will change your life, believe me.

What’s your favourite essential beading tool? Tell me in the comments below.