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Tiny Bead and Findings Storage

by Judy Larson
Most of us have a lot of tiny beads and embellishments that are sometimes difficult to store, much less find after we do store them. Many storage box solutions feature large compartments, removeable dividers, and lids that are not flush with the top of the section dividers. While these are wonderful storage for many things (I use lots of them), smaller items can get "lost" in them. This creates an "out of sight, out of mind" problem. We forget about them and maybe even order duplicates-been there, done that!
Instructions
I am always on the hunt for better solutions. While I like the idea of single item storage jars and boxes that fit inside a larger container because only what is needed is removed, I found that the jars/boxes were sometimes difficult for me to remove with less than nimble fingers.

I then moved on to these strip containers. The locking lids on the larger of the two can be difficult to use as it requires two hands to open. This can be a good thing because if it is dropped, the lids will not accidentally pop open, which could happen with the smaller strip container.
Pro Tip: We all work differently and in different spaces. There is no perfect solution for everyone. Do not invest in more than one storage container unless you are absolutely positive a storage solution will work for you.
Judy Larson's Tiny Bead and Findings Storage - , Store Wire Jewelry, , bead storage
The strip boxes are stored in clear shoeboxes which make it easy for me to remove what I need for a particular project. I make a lot of my embellishments with metal clay and sheet metal so metal clay greenware is stored in labeled strip containers in one clear shoebox. Another shoebox contains finished tiny pieces as well as some tiny metal pieces still being worked on. It is easy to pull a box off the shelf and find and remove the storage strip needed.
Judy Larson's Tiny Bead and Findings Storage - , Store Wire Jewelry, , bead storage
Judy Larson's Tiny Bead and Findings Storage - , Store Wire Jewelry, , bead storage
Judy Larson's Tiny Bead and Findings Storage - , Store Wire Jewelry, , bead storage
A friend of a former student gave her some small fishing tackle boxes with attached lids from the sporting goods store where she worked. After seeing them, I knew they would be perfect for storing tiny beads, crystals, etc., and purchased all that I could find. Fishing tackle boxes are engineered to easily open and close, but not easily open when dropped. The only drawback to them is that all the compartments are open when the lid is open. They can be stored just about anywhere. Here they fill three antique sewing machine drawers in a chest I built.
Judy Larson's Tiny Bead and Findings Storage - , Store Wire Jewelry, , bead storage
Judy Larson's Tiny Bead and Findings Storage - , Store Wire Jewelry, , bead storage
These tiny boxes also work for separating small parts and pieces being worked on and keeping them safe.
Judy Larson's Tiny Bead and Findings Storage - , Store Wire Jewelry, , bead storage
Judy Larson's Tiny Bead and Findings Storage - , Store Wire Jewelry, , bead storage
Sometimes pieces are just a bit too large for my small containers. Slightly larger fishing tackle boxes as well as thin baseball card boxes can coral pieces to keep them safe until they are used.
Where have you found your best storage solutions?
Judy Larson's Tiny Bead and Findings Storage - , Store Wire Jewelry, , bead storage
Judy Larson's Tiny Bead and Findings Storage - , Store Wire Jewelry, , bead storage

Materials

Silver Filled Jump Rings Open (.025) 22ga (OD) 3mm (ID) 1.98mm - Pack of 25
S11-12
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $0.66
  • Gold Club Price: $0.50
Out of Stock
Silver Filled Jump Rings Open (.025) 22ga (OD) 4mm (ID) 2.55mm - Pack of 25
S11-14
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $1.89
  • Gold Club Price: $1.42
Add to Bag
Silver Filled Jump Rings Open (.025) 22ga 6mm - Pack of 25
S11-18
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $2.02
  • Gold Club Price: $1.52
Out of Stock
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Tools

WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5
G15-20
  • G15-20
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $170.72
  • Gold Club Price: $128.04
Add to Bag
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  • Category: Storage
  • Technique(s): Storage

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