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Beading Lesson

Counting & Measuring Beads
By: Katie Hacker

Sponsored by:
Beadalon®

For tools and supplies
visit Beadalon.com


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When it’s time to tally and organize beads, you need a bead counter! This handy little invention is easy to use and is totally portable so you can even take it with you when you shop. They’re available in different sizes to accommodate different sizes of beads.

To use a bead counter, pour the corresponding size of beads onto the counter. Hold the counter over a bead mat or box to catch any extra beads. Carefully shake the counter so the beads slide into the holes and any extra beads slide off of the counter. If you want to count smaller quantities of beads, you can just cover some of the holes with tape.

A slide gauge is the best way to measure beads, cabochons and other dimensional items used in jewelry making. It’s like a miniature ruler but the top separates to actually hold the item. This gives you a more accurate measurement than laying a dimensional object on a flat ruler.

Both of these tools make it simpler to shop for beads or to find beads in your own stash that fit specific dimensions. When a magazine project calls for fifty 8mm beads, you can find the 8mm beads and then easily count them out.

 

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