Monday, July 13, 2009

Findings & Bead Storage



Well this post should just about sum up what I keep in my toolbag and how I store it.

I keep the finding and the small crystal beads that I use the most of in my toolbag. I now keep all my findings and beads in Craft Mates EZ Lock storage containers. I like to call them "binders" as they remind me of binders with their book-like shape and the fact you can write what is in them on a piece of paper and slip it into the clear pocket on the "spine" of the binder.

I use the mega-storage size for most of my beads and findings. I have purchased them at Michael's using 40% off coupons.

The first one contains my gold filled/vermeil and sterling silver findings like earwires, clasps, chains, jump rings, beads and bead caps.

The second one is the smaller size that I found at Fire Mountain Gems. I keep my 4mm Swavorski bicone crystal beads in this one. I use them a lot in earrings and earwires.

I have a few more items that I keep in my toolbag that I missed pulling out. There is my small, flexible, retractable measuring tape like the ones used for sewing, masking tape and a cleaning/polishing cloth. A color wheel and my Starbond glue and accelerator.

I've discovered to my surprise that others now think I'm organized! Well at least with my tools and supplies I am. When I am actually working I make a big mess fairly quickly. It has taken time, but I have trained myself to straighten up after wire working. Now if I can just get my glass mess cleaned up!

1 comment:

catinalife said...

sweet sweet.........I just read back through your older ones too, very interesting. I am just getting comfortable with wire work and so far so good, thanks for sharing, you do amazing pieces, and love the tools, I have a list started for Christmas. it is all about the tools baby not always the size but how you use them....hehehe..:)