Bead storage is an important consideration for all beading and jewelry making craftspeople. Beads have a tendency to spill, roll, and are lost easily if not properly stored. While craft stores sell many types of boxes, jars, and cases for bead storage containers, you do not have to spend any money for bead safety. These five free bead storage containers can fulfill all your needs.
Free Bead Storage Container – Ziploc Baggies
Plastic baggies are not actually free, but they are very inexpensive. You can also use bag that were already used and washed if you desire. While Ziploc bags are inexpensive, they are most useful for beading supplies and tools. Large wooden or plastic beads can be stored in Ziploc bags, but not seed or other small beads.
Another negative point about this bead storage method is that it is hard to work with while doing a project. Plastic bags will not sit upright and hold the beads for you to grab quickly. Also, you run the risk of the zip lock attachment opening and your beads spilling out.
Free Bead Storage Container – Yogurt Cups
An option that is much better than plastic bags are yogurt cups. These are the actual plastic cups that individual servings of yogurt come in.
Some of them only have foil tops that are peeled off and thrown away. Others have solid-color plastic tops, and still others have tops that are clear. The ones with the clear tops make the best free bead storage containers.
The biggest problem with using yogurt cups for bead storage is that the lids may not attach tightly to the cups. Be sure to keep them upright on a shelf or in a box.
Free Bead Storage Container – Egg Cartons
Egg cartons are another bead storage container with this problem. As long as you have a sturdy shelf or box to keep the egg cartons in, they can be very helpful for organizing large beads. Egg cartons are very easy to work with during a beading project as long as the lid stays open.
Free Bead Storage Container – Camera Film Canisters
An excellent free bead storage container idea is film canisters from 35mm cameras. These small plastic bottles have tight-fitting lids and an easy to use size for small or medium size beads. Some are black or grey, but others are transparent.
These film canisters can often be gotten free at camera shops and film developing locations.
Free Bead Storage Container – Baby Food Jars
Perhaps the best free bead storage container available is the baby food jar. Of course, this is only free if you have a baby or know someone who does. Clean the baby food jar out very well, scrape off the label, and put in your beads. These glass jars close tightly and allow you to see the beads within easily. They are the best free bead storage containers around.
