| ORCHID and OPAL |

My Favorite Bead Storage and Organization Products

watch the video

my favorite storage and organization products for beaders

Welcome!

Hey beautiful! In this post I have listed each of my favorite bead storage and organization products. Each product is linked to direct you to where it may be purchased, and I also provide info on what the product’s purpose is in my storage system. At the bottom of this post, you will find the links to my bead storage video and blog series where I share the different aspects of my organization process, and you can see these items in use.

My Favorite Bead Storage and Organization Products

3-Inch Zippable Binder

If you are just starting out with the binder organization system (click to see that post), and are only planning on using one binder, you may want to consider getting one that zips. Zippered binders are wonderful for portability because they typically come with a shoulder strap, and carrying handle, and you won’t face the issue of the little plastic bags slipping out of the pocket sleeves, if you accidentally tip your binder upside-down.

Check out my jewelry findings storage post to see this item in use.

Durable Three Ring Binders

Durable Three Ring Binders

I enjoy the Avery brand Heavy Duty binders with the clear pockets, which allow you to slip a printed paper label on each side. I have multiple 2-inch, and a couple of 3-inch binders in use. I have a binder that holds each type of metal finding by finish color. The binder system also houses my gemstone pendants, tassels, small pieces of cord/ribbon, and buttons. This is a system of organization, which has been a favorite of mine over the years, and I have tried many!

Check out my jewelry findings storage post to see this item in use.

9-Pocket Clear Binder Card Holder Pages

Out of several brands of 9-pocket pages I have tried, I recommend the Ultra-Pro brand the most. The sturdier the pages in your binder system, the better, since they will be housing heavier/bulkier objects than paper cards. I like that these pages stand up to pretty much anything I put in them without curling, or having a tendency to get weighed down.

Check out my jewelry findings storage post to see this item in use.

9-Pocket Clear Binder Card Holders

Cast Iron Book Stand

This exact stand has a permanent spot on my main worktable. The cast iron material makes this stand very solid, and the white powder-coated finish, and decorative scrollwork, is also very pleasing to look at. A 3-inch binder that is filled to the brim is no match for this sturdy piece. While I am working on a project, stringing in particular, a binder can sit safely in the holder, and it’s very easy to flip through, without the base moving at all. This stand also comes in other colors!

Check out my jewelry findings storage post to see this item in use.

Colorful Dot Labels

I have also started to implement a system of colorful dot labels, which I place on individual plastic bags, flip-top containers, etc. The dot color corresponds to a particular bead box, or online shop, so I know where the item came from. You can also write details on the dot, such as the date you received the material, how much it cost, brand, what it’s made of, etc. I like that the color gives me an immediate heads up about where I acquired a material, without even having to write anything.

Check out my jewelry findings storage post to see this item in use.

Stick on Tab Dividers

I use stick-on, repositionable tab dividers just like these inside the binder system. With a Sharpie/permanent marker, I write the name of the section on a tab, such as: clasps, earrings, chain, etc. Labeling the sections inside the binder will make flipping through it that much quicker. These stick-on dividers can be applied directly to the 9-pocket pages, and are easy to reposition, if needed. Bonus – if you are using this style for findings, you can match the tone of metal to the color of the tab. How nice!

Don’t forget your Sharpies! 🙂

Check out my jewelry findings storage post to see this item in use.

10-Drawer AND/OR 12-Drawer Rolling Storage Cart

These rolling carts are so handy! I have one of the 12-drawer units pictured, and later added two of the 10-drawer units, which are taller and have a single stack of drawers. The thing I like about these storage carts the most are the following:

  1. The drawers are interchangeable, even between units. I can move drawers around as much as I want, without any effort.

  2. The drawers are completely removable. Sometimes I choose to pull out a drawer of material, and bring it over to my work space, without bringing the entire cart.

  3. Easy to assemble, and very sturdy.

  4. The fact that these carts are on casters makes moving them a breeze. You can roll an entire cart, full of supplies, over to another workspace if you’d like, without much trouble

Check out my seed bead storage post to see this product in action.

Slim Acrylic Wall Shelving Unit

Just because these shelves are advertised for holding nail polish, doesn’t mean they work any less effectively for beads! These acrylic units will match any decor, and do not take up any additional floor space. The shelves are easily mounted to a wall, and include the necessary hardware. 

 

 

If you use a wall system like this, the beads will be in your line of sight on a regular basis, which will help you remember what you have on hand. I started with one shelf, and my system has evolved into five of these units sitting side-by-side in my beading space. 

Each shelving unit holds a minimum of 222 rectangular flip-top containers; that’s 37 containers per row, to be exact! More containers can be stored on these units, however, if you choose to use the shorter containers stacked on top of each other. If you stack two shorter flip top containers on top of each other, you are looking at storing a potential of 444 containers!

Check out my Czech glass bead storage post to see this wall storage unit in action.

Clear Rectangular Flip-Top Containers

These secure containers come in a variety of different heights. I like to have a mix of the following heights: 

The 1.25″ and 1.5″ tall containers can be stacked on top of each other on the acrylic wall shelving unit; making these are great storage option for smaller quantities of beads. You could also stack a 1″ or 1.25″ on top of a 2″ container. By stacking them, you can squeeze more containers onto each shelf. Other things I love about these containers are (1) they are completely see-through, and (2) the flip top lids are very secure.

TIP: Not all flip-top containers are created equal. Some are cloudy, and are not as sturdy. I specifically recommend purchasing a listing like the one I have linked to in this post.

Check out my seed bead storage post to see this product in action.

Small Command Wall Hooks

 

I use these small Command wall hooks, underneath the acrylic wall storage system, to hang my fire polish strands, for the most part. I find that anything I can store on the wall is a huge space saver AND I can visually see the items on a regular basis, which is a bonus to me. These hooks attach extremely easily with special adhesive tabs, which are supposed to prevent damage to paint/walls.

Since Czech glass fire polish beads arrive frequently in several of my regular monthly subscription boxes, and they are pre-strung on monofilament with a loop on one end, these seem like a no-brainer for me to hang up. I like to hang the FP beads in bunches by size, and then by color family,

Check out my Czech glass bead storage post to see this wall storage unit in action.

Dollar Tree – 11 Compartment Storage Box w/ Lid

I first purchased this specific type of container from a local Dollar Tree a few years ago, and to my surprise and happiness these containers continue to be available in their stores. What’s even better? You can purchase these exact organizers online at DollarTree.com, without having to leave home!

I find that their slim profile makes for very easy stacking; whether on a table-top, shelf, or in a drawer. The lids snap shut and stay closed, and they easily adapt to my ever-evolving storage needs. These organizers can be stacked three-high in the drawers of my 10-drawer rolling carts, and I am able to fit four stacks per drawer, with additional room on the side for something else. That means 132 different items can be stored in a single drawer (11 compartments x 12 containers).

Check out my semi precious gemstone beads storage post to see this product in action.

Stackable Storage Containers with Doors

These stackable containers may be advertised to store shoes, but they work very well for housing many other types of objects. Each unit is separate, and opens fully from the front, by means of a clear door, which closes securely. The system comes in a set of 12, and some assembly is required. Once I got the hang of snapping the components together, I was able to put all twelve units together in under 20 minutes.

Besides storing additional jewelry tools, this system also houses things like shipping supplies, and finished jewelry that is listed for sale. 

stackable craft storage containers
Stackable Craft Storage Containers

Check out my beading tool storage video to see this unit in use.

Adhesive Heavy-Duty Wall Hooks

adhesive heavy duty wall hooks

Check out my beading tool storage video to see this unit in use.

You will find these adhesive hooks along my work space, holding items such as: open spools of Fireline beading thread, and my most-used beading pliers and wire cutters. The adhesive is meant to be safe to use on painted walls, and they are very sturdy. 

Using wall space for items that would normally take up space on my work surface is a strategy I can get behind. I like my work surface to be used for designing and creating, not for storing (if possible!). 

Vellux Microfleece Blankets (custom bead mats)

You may be wondering why I have a blanket listed with my favorite bead storage products. Well, I’ll tell you! This item is more for beaded works in progress, rather than the beads themselves, but they are still useful for an aspect of storage. I like to cut these blankets into custom sized bead mats, which I use to line portable trays that I bead on. I then stack the trays, lined with Vellux, one on top of the other, and pull out a tray when I am ready to continue to work on a particular project. Additionally, I use these to make an entire table-cloth sized bead mat for my main work-space.

Check out the jewelry in-progress organization video to see this product in action.

Food Trays (say what?!)

Check out the jewelry in-progress organization video to see this product in action.

That’s right! I use these “food trays” as portable project trays for works in progress. I am constantly working on several different ideas at a time, and I like the projects to be portable. I simply cut out pieces of the Vellux blanket to line the tray to size, and I can stack the projects on top of each other, which saves space, and is much more economical than purchasing a whole bunch of Bead-on-it Boards (although they are beautiful, and I would love to)!

Purple and Black Portable Storage Case

I use this adorable purple and black storage case to house my Delicas. Since Delicas make for a great type of bead to travel with, I store them in this portable unit, which is a hard-sided carrying case, covered in fabric, and includes 60 screw-top vials. Additionally, the pocket at the top is large enough to house two more clear 4×6 containers with lids, and multiple flip-tops within. All of my delicas fit neatly, and safely portable inside. This case is advertised for Diamond Painting storage, but there is no reason it can’t be used to store many other things.

Check out my seed bead storage post to see this product in action.

Brother P-Touch Label Maker

This label maker is a workhorse! Get creative with colorful tapes and fonts, print multiple copies of the same label at once, and much more. This machine has gotten a workout from me over the past few years, and it keeps on kicking. I find the battery lasts a long time, the label tapes are very easy to find online, and it is fast and quiet. What more could one want from a label maker?

Check out my crystal stones and beads storage post to see this product in action.

Brother P-Touch Label Maker

Zip Top Storage Bags

9x12 zip top bags

9×12″ for Necklaces

6.5x3.25 zip top bags

6.5×3.25″ for Bracelets

3x5 zip top bags

3×5″ for Earrings

Clear, plastic zip top bags are easy to see through, and keep air and dirt off of finished jewelry pieces. Storing creations inside of individual bags also makes it easier to stack them, and keeps pieces from becoming entangled with each other.

Magazine Board, Card Stock, and Gift Tags

magazine boards white 8.5x11

For Necklaces

white card stock

For Bracelets

gift tags for earrings

For Earrings

I use the magazine board as a backer for necklaces. The 8.5×11″ size slides right into the 9×12″ plastic zip top bags. Card stock is used as a backer for bracelets. I fold the card stock in half, then in thirds, to bulk it up. The folded card stock fits neatly into the snack size bags. The gift tags with hearts are used as backers for earrings (holes punched with this 1/16″ hole punch).

Additional Supplies

tab divider labels

Tab Dividers for Labeling Jewelry Inventory

1/16 hole punch for earrings

1/16″ Hole Punch for Punching Holes in Earring Cards

Sharpie Markers

Permanent Markers

slim washi tape

Slim Washi Tape for Securing Jewelry to Backer Boards

A Message About Bead Storage

Bead storage will be an ongoing process of trial and error while you determine which methods are most effective for YOU. Because your situation is unique, these are some questions you may want to consider:

  • What is the size of your space?
  • Should your storage be permanent or portable?
  • How much are you willing to spend?
  • What kinds of supplies do you regularly use?
  • How much do you have to store?
  • Do you have a style/aesthetic?
  • Will this system be flexible for my needs?

It has taken me more than two years to share more about my methods for bead storage because it is constantly evolving. It’s my goal to put a lot of thought into what I eventually share with you; therefore, I put these storage methods into personal use over a period of time, in order to feel comfortable recommending them to others.

The methods I personally use will not work for everyone, and that’s totally understandable! I encourage everyone to find their own favorite methods of bead storage and organization, which meet your own unique circumstances. On that note, if you try one method, and it doesn’t seem to work for you, try something else. Don’t feel obligated to stick to a method that you aren’t keeping up with, or isn’t effective for you. Expect a period of trial and error, and actually putting systems into use over time, to see what is working, and what needs to be tweaked.

TIP: Use storage products that you have on hand first, if possible.

Get creative with storage solutions; scour your home for bins, baskets, carts, shelves, that you could utilize more effectively in your creative space. You don’t have to sink a lot of money into organization, unless you want to. In fact, with effective organization you gain the ability to know exactly what you have on hand, and exactly where it is. You will save money by not having to purchase repeat supplies, unnecessarily. You will also save time because you won’t be hunting down “lost” materials that could be jumbled in piles of random supplies.

Bead Storage Video and Blog Series

See the links below for the video / blog post related to each aspect of my bead storage and organization:

  1.  Findings
  2.  Seed Beads
  3. Crystals Stones and Beads
  4. Czech Glass Beads
  5. Gemstone Beads
  6. Tools and Stringing Material
  7. Works in Progress
  8. Finished Pieces

If You Enjoyed this Post...

Check out the Bead Storage and Organization Playlist for more! 

This post may contain affiliate links, which may provide me with a small amount of commission at no cost to you; however, the thoughts/opinions I have expressed are 100% my own.

 

Shop Handmade Jewelry by Category:

Instant Download Beading Patterns:

Simply purchase a pattern, and after checkout the link to download the PDF document instantly will be available.

Find the growing collection of instant download beading patterns for my original beaded jewelry designs. All patterns are accompanied by a corresponding, free beading tutorial video in case you would like to refer to video instruction while you bead. 

Have any Question or Comment?

One comment on “My Favorite Bead Storage and Organization Products”

Simone Lewis

Hi Gina!

I’m going through your Storage and Organization series. Everything I see, I think, “GENIUS”. Or should I say, GINA-OUS???

I followed the link to the food trays, but landed on Command Strips. I’m not an idiot, so I searched for food trays and found many. Could you please verify what size you use?

Aside, I’ve looked for trays in the past. My kids went to Montessori schools and all of their work was contained on a tray and I love that idea for organizing. I have a few trays in my kitchen, but I would like some more uniform sizes. I always searched for serving tray or charger…food tray NEVER occurred to me.

I’m also interested in knowing where the clear plastic storage boxes can be found. Do you know the ones I mean? You usually put the flip top boxes in them.

I’ve only watched the 2 original, 2018 videos, and 1-4 of the videos from 2020, and haven’t seen a link.

You are inspiring and please, keep up the fantastic ideas!

Simone

Comments are closed for this post !!
Youtube Instagram Facebook Pinterest Twitter
Hit enter to search or ESC to close
FREE DOWNLOADS
DESIGN INDEX
BEAD BOXES
FAVORITE MATERIALS
SHOP
TUTORIALS
PATTERNS
BEAD SWAP
PATREON
Categories