Bead Storage

It starts out innocent enough.  Buy a package of beads for a project. Then another.  And another.  Next thing you know, you have a bazillion (well okay, maybe not that many) packages of beads.  There's got to be a better way to organize and store them, right?

Originally, I thought I only had a few ways I was storing them.  After getting out the camera and my bead "collection", I realized how many storage options I was using (or intend to use).

Years ago when I kitted up Japanese Garden, the chart called for lots of beads.  I haven't used them yet, but that's a whole 'nother story, lol.  I saw a Craftmates Ezy Snappin Petite Double Organizer at my LNS (which sadly went out of business).  I think I paid around $30 for it, but it can be had for $18-20 online.  It's the most expensive bead system I have.

 

As you can see, I labeled the sections with the manufacturer name and number with a labelmaker.

Pros:  It has has 12 units of 7 sections that open individually.  That's 84 places to store beads!  It closes up nicely with two buttoned straps and can be stored like a book on a shelf.  The cover is made of ultra suede so it feels nice!
Cons:  The individual sections are kinda small if you have a large package of beads.

At some point, I picked up a Darice Jewelry Bead Organizer.  They usually cost around $10 at JoAnn Fabrics, but you can use a 40% or 50% off coupon to get a better price.  I didn't bother labeling these.  I just cut the name and number from the original package and stuck it inside the containers.

Pros: The containers are larger and thus hold a lot more beads.  Individual containers means you only have to take out of the one(s) you need. The containers also have screw on lids which means there's less opportunity of beads spilling if you accidentally drop them.
Cons:  The rectangular case does not snap onto the base.  It just slides over it.  If you drop the entire thing, all the individual containers will go flying. (Thank goodness for those screw-on caps, eh?)

Similar to the Darice system is the Watchmaker Cases.  These are metal containers with see thru tops that are stored in a metal box.  You can get these in a variety of sizes from Lee Valley Tools.  As you can see, I've not put any beads in it yet.

Pros:  They come in multiple sizes and numbers in a case.  The case snaps shut for more secure storage.
Cons:  If you like "pretty", the outside case isn't that attractive.  Nothing some stickers or decoupage couldn't fix!

I picked up the next jewel at a thrift store, but I'm sure you can get one at any drugstore.  It's a 28-day pill storage binder.  It's very similar to the Craftmates binder.

Pros:  Takes up very little space.  Perfect if you have a small number of beads.
Cons:  You'd have to put up with the pill labels.  Small concession for an inexpensive system, right?

If you really want an inexpensive bead storage system, go to the medical section of the nearest dollar store.  I got mine at Dollar Tree for $1.  Just like the previous system, it's intended use is to organize pills.

I wrote a tutorial about how I transformed a 7-Day Pill Cabinet into a bead storage system.  You can read about it HERE.

Pros:  I think it's cute!  It's like a little cabinet with pull out drawers.  It takes up very little space.  It's inexpensive.
Cons:  Like the previous system, the individual units don't store a lot of beads, but does hold the small packages of Mill Hill beads just fine.

Lastly, one could always leave the beads in the original packaging.

The sets of four are Mill Hill beads. Since there aren't that many beads of each color, I decided to leave them in the original package.  Each "bubble" opens individually so there's no fear of spilling all of them should an accident occur.  The set of eight is an off brand so I kept them in the packaging also.  The downside to this package is that the bubbles don't open individually.  The entire top flips open.  Spillage could be a major problem if one isn't careful.  I like the looks of the individual tubes so I left them as well.  The lids just pop out and you can pour out what's needed.  Pretty convenient!

REVISED:  The above bead storage ideas are what I use for my seed bead "collection."  I had forgotten that I have a couple of other storage options for the larger beads and charms I use to make scissor fobs.  Read on...

I think this was another thrift store find.  It measures 8 1/4" x 4 1/2" x 1 1/4".

Pros:  The lid snaps securely shut.  Stores large number of larger-sized beads.
Cons:  If there are too many beads in each compartment, they could go flying when the lid is opened.

I also use a Darice Bead Storage System with Flip Top Lids.  These cost less than $5 at JoAnn Fabrics.  Again, I recommend using a 40% off coupon... why pay full price?  The coupons can be downloaded from their website.  There is 24 individual containers housed in a hard plastic case.  It measures 4 1/2" x 6 1/8" x 1 1/4".  I call these my tic-tac case as the individual containers have an opening like tic tac candy containers.

 

Pros:  The entire system is very compact and holds quite a few beads.

Cons:  Larger beads do not fit through the flip top.  Often I just slide the entire top off to pour out the large beads.  The lid on the plastic case does not snap securely shut... nothing a rubber band couldn't solve.

There you have it.  My different bead storage ideas.  Your mileage may vary...

Until next time,

Stitchy Stuff Saturday 12/13/14

Now that it's arrived at its new home, I can show the ornament I stitched for the SNS2 Christmas Ornament Exchange.

Design: Three Crowns

Designer: Cherished Stitches ~ Louise Henderson

Fabric: 28ct Cream Glasgow Linen

Fibers: DMC

Finishing: Maroon fabric for the backing and maroon cording for hanger

I stitched the ornament over-one and took quite a bit of "creative liberties" with the design, both in floss colors and changing up the design.  As you can see, the design name is Three Crowns, but there are no crowns.  I took them out as well as rearranged the lettering.  If you haven't tried stitching on Glasgow, I highly recommend it.  It's so soft!

Patti from Rocky Mountain Stitcher sent me an ornament for the exchange.  It's called O Tannenbaum by With Thy Needle.

I think it's adorable.

Thank you, Patti!

 

 

I had another ornament finish that I sent to my SM, Sue V. in VA.  I think this is so adorable, I may have to make one for myself!

 

 

Stitch From Stash - November

It's the second to the last month of the Stitch From Stash challenge coordinated by Mel at Epic Stitching.  The idea of SFS is to stitch from our stash to reduce spending. 

I started the year off doing sooooo well.  September, October, and November has not seen such greatness.  While I did better this month than I did last month, I ended up buying more on stash.  Although it doesn't count toward the challenge... I've sold quite a bit more than that on my stash-for-sale FB page than I've spent.  So for me, it more than makes up for what I bought.  So what did I buy?  Behold....




The entire Snapperville series ~ Bent Creek

 

Long Winter ~ Bent Creek

 

13th Colony series ~ By The Bay Needleart

Winter Cottage Boxer ~ Lizzie Kate

 

Merry Minis ~ Waxing Moon Designs

 

Winter Cove ~ By The Bay Needleart



The Four Seasons chartpack ~ Lorri Birmingham

Sheepish Seasons chartpack series ~ Full Circle Designs

Total Spent:  $43.50

New Starts from Stash: Christmas Ornie from JCS Ornament Issue, Sledding Friends Penguin

WIPs or UFOs worked on: Balloon Glow, Midnight Watch
Finishes: Sledding Friends Penguin

 

Until next time,

 

Marvelous Monday Update 11/24/14

WHERE DID AUTUMN GO?
Sadly, the nice autumn weather has been replaced by brutal cold winds and a bit of snow.  Here a bit of snow... Buffalo, NY now that's a whole other story!  Before the cold weather set in, I was going on daily walks during my lunch hour....

All those pretty colors have been replaced by leafless, stark trees and foliage.  :(

This guy was hanging out in a tree enjoying a snack!

GREEN THUMB
I can't remember if I've ever talked about my Mom's green thumb.  She LOVED plants... and when I say that, I mean LOVE...LOVE...LOVED them!  Ever since I can remember, she always had plants and flowers.  At one time, my parent's house had so many that you'd swear it was a greenhouse.

Much to my Dad's chagrin, to enable her us kids would buy her trees, plants, and bulbs for her to plant outside.  She loved them, so what was the harm, right?!

Mom's favorite plant was the Christmas Cactus.  Or Thanksgiving Cactus. Or Easter Cactus.  When she was living with me, she insisted we bring her large Christmas Cactus so she could see it.  Of course, we complied and I set it at the foot of her bed.  Every day, she'd tell me to open the shades of the window so it could get light.  She has had this cactus FOREVER and it's huge.  It's just starting to bud out right now and when it blooms, I'll share a photo.  Meantime, I have another one of her cactus that bloomed a few weeks ago:

Pink/Fushia/Burgundy were her favorite colors.  It's like a little piece of Mom is still with us through her plants.  I just hope I can keep them alive!  Incidentally, my brother is going to have that photo put on his arm as a tattoo tribute to Mom.


NEIGHBORS
As I said in my previous post, my neighbors are "in the process" of moving.  Going on three weeks now, they're still moving stuff!  They own the house and it's not been put up for sale so I imagine they're taking their sweet time.  They started to dismantle the dog kennels, but apparently got tired or something because they stopped after getting most of it moved.

That white stuff you see isn't snow.  It's dog hair!  For days, I wondered where all the large pieces of dog hair came from.... on my outdoor steps, in my hedges... everywhere!

This is their crap between our garages.  It's actually a lot better than it normally is.  They have stuff strewn all the way to the back as you can see and even shoved behind their garage.  Stuff that should be taken to a junk yard.


STITCHY STUFF
I've been putting stitches in on Balloon Glow during my lunch hour.  It goes pretty fast since most of the stitches are halfsies.

I've also started an ornament for an exchange I signed up for.  No pics, though.  Can't show until it gets to the recipient.  I will say that I must be insane to stitch it over-one on 28ct... 'nuf said.


SILHOUETTE PORTRAIT

Guess what arrived last Monday? The Silhouette Portrait I won on CraftGossip! It only took 2 weeks from notification to delivery.  I've been so busy finishing up the exchanges I'm in that I haven't even had time to take the Portrait out of the box. How sad is that? Hopefully, after next week I can play with it. Anyone have this or a Cameo that can share some tips/tricks? New toys.... gotta love 'em!

STASH FOR SALE
The other day, I innocently started looking through my stash.  Next thing I know, I was purging stuff I liked but knew I'd probably never get around to stitching.  I ended up with a huge pile.

My purging might be your gain!  I've listed all this stuff on my Stash For Sale Facebook page HERE.  All prices are in USD and I will ship internationally with a minimum $20 order.  I also have a bunch of stuff listed on my Stash For Sale blog HERE.

TREASURE HUNTING
Not my usual type of post for "treasures", but I was so proud of my shopping skills I had to share.  For a while now, I've been complaining about contemplating replacing my 15-year old Black & Decker iron.  The poor thing has been put through the paces over the years, including being knocked on the floor a time or two.  The teflon coated sole plate started peeling a couple years ago and last year, I peeled some of it off because it was annoyingly bothersome.

While out an about over the weekend, I looked at irons at JoAnn Fabrics and Shopko.  I looked at B&D's, Rowenta's, Shark's, as well as others.  I decided to go with the Shark Ultimate Professional Model GI505.  It was "on sale" for $54.99 with no rainchecks *gasp*....

I'm anal all about researching and contemplating products before buying.  Of course, I do my research online.  Lo and behold, I found the same iron for sale on Amazon for $49.99 plus free shipping with a no cost 30-day trial subscription to Amazon Prime -and- $30 credit if I applied for a Amazon Rewards Visa card.  I was all over it! 

Final price for the iron:  $19.99!  Woo Hoo!!

Until Next Time,

 



Terrific Thursday 11/6/14

NEIGHBORS

For over two years, my sanity and peace has been disrupted by the backyard dog breeding neighbors on the north side of The Homestead.  More about them HERE.  Two weeks ago, I was pulled from my slumber at 10:30pm by one of the dogs barking... and barking... and BARKING.  After 20 minutes, I called the local constable office.  When the officer showed up, the dog was still barking "very loudly" (his words).  He tried to contact the neighbors (who were not home).  He issued them a citation.  The dog did not stop barking until close to midnight.  About 10 minutes after it stopped barking, the neighbors arrived home.  Last week, one of the dogs was howling.  This incident went on for over an hour.  Again, the constable was called and another citation issued.  I am SURE the neighbors are highly PO'd at me.

About a week and half ago, I observed the neighbors moving furniture from their house.  I had suspected they were moving.  Since one of the dogs was still outside in the kennels, I didn't dare hope too much.  However, the second officer confirmed to me that they were "in the process" of moving.

Can you say GREAT BIG HAPPY DANCE?!?  All the dogs are gone now and the neighbors are in the process of tearing down the kennels.  Woo Hoo!

HALLOWEEN
Most employers state morale is important to the success of the company.  Few do much to boost employee morale.  My employer is the only company I’ve ever worked for that actually does support and promote it.  We even have an employee driven Morale Committee!

One of the moral boosting activities is the annual Halloween Costume Contest, parade, and trick-or-treat. 

The morning starts off with the parade throughout the entire office for those who have “dressed up”.  Photos are then taken and voting commences through an online survey.  At the end of the day, “individual” and “group” winners are announced.

(Clickable for larger images)

The winners this year were:  One Night Stand and Hooters Alumni (These three ladies do group costumes every year and have won every year for quite a while!).

Then between 4:30-5pm, children and grandchildren of employees are invited to go from cubicle to cubicle to do trick-or-treating.  This year, I provided candy at my desk for the kiddos.  There were quite a few Captain Americas and Princesses!

Here's some TBT (Throw Back Thursday):

 My siblings and I - Circa 1977-78

My neices - Halloween 1997

STITCHY STUFF
I haven't had a lot of time to stitch since I've been spending a good part of every weekend at my parent's house cleaning, organizing, and packing up things.  Hard to believe it's been two months for my Mom and four months for my Dad.  Memories of being with them both are still so vivid.

I've put some time in on Balloon Glow during a couple lunch hours at work.

Other WIP pics can be seen HERE.

I've had one quick finish.  I stitched up another Sledding Friends Penguin.  I used miscellaneous cotton threads leftover from kits.  I think it turned out cute.

Design: Sledding Friends

Designer: Foxwood Crossings

Fibers:  Unknown cotton threads

Stitched on 14ct brown perforated paper

  

MORE THOUGHTFULNESS
As most of my readers and stitchy friends know, both my parents passed away in July and September.  After my Dad passed, my siblings and I were so busy trying to help Mom.  Things were crazy, to put it mildly. Things fell through the cracks.  I just realized today that I didn’t share the lovely things sent to me after my Dad’s passing.

First, are these lovely fabric angels from Karen A. They have been hanging in my dining room since I received them.  I have never seen them before and think they are so pretty.

Thank you for thinking of me, Karen!

While on vacation, Debbie B found beautifully embroidered zippered bags.  They're perfect for scissors, needles and other gadgets.  I was the lucky recipient of one.

Thank you Debbie!

GIVEAWAYS

Nancy over at Victorian Motto Sampler is doing 25 Days of Christmas giveaways. Click on over and see the wonderful things she has.

WINNER! WINNER!
Back in August, one of the Yahoo groups I belong to hosted “flash giveaways” for about a week. It was a lot of fun to see what was going to pop up as a giveaway and like the lottery… to see if I won.  I won an adorable Lizzie Kate chart pack and an Artecy chart.

This week, I was SO surprised to find out that I won a Silhoutte Portrait from CraftGossip.  From over 550 entries, I was one of two winners.  I never thought I'd win, but figured, "You can't win if you don't play."  Right?  Right.  I am so excited... can't wait to get it!

In case you're wondering, the Silhouette Portrait is an electronic cutting machine.  Like a printer, It plugs into a computer via USB cable.  It has the capability of cutting paper, cardstock, fabric and vinyl up to 8" wide and 10 feet long.  Unlike the Cricket machines, the Silhouttes don't require purchasing design cartridges (which are costly at $30 a pop).  Instead designs can be purchased from the online store for 50cents to $1.99 each.  Or, your own designs can be imported.  A $10 gift card to the online store is included, too!  I am so looking forward to playing with this.

Until Next Time,