What beads are you using?

[TallmanFL]

Most good beadworkers know that you can't make fine beadwork without starting with quality materials.

These days a lot of people seem to be using transparent beads with a lot of shine to them. So lets hear about what type of beads you are using, (size, style, Czech, French, other?) Personally I have not bought beads recently so I am working with 12/0 and 13/0 opaque czech. I do have some 13/0 cut beads.

Dont be afraid to say where you got the beads. If someone is selling a good product at a good price there is no rule against telling about something good. Maybe you bought them in person at a trading post or at a powwow or mail order?

Include pictures if you like? This could be an interesting and informative thread.

[OLChemist]

I use: 11/0 & 13/0 Czech, 13/0 Czech Charlottes, and antique Czech and Italian 18/0's.

Personally, I'm not a big fan of the AB, dyed and/or metallized beads. I like the outfits made with the glittery stuff, but for my own work I guess I'll keep the flash on the jeweler's bench.

As for where I get them: I get the regular beads at powwows or from Crazy Crow. Sorry, I don't tell where I get the antiques.

[turtleclaninc]

Sekoh
i use 13/0 opec czech's from crazy crow I buy beads by the kilo ..so over the years i have amassed quite a large bead inventory. now with the intro of the 3cut charlotts that i want so badly...im looking at a small fortune to convert..................SIGH poor me..lol onen

[psxchick]

Hey everyone.

I use size 11 and size 15 Miyuki seed beads for my work. I find they are are more consistent in size, with larger holes, than the czech beads but thats just my personal opinion. I do use the czech for some work. I like all sorts of finishes too. Just depends on what i'm making i guess. I order mine from a lady in Ontario. But i think i can get them in bulk from a place in British Columbia...have to look into that forsure.

[Redstone]

I like to use 13 Czech's cuts or True Cuts, from opaque to the iris colors, as well as I like to use 15 Czech's cuts or True Cuts, too. Most the 15 Czech's for personal use. Completed a belt, drops, bandoleer drops, and tail stick in size 15's.

As far as were I like to purchase supplies, I usually shop around but mostly with Crazy Crow or Shipwreck beads. I agree it is better to buy in bulk by the kilo for a cheaper price plus you know you have enough to finish your project with.

[Czechy]

I use different sizes of beads depending on what I am making. I use Czech 11/o, 12/o (mostly), 13/0 and Japanese 15/o. Most of my larger quantities come from General Bead or Shipwreck.

[Joe's Dad]

Mmmm...what's a good type of bead that is somewhere between a transparent and an opaque. You know, something that doesn't make you put your sunglasses on.

[between2worlds]

JD - You might like the color-lined beads... not as glitzy as the silver lined, but definitely interesting.

[TallmanFL]

Ok I have read all the responses and also surfed various supliers.

psxchick I am definitely going to try those myuki beads.

I am going to get a small quantity and see how I like them. Then if I like them I am going to order a bunch and dive in deep during winter.

Oh I forgot we don't really have winter here in Florida. Usually it is always in the 60's by noon. Oh well sleep is for the unmotivated.

Keep it going and happy beading.

[TallmanFL]

I bought some new beads

If anyone actually reads this I took the plunge and bought some new beads. I bought some 15/0 miyuke from Firemountaingems.com

I have never bought this style of beads or beaded with them. Maybe others on this board are way past me on this and using these Japanese beads is old news to them.

If you want to hear more about my experience with this keep the thread going or send me a message.

Brian

[Singing Otter]

If you want to hear more about my experience with this keep the thread going or send me a message.

Brian

Hey

I'm interested in hearing about them. I've been wanting to buy some but wanted to hear other people's experience with them.

I use smaller beads.... to me they're easier to use... I've never used 18s though. THAT's talent lol

[between2worlds]

If anyone actually reads this I took the plunge and bought some new beads. I bought some 15/0 miyuke from Firemountaingems.com

Love to hear about your experiences with the 15/0 miyuke.

I've ordered beads from a number of places and always end up coming back to FMG. Their selection is awesome and the colors in their catalog (online or the paper one) are EXACTLY what you get.

Was checking out their "color inside" beads yesterday.... more than just color lined but not transluscent either. Maybe I'll get a few with my next order and play around with them.

[Eagle Plumes]

I like anything shinney, ive been useing tri cuts, 13 cuts,11's I like hex beads, and some seadbeads it all realy depends on what im making and who its for as to what bead I use and the size.

[Singing Otter]

I like anything shinney, ive been useing tri cuts, 13 cuts,11's I like hex beads, and some seadbeads it all realy depends on what im making and who its for as to what bead I use and the size.

I know right! I loooooooooove tricuts and 13 cuts. Hex beads are hella pretty but dang if they're not expensive!!!

[Eagle Plumes]

I know right! I loooooooooove tricuts and 13 cuts. Hex beads are hella pretty but dang if they're not expensive!!!

They are abit pricey but I love em I made a barrett for a friend of mine useing all hex beads, back ground was royal blue,and light blue worked in with a small half star using red, yellow ,orange ,and black,n white feathers came real purrrdy, I had to quick give it to her before I kept it for myself!!!