Reddit mentions: The best beads & bead assortments

Alright, so to make these you need

• Beads, of course.
  
  I use Hama Beads, they're from Denmark and generally harder to find in the US, but the "standard" ones are Perler Beads. They're a bit smaller than Hama's. I haven't used these but the reviews are good, so you can use them too :D Hama has a bit more colors, but that shouldn't be a problem.
  
  
• Pegboards. ^^kek
  
  These are the plates where you put your beads on to create a nice piece. A normal Pegboard is 29x29, so it can fit 841 beads on it. You can stick the plates together for making a larger piece (i.E. for the Ephixa one I used 3x3 plates, so I had a field of 87x87). These are for Perler and these for Hama.
  
  
• Parchment paper
  
  
• a clothing iron
  
  
  If you have all of that, you
  
  

1. Look for something you wanna create/remake, there a plenty of pictures if you search for "xxx perler bead" on google, or you can look at /r/beadsprites for ideas. If there aren't any available you can convert a photo into a pixelated pattern with some websites or programs, I use this one.
   
   
   
2. Create the image by placing the beads on the boards by hand.
   
   
3. The usual method is to now put the parchment paper on the board and iron it, but this has many disadvantages with larger pieces, so I use this method. It's a lot more convenient and it protects your pegboards.
   
   
4. When you either have it on the pegboard or now on your tape you put parchment paper over it and start to iron it, simply go in circles and take a look after a few seconds, the duration depends on the size of the piece you made.
   
   
5. When you ironed it you put some heavy stuff, like books, on the piece to prevent it from wrapping when it cools down.
   
   Thats basically the progress, looks veeeery heavy but it's easy after you've made your first 1-2 pieces, so if you want to try it out the bitbird logo would be the perfect start, you only need 2 colors and 1 plate. I hope I didn't explain it bad, here are some useful links to help you :)
   
   

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  E: If there are any language mistakes I apologize, as I stated I'm from Germany and explaining stuff is kinda hard sometimes lmao

What a fun contest!

1. What's a birthday without cards? Pretty ones even:) Added to my Cave of Wonders wishlist on July 10.
   
   
2. I've got nothin :/
   
   
3. Ooh... I've got probably close to 60 of those to choose from. How about [this one] (http://www.amazon.com/DramaContemporary-Hungary-Books-Eugene-Brogyanyi/dp/1555540546/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1143OIB90TSSU&coliid=IGO9DFBZKV5ZA) about Hungarian plays? It's on my Booked with bargains list because used copies start at a penny. It's also on my Geeking out list, added July 12.
   
   
4. H'mm, I have something that's so awesome [it doesn't need an eating utensil to use!] (http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-51101B-Personal-Blender/dp/B0017XHSAE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=16Q1M9X9GOLAF&coliid=IBCF1BBG8UQ5H) A blender that transforms into a travel mug is nothing short of magical. And this one was added to my geeking out list on July 12.
   
   
5. An animal that serves as a tea companion is the [best sort of animal] (http://www.amazon.com/Kikkerland-Monkey-Infuser-Drip-Tray/dp/B005SQ4BJW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=16Q1M9X9GOLAF&coliid=I3UICS49GSTJLJ). This monkey tea infuser was added to my geeking out list on July 6.
   
   
   
6. SQUEE. Best color ever. Take [that] (http://www.amazon.com/Tovolo-80-6100PL-Purple-Tea-Infuser/dp/B000G34EXA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1R9P80O1URJSU&coliid=I3PE33RG7P10TP) (purple tea infuser June 3 cave of wonders) and [that] (http://www.amazon.com/Paper-Mate-Retractable-Ballpoint-35830/dp/B001B0DCSU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1R9P80O1URJSU&coliid=I3AM1W644F6QCA) (purple ink pens Cave of Wonders July 10) and [this] (http://www.amazon.com/Amethyst-Gemstone-Beads-Purple-Inches/dp/B002696YHG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2AWRGPWU7U5BD&coliid=I34UR3X5LMFOLE) (purple beads July 26 fun sized list) and [POW] (http://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Rollerball-Retractable-Purple-PIL26071/dp/B0013CKDVK/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2AWRGPWU7U5BD&coliid=I15QGVSYNUVTKR) (another purple pen fun sized July 10) and [WOW] (http://www.amazon.com/TopCase-Metallic-PURPLE-Macbook-Unibody/dp/B0040BLOZU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=16Q1M9X9GOLAF&coliid=I3AAZB1THZQHKZ) (purple computer case geeking out added July 7).
   
   
   
7. A little game I like to call [sorting neat facts in a world that makes sense] (http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Posh-Logic-100-Puzzles/dp/0740778609/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=QIOVI9G7K472&coliid=I2IGINW5WZS3K1), otherwise known as logic puzzles! Added May 30 to Puzzled and Poetic
   
   
8. My guilty pleasure would be good deals on shoes. This isn't necessarily a good deal but [they're cute!] (http://www.amazon.com/Military-Combat-Fold-over-Multiple-natural/dp/B00BFMCN98/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2KZTB0H1P6VLH&coliid=IBK6GKPEQ9ZHX&psc=1)
   
   
9. This would be a [tool for learning] (http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Basic-Skills-Board/dp/B000NVBE10/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2SXK6EXO51EGC&coliid=I1JUL7SJ6EWSH1) added June 26 to Student Resources.
   
   
10. I don't know about you, but my childhood coincided with the BOOM in gel pens [similar to these] (http://www.amazon.com/Sakura-58350-10-Piece-Assorted-3-Dimensional/dp/B000LR4ZDA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=16Q1M9X9GOLAF&coliid=I2DY1WDG2BV378) added to my geeking out list July 12.
    
    
11. These [handy cards] (http://www.amazon.com/Fancy-Pants-Designs-Collection-Journaling/dp/B009EEF36O/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=16Q1M9X9GOLAF&coliid=I164DKZ2CB4CV3) are to help organize my journal entries- added to geeking out on July 12.
    
    
12. One of my hobbies is jewelry making, and [this is a chain] (http://www.amazon.com/shipping-16-Vintage-Antique-Twisted-Chains-Jewelry/dp/B00AIKTSX2/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=16Q1M9X9GOLAF&coliid=I172SEPLDWH9I5) to incorporate in said hobby- added to geeking out July 13
    
    
13. All right, how's research on [another country's textbooks] (http://www.amazon.com/Textbook-Reds-Schoolbooks-Ideology-Post-Communist/dp/0271058560/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2KZTB0H1P6VLH&coliid=I2M3GLH2G3KYAA) for nerdy? Added to Booked with bucks on July 9.
    
    
14. Ain't nothing more natural than me and [my tea] (http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Decaf-Spiced-Peach-Tea/dp/B00081H3BA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=16Q1M9X9GOLAF&coliid=IDESGPH15UE82) (ignoring the fact that I don't actually own this kind of tea) added to Geeking out July 12
    
    
15. Speaking of [tea and green] (http://www.amazon.com/Harney-Sons-Coconut-Vanilla-Sachets/dp/B00796KNHS/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1R9P80O1URJSU&coliid=I2UWULYHAV7V4Y) here's something added to cave of wonders just yesterday
    
    
16. If [this hat] (http://www.amazon.com/Womens-Cloche-Bucket-128SH-Brown/dp/B00AAVT7XA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=16Q1M9X9GOLAF&coliid=I5GBSKLYUIN0H&psc=1) were mine, it would indeed be worn! Added to geeking out July 12.
    
    
17. Funny? (stares blankly and humorlessly) Oh wait! [There's this] (http://www.amazon.com/How-Survived-Communism-Even-Laughed/dp/0393030768/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1143OIB90TSSU&coliid=I2BSGBOA78R0S0) Added July 26 to booked with bargains
    
    
18. [More purple beads!] (http://www.amazon.com/Glass-Pearls-Czech-Round-Purples/dp/B00B5DBYCE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2AWRGPWU7U5BD&coliid=I3122TPXZTZMMI) added to fun sized list back in March.
    
    
19. Gardening? [My flowers] (http://www.amazon.com/Lucite-Cabochons-Ivory-Yellow-Flower/dp/B002UGWX5C/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2AWRGPWU7U5BD&coliid=I13QBBKH7U4RRU) happen to be more of the glue on variety ;) Added in March to fun sized list.
    
    
20. SIGH. I'm terrible with "favorites" questions. This one no this one no this one should be my motto. Or that one or that one or that one. Can't decide.
    
    Edit: after almost an hour of hunting down this list, I forgot to include the raffle phrase! Happy happy cake day! :) Hope it was a good one!

Artkal has the best color selection, but you'll have to have it shipped to you. https://www.bakerskidscrafts.com/ is the only US reseller I know of (I'm gonna assume you're in North America). Otherwise, you'll have to order from their main site https://artkalfusebeads.com/ , and a package typically takes 2 weeks to arrive. Free shipping to the US and a few other countries. Artkal beads come in two types of beads. Hard and Soft. (The soft beads are exclusive to ARTKAL and are a special flexible kind of bead). You can get the beads in two sizes as well; Midi (regular sized, 5mm), and mini (2.6 mm). I personally use Artkal mini soft beads as my main beads, which is the A-series of beads. Though I do also have some C-series beads (the mini hard beads), and perler mini beads. And a small selection of Perler midi beads.

Artkal hard beads (both midi and mini) can be used with Perler brand beads. If you live in the states, you can find bags of perler beads for sell at most craft stores (though limited selection of colors in stock sometimes), and online websites that ship within the US. If you'd like to be able to restock quickly, you might go for the Perler beads, so you can just run to the store and restock when necessary (If you're in North America). You can also take advantage of craft store coupons and sales. And for more variety of colors after you become experienced, you can pair it up with Artkal hard Midi beads (S-series beads).

There are other brands of beads, such as Hama (comes in both midi and mini), and Melty brand beads. I've seen Melty brand beads in some craft stores and even walmarts, but I've never tried them. I just get the feeling they're not going to be as good quality as Perler or Artkal, but I dont know. Hama beads I've never used myself, but I've heard they can melt a bit odd, and while they *can* be used with Perler, they dont melt the same, so they do look off. (again, I dont have personal experience with this)

Overall, if you just want to try the beads, before deciding to commit to the hobby, I suggest you get one or two of the kits. If you're interested in midi beads, I suggest you pick up something like this:

Perler 16 Color tray - $8

if you're interested in the mini hard beads, you can pick up one or more of the Perler mini trays. There are many different trays, each with 8 colors (1000 ish beads each). And they're around $8 to $10 each. The Joanne's Craft store near me sells them.

Perler Mini Tray, Warm colors

​

If you want a bigger selection of colors, you can consider these trays:

ARTKAL Mini hard beads, c-series 48 colors kit

or

ARTKAL Mini soft beads, a-series 48 colors kit

or

ARTKAL Midi hard beads, S-series 48 color kit

Whichever kit you get, you'd be best off buying it with an extra bag of black beads, because black is the most used color in beadsprites.

​

When choosing mini versus midi, it's just personal preference. I prefer mini, for these reason, 1. they cost less, 2. they take up less space, 3. finished pieces look more detailed. Though for some people, mini beads are too small, and take more concentration to use.

​

Sorry for some much text. If you dont happen to live in North America, then possible another brand of beads other than Perler is cheaper and easier to obtain.

Oh man I need to get that playmat, but for me it was definitely my addon for Food Chain Magnate. It condenses the game from taking up every inch of a large table, to now being playable on an average or possibly even small table. Plus cleanup and setup takes half the time and it's much easier to keep track of who has what powers.

Runner ups include:

• Kemet - Buying these coin cases to hold all of the power tiles. Now it's so much faster setting up the game, I also have enough to give to each player so they can have their own sleeve of powers. Best part is is that for new players they can just grab the sleeve rather than having to glance over at the power tiles from afar.
  
• Pandemic/Dominant Species - I got these containers to hold all of the disease cubes and species cubes for both games and they work perfectly. My only suggestion would be to get a slightly larger container so it is easier to grab the pieces when they are inside, but the negative to that is that they will not fit in the original box as well.
  
  If I can think of anymore upgrades I'll post them

Can I just be nosey and ask what kind of class this is for? It sounds super fun.

On a more practical note I think you are in the right track with clay. To get them rounder you could try to find an appropriate sized mold. Either something like this or just free hand it.

It looks like actual billiard balls are made of resin though if you want to experiment with that. I have no advice on working with resin though.

Another option would be getting small craft balls and just painting them. Like [these] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQG9211/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_lL57ybS3CEQD2). You could fill the hole with wood filler.

Good luck regardless!

It's kind of pricy but I found dropper bottles on Amazon:
Tool Parts New Arrival 50PCS 10ml... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MGFCXWX?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

And little funnels:

Stainless Steel Mini Funnels for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078Z9LWDW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

And tiny glass beads:

TOAOB 500pcs 6mm Round Glass... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018LPC6R0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

And spent a day transferring all my bottles into dropper bottles. I found that the Citadel labels peel right off the pots and slap on the droppers pretty easily.

You should note that the funnels don't perfectly fit those little dropper bottles but it works. The beads are a perfect fit, I put two in each dropper bottle. The bottles come from China, so if you order they take like 2-3 weeks to arrive. You'll also get some bad ones, I think I found like four when I transferred my paints. Now I don't spill anything and my paint doesn't dry out faster than I use it!

I did find that using a sharpie to color the tips of the caps on the shade bottles made them dirt easy to find when I've got a bunch of droppers out.

Let me know if this helps you!

Happy birthday!! CAKE!!

2 is my favorite scene ever from CSI. Sara and Greg.

5 is Ben and Mary from Secret Garden, one of my favorite movies ever.

Party animal!

Would love to have any of the seed beads on my crafting list. There are a ton to choose from. LOL

Thanks for the contest!!

This mix of wire and beads would be awesome. I make jewelry, all different kinds, and I love to get random stuff and see what I can create. I've just started to make my own jump rings, and the wire would be awesome for that, and nice chainmaille projects. Much more affordable!

Thanks for the contest!

I was taught to bead by an art teacher when I was around 10 years old. So I never really learned from a book. Right now I exclusively work with delica beads because they are more structured and I feel that they come in a lot of colors. But for a beginner, I would recommend working with seed beads at first because they are bigger and easier to work with.

Threads come in many sizes. You don't want to work with sewing thread because that is too thin. I use size KO thread with delicas and I'm sure it would be just fine for seed beads as well. Or perhaps D thread.

Use needles specifically for beading because other kinds of needles are too big and will break the bead.

As for instructional books - I'm sorry but I don't have any to recommend. I make my own patterns and usually browse my local bead shop for big decorative beads like the ones you saw in my picture. If you can find a bead shop in your area I would see if they have starter classes.

Usually in the past when someone wanted to learn how to bead, I would give them the materials and an hour of hands on teaching. I would tell them to keep practicing for a couple of days to get used to the idea and I would check back in with their project. :)

I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.

No, Those beads aren't going to do the trick. I use these in my 20'' Straight Tube beaker Grav Lab's I own. They are really easy to get started. I put them in a pot (lol) of water and in about six hours they where full sized balls. They are biodegradable and really easy to clean. They also keep my piece 40-60% cleaner ( And I dont even use an ash catcher) One of the best buys for my piece. I'm very satisfied plus its cool to show off to people who have never seen them. Hope this helps!

My preference is the 6mm white cubes either with black text or colorful ones. The best one I've found is from the Amanery brand on Amazon. I'll also purchase packages of A,E, I, O, U, T, N, S, H, R on Beadtin because those are the most commonly used letters (you would need to buy $85+ for free shipping though). If you just want an assortment then Michaels (0.84 lb) have a great deal, although I'm pretty sure that tub only comes in the 10mm size.

I have these nifty stackable containers that you can purchase pretty cheaply but they have saved me so much luggage room and will get me through at least 3 weeks of lotions and potions even though they look small. You can stack as few or many as you like. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006L2UUVA/ref=pd_aw_sims_2?pi=SS115&simLd=1&dpPl=1&dpID=31Wyfd0TrzL

In flight I use a moisturising spray, at the moment a DermaE hyuralonic acid spray but I'm keen to try the Mario badescu one mentioned too. If it's a night flight I sneak in a moisturising sheet mask. People are usually sleeping and if anyone sees you who cares, it is worth it to keep your skin flaking off! In daytime make sure you keep on top of sunscreen application because those UV rays can be brutal through the window.

Love Actually because I really like all the different aspects of love that it shows.

less than $5

less than $20

I think you should give 4 $5 gifts and spread the love!

I have three sets (six total) pliers: one pair for steel, which are cheap 'Pittsburgh' brand square jaw pliers with no teeth. Got them at Harbor Freight for $2 each. They're cheap, but reliable. One pair I took to a belt grinder and rounded it down to help prevent marring - most pliers with no teeth regardless have sharp edges.

The second pair aren't actually pliers per se, they're actually the Beadsmith Magical Crimper ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000SX1G9S?pc_redir=1410065544&robot_redir=1) and the jaws on these are fantastic for mailling. They're pretty small pliers though, so they're reserved for softer metals like aluminum, brass and copper.

The last pair are very, very fine tip needlenose jewelry pliers. I don't use them often because they're delicate, but I use them on the rare foray into micromaille.

Thanks so much!

Unfortunately those birds are no longer in stock, but I got them at Create for Less and they still have lots of varieties in stock and they're all pretty cheap. AliExpress also has a lot of options.

In order to get the birds ready to hang I pushed back their little wire legs, drilled a hole in their back between the wings, and then inserted a screw eye hook. Once those were all done I cut identical lengths of very lightweight fishing line to hang them from. Instead of trying to tie a knot, I threaded on a crimp, put the end of the line through the screw hook, and then back up through the crimp. I used a crimping tool to seal the crimp and then they were good to go! Let me know if you have any other questions :)

I ordered this one and they sent me a free one if I gave a review. It didn't even have to be a positive review. Although it was positive because it was of high quality, and just as advertised. Anyway I know you didn't ask for recommendations for malas or anything, just happy with the ones I bought.

1. Yes
   
   
2. Yes
   
   
3. This is one of my favourite watercolour paintings by Lora Zombie. http://imgur.com/oJmgPdg
   
   
4. Okay
   
   
5. Holy bologna I love earrings!
   
   
6. Not a problem
   
   I really like these Swarovski beads.

Oh yeah. Have you ever felt these things? They're like from this kid's toy. I want them for my houseplants :)

I use these -- they screw together so you can adjust how tall they are, and there're wide ones and smaller ones for different minis. They're not too expensive and they work pretty well!

https://www.amazon.com/Darice-Round-Caddy-Stacks-Count/dp/B006L2UUVA/

Yeah it looks like it's these things..Can probably find them cheaper, but this is the first I found. $8 on Amazon for way more it seems.

http://www.amazon.com/pack-Almost-Jelly-BeadZ-Rainbow/dp/B008W9IGP2/ref=pd_bxgy_lg_text_y

EDIT: Or if you want to buy in bulk:

http://www.aliexpress.com/popular/polymer-gel-beads.html

They're also sold as a soil additive for plants... keeps you from over-watering by absorbing excess, releases it over time to keep plant happy.

Bubbles! :)

Thanks for the contest, lovey! <3

This is the stuff I'm thinking of--apparently it's "crystal soil"? Sounds like a drug.

Edit: No, more like this with the much more appropriate name of "magic water beads"!

Maybe something like these:

http://www.amazon.com/pack-Almost-Jelly-BeadZ-Rainbow/dp/B008W9IGP2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n24um06e_8Q

Might be water beads - dry gelatin balls that absorb a bunch of water and turn into, well, gelatin balls you can huck at your siblings.

Throw these at them:
https://www.amazon.com/Ounce-Pack-60-Grams-Rainbow/dp/B008W9IGP2

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Magic-Waterpipe-Diffuser-Beads/dp/B007HC5QMG/ref=pd_sim_sbs_misc_2 :D also glass screens are a must have http://www.amazon.com/Glass-Screen-Daisy-Assorted-Colors/dp/B004OAO4A4/ref=pd_sbs_misc_5

I use [these] (https://smile.amazon.com/Darice-Round-Caddy-Stacks-Count/dp/B006L2UUVA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521088347&sr=8-1&keywords=bead+organizer+stackable) stackable bead/pill organizers with about a month of food in them and refrigerate the rest.