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Wasn't looking but found this while on Google. Any ideas what other "bead" products might work? I'd like to be able to just go to the store and buy what I need rather than order on line if possible.
You can get microbeads all kinds of places. I saw them recently at Blockhead Stamps (here) and I have a whole bunch of tiny bottles in different colours that I bought from a nail art stockist. Although she's used clear beads over a coloured ink, I bet coloured beads would also look pretty.
Wasn't looking but found this while on Google. Any ideas what other "bead" products might work? I'd like to be able to just go to the store and buy what I need rather than order on line if possible.
Bring a coupon...the assortment color pack is like $19.99 each! Wait for M's 50% off coupon! Love these beads--look for a tray too--I used a folded sheet of card stock and sometimes you have to deal with static NF=no fun! Great colors....and the glue disappears...you just see a nice beady format on your cards---I used it in a natical theme card --layering sand and water and snow caps...
Use a coffee filter for your beads and EP instead of a tray. No static! Much cheaper too. I have 2 trays I'm going to get rid of since I love the filters that much more.
I'm so excited that you want to try this out! Our designer Julie Imsland is so creative and amazing! She has shared several of her creations with me and this one is definitely a "WOW!!" and a "HOW DID YOU DO THAT!?" kind of technique - especially when you can see it with your hands!
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I've been a member of Splitcoast since waaaaaaaaaaaaay back and have shared many projects, ideas, tips and tricks all free of charge.
With so many "little guys" like me going under please consider spending your craft dollars where it can really make a difference!
Last edited by TexasGrammy; 12-18-2011 at 10:48 AM..
Reason: SPR
Use a coffee filter for your beads and EP instead of a tray. No static! Much cheaper too. I have 2 trays I'm going to get rid of since I love the filters that much more.
THANK YOU! Ya know, now that you said this...I heard it B4! Grabbin' some coffee filters to have down by my work pit! Thanks for sharing this tidbit...Awhile ago I had one of those metal coffee filters---maybe that's why it didn't sink into my head---no paper coffee filters in the house!
__________________ I love creating something...from nothing! Susanne
I only get my micro beads from PWA!!! I found them online several years ago when none of the retail stores carried micro beads. Or when I did find some the selection was pitiful. Suzanne has an awesome selection and very speedy delivery. You will not be disappointed. Suzanne even has an amazing yahoo group of crafters. You can even get the clear beads (3 different sizes) and dye them to any color you want!
I did this on a card front that I had done of "Jasper and Alice" (The Greeting Farm digis) using double sided clear tape. It looked really cool but the mess was horrid... I had beads everywhere LOL!! ;) I really liked the littler pieces done with it. I think it would be better as an "accent". I too am going to try the cuttlebug folder technique with my SU heat and stick... hope it works!
Oh this is an awesome technique! But I have to tell you, I have gotten microbeads in the past from other places however...the ONLY place you should go (and once I found it, I NEVER bought Microbeads from anywhere else - ever!) is Penny Wise Arts!
She's a crafter too and totally understands us crafters. The microbeads we get from her are the best, I've never had issues with them, it's good quality, and the cost - on my, the best value anywhere, including any half off coupon purchases!
You simply MUST go to pennywisearts.com an check it out. And so many colors to choose from too! You don't know the world of microbeads until you go check it out there!
This looks like a really fun technique! I tried using microbeads with some double sided tape but had trouble with them falling off. I don't know if it was the adhesive, the beads or my technique??? I am willing to try this method though!
You really need to checkout Penneywise Arts Beads. Their selection is great, super shipping, very affordable and the best customer service ever. Not only are the microbeads great, but I also recommend the O'So Sticky tape and sheets.
I've been a lurker on Splitcoast for many years but never actually joined the newsletter until this subject came up. If you want the best price, choice of colour and sizes of beads, Pennywise is the place to go. I've known Suzanne almost since she started up her business and have never bought beads anywhere else. She is extremely helpful should you not know what you want, efficient and her service is very prompt. Suzanne is a keeper in the business world!
I've always bought my microbeads from Pennywise Arts - in fact, that's where I learned how to bead the world on my paperarts!!!! I did buy microbeads from another source just ONE time, and never did it again! I still have those beads, used only once! PWA microbeads are the only ones for me, period!
I've been a member of PWA for a few years now and I get all my microbeads from Suzanne. She is a sweetheart and will help you with all of your microbeads for crafting needs.
Yeh. You could get your beads from a store but you won't get that one on one personal service.
Brooke
I have been a member with Pennywise Arts for several years and haven't been able to find micro beads that even come close to matching up to what you can get with Pennywise Arts.
You have many different colors to choose from and you can also get the oso sticky tape from there as well. Go check it out and you will never go any place else to get your micro beads.
I'm so excited to see interest in this technique! I wrote the tutorial a couple of years ago, and it is still one of my favorite techniques, especially since it extends the ways I can use my embossing folders. I see there have been a couple of questions that I'll try to answer....
*I used clear Ultrafine microbeads for this technique. They're really tiny, and able to fit into the little nooks & spaces on my embossing folders. The beads I've seen in the craft stores are bigger, and I don't think would be suited as well for this particular technique.
*Someone wondered if glitter would work for this technique, and I'm sure it would. It will be a different look, but would really sparkle! The beads give a lot of texture, and reflect the color of the ink and paper under them.
*Ravengirl commented about microbeads falling off when used with double sided tape. In addition to using the tape & beads on cards, I've also them on dominoes, bottle caps, fabric and decorated CD's. I use O'So Sticky tape sold through PWA, and have no trouble with the beads staying on, even when they're adhered around the edges of an item.
*Pennywise Arts (PWA) sells several sizes and colors of microbeads along with the very versatile clear. The prices offered through PWA are a great value and the service is excellent!
If anyone gives Beaded Cuttlebug Embossing a try, please link to a photo here. I'd love to see your results!
When using microbeads, keep your fingers off of them. The oil from skin will prevent them from adhering. I make the beaded pens and this made a huge difference in making the pens useable without the beads dropping off.
I had previously seen the tutorial in the Pennywise Arts archives. While you probably could use other beads, most of the ones sold in stores are not as fine as those you can get at PWA. Suzanne's beads are very affordable and her service is great - very personal and she's always ready to help with advice if needed. I also wanted to add a remark re the coffee filters - GREAT way to catch excess glitter and beads. The little trays are plastic and therefore very prone to static electricity build up. The glitter and beads naturally adhere to the plastic. The coffee filters release the beads and glitter very easily. I've used the same filter for months now and they are super cheap - just pick some up at the dollar store, the supply will last you for years. When I get done with each color of glitter or beads I just flick the coffee filter over the waste basket and any strays go in the trash. Couldn't be easier!
I am so excited to try this technique. When I saw it I was just blown away by how gorgeous it is. I did check out the MS beads at Michaels and they are beautiful colors, but I ended up ordering mine from PWA and can't wait to get them. I would much rather support the small independent business owner. Also, thanks for the tips on the coffee filters. I get a huge bag of them at Costco. Living in Utah, the air is so dry that everything in the winter gets static. Very good tip. Hope others post what they have done using this technique.
Awwww,..... whenever I feel blue, I am going to revisit this page! The love and loyalty I feel from my "beadie buds" here just warms me to my toes. Thanks for all the reviews, helpful hints and orders! I am working to fill them this morning so you can all get busy trying out this technique! And when you do, please consider sharing a photo with me? Seeing what YOU do is what inspires me to keep doing what I do! �
I was able to place my order today. I had a problem with Pay Pal so I emailed Penny and she lived up to her reputation and answered my email ASAP. Today I was able to fix the password problem with PP but wanted to let you all know that when it comes to beads etc. it's better to be PennyWise (pun intended).
Another vote for PWA, I have orderd multiple times in the past and have always received super fast shipping as well as great custmer service and I think the price if GREAT!!:p
Hats off to Betty who brought up using a coffee filter when using micro brads. Usually when I use them, no matter how careful I am, they go all over the place (only glitter is worse). The flat blue container I have which was designed with beads in mind just doesn't get it. The plastic has static electricity which cause the beads to "jump." Funny, but true. I will be checking out PWA soon for a bead order with glue!
I ordered the microbeads and the powder from Pennywise the day I saw this tutorial. Shipping was ridiculously quick!!!! I love the beads but have not yet mastered the sticky powder. It seems to dry before I get the beads on. So far, I'm using the beads on the sticky tape. Any suggestions?
It sounds to me like maybe you are just heating the powder too much the first time, sweetie. Make sure you have good light and watch it closely as it heats - the SECOND it changes from granules to melty is when you STOP the heat and add the beads! THEN heat it again to set them.
This is an ATC I made for a recent swap. The Beaded Cuttlebug Embossing Technique was used to make the sheet music background. For more details see the Pennywise Arts Blog:
Cuttlebug Technique
Love these beads--look for a tray too--I used a folded sheet of card stock and sometimes you have to deal with static NF=no fun! 
Speedy Service
Beadie Buds Are The Best!
