Here is a comprehensive list of everything I use when I am crafting beautiful beaded flowers. Not everything is absolutely necessary, but if you are looking to make several flowers and expand your creative journey, then I do highly recommend each kit piece. So let's have a look at what I use...
Wire cutters are probably the most important tool you will need. I have two pairs - one for the silver flower/petal making wire which is usually 0.4mm. These pliers will cut smoothly and neatly. They can be used really close up to the work as they are flush cut. I invested in a good long-term pair from Cookson Gold but any craft wire cutters will do for starting out. NEVER use this pair for cutting the stem wire as you will ruin them!
The second set I have are heavy-duty wire cutters for cutting the thicker, 1mm, stem wire. Gardening wire cutters will be perfect for this job. A handy little pair of scissors is also in my kit list for cutting florist tape.
I use a pair of bent needle nose pliers but you can also use normal flat nosed pliers too. So handy for grabbing the ends of wires especially when you're constructing a floral wreath and you're trying to get between the strands of wicker!
A beading board is a must, or at least a surface you can use where the beads won't roll off! This wooden board is brilliant because it has indents to store beads, has a ruler marked on it and comes with a handy little acrylic lid that uses magnets to keep it in place. Not great if you drop it, the beads are still going to go everywhere but it does stop any dust build up when not in use. (You can purchase a board in the shop). If you opt for a different surface then you will require a separate ruler.
A bead spinner is a fun tool which will save you hours of threading beads onto your wire! You do need a good amount of beads in the well to make it work properly and it does take practice! I have put a separate video up on how to use a bead spinner, so do give it a watch. You can purchase a bead spinner in the shop too.
Lastly, a funnel will make putting all those beads back into their pots or bags a whole lot easier! I have several in lots of different colours, and these ones collapse into a flat circle for easy storage.
Comments