Using Bead Boards

So you've got the whole beading supplies ready and you're bursting with ideas on how to design your beaded masterpiece, but you stumble on a little problem, how do you use a bead board? 

Let's begin by classifying the bead boards.  There are only a few types of bead boards available in the market today, but at least all of them have long U-shaped or horizontal channels across the board where you can place your beads as you begin to work.  Along the groove are markers that represent an inch (longer marks) or half an inch (the shorter marks).  These marks help you figure out how long your beadwork will be.  Near one edge of the board are storage compartments for your beads and other tools. 

In your search for bead boards, you'll probably find that some have more than one groove.  You can use the other grooves if you're planning to work on a piece with more than one strand such as multi-strand bracelets or necklaces.  These grooves guide you to make sure the strands are in equal lengths. 

As soon as you're ready with your bead board, select the beads you will be using and start placing them within the groove.  Then, apply your design by rearranging the beads in the grooves.  At this point, apply various styles on your design, whether you want to incorporate a pretty beaded jewelry design you've seen on the Internet into your own.  Just let you creativity fly, rearrange and scramble the beads.  You can't do this without a bead board.

After coming up with a design, it's now time to string the beads onto a stringing material like a nylon thread or metallic wire.  If you have a repetitive design, you might as well tie one end of the string to prevent the beads from falling off in case of accidents.  For symmetrical designs, find the center and secure both ends of the string with bead stoppers (these should be available in bead stores).  Also, consider subtracting a few beads for the clasps and ensure that there is enough length of string on the bead board for them.

Market Available Bead Boards

Multi-strand bead boards measuring 9.5" x 12.5" allows you to make necklace designs up to 28 inches long.  Some have six compartments where to hold the beads assembled to prevent rolling.

Multi-strand 21.25" x 8" straight bead boards feature four rows to guide in designing 20" multi-strand necklaces.

Single U-channel 40" bead board guides in designing long strands and help keep the beads in place without worrying about losing the design.

Although you can actually proceed with your beadwork without bead boards, using them can tremendously help in sticking to a design and save time.