How to Make Bead Kits

Putting together a bead kit is an excellent way to pass on your ideas for jewelry making or any other bead project. Once you have created your initial project, it is a simple matter to bring together all the elements someone would need to duplicate it. Here's how to create a kit that can be used as a gift or even a handout for a beading party.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Design or pattern and instructions
• Beads and crystals
• Wire
• Findings
• Plastic ziplock bags (about 1 by 1 inch)
• Wire cutter or scissors
• Gift bag or box

1. Create your design prototype and take careful notes as you go. Before you can even think of making a bead kit, you need to create a unique design of some kind. Whether you design a necklace, bracelet or other beaded project, the design itself is actually what will make people want to try and re-create your project. You will also need to know how many beads, findings and various other supplies to place in the kit itself.

2. 
    
   Instructions are an important part of any kit

   Create your instructions. This is a vital part of your bead kit. The instructions must be easy to read and understand. Photos of your project as you create it are also important to include so you can show what each step of your design is supposed to look like. The instructions must be accurate. You can place "alternative suggestions" at the end of your instructions to give the beader ideas for making the design more personal. Carefully measure all items as you are working on the instructions and make a note of each detail. This will give you the amounts of each item you need to provide in your kit.

3. Assemble your kit. Once your design is complete and your instructions have been compiled and printed, you are ready to assemble the supplies for your bead kit. Basing your amounts on the notes you made while completing your design, carefully count out the beads, crystals, findings and so forth that you will need for this project.
   You will also need to measure the amount of wire or beading thread you used to create the design. Make sure you measure out an extra 12 inches of beading thread/wire so that you are providing enough to enable the beader to make the item longer if necessary.
   Provide extra beads as well for the same reason. You've based your amounts on the instructions you have written, but providing enough extra so someone can do one more section of your project to lengthen it will endear you to the beader. Remember, beads and wire are inexpensive to you, but priceless to your customer.

4. 
    
   Package the supplies in separate bags for easy sorting

   Separate each type of item in your bead kit and place in individual ziplock packages. Labeling these packages with size, color and type of bead/crystal is also helpful to the beader. You can even provide a "sample" of the design by beading shortened sections of the project you have created on a piece of string or wire (no more than 6 inches long). Tie it off and place in the bead kit. This will show what the design should look like, especially if you are providing kits of the same pattern but in different colors. Place the beading wire, the clasps and crimping beads in one bag, as these are the basis of your project and should be kept together.

5. Package your instructions and all the bags of materials in a small box or bag. A gauze drawstring gift bag makes a nice presentation and gives the beader something to put her project in once completed.

Tips & Warnings

• Create your project in many different colors to give your customer a selection.

Resources

• Fire Mountain Beads: Supplies and kits
• Beading supplies