Beads and Beading Supplies

Robin Atkins, Bead Artist


For many years, I offered a variety of shaped beads, beading needles and thread, ziplock storage bags, acid-free interleaving paper, and nylon cord for sale on a mail-order basis. Meanwhile, the internet has grown, offering more and more beading supplies from large vendors equipped to handle on-line shopping carts. Being already beyond normal retirement age, and because suppies are readily available on-line, I am currently only selling my books by mail order.

beadwork by Robin Atkins, bead artist



Here are some tips and links
for buying the beads and beading supplies
which were sold on this page in the past.

Interleaving paper, acid-free
I use this easily-needled paper as a stabilizer for bead embroidery. Available at art or archival supply sources. I buy it from Daniel Smith Art Materials, at (800) 426-7923.

interleaving paper used to stabilize fabric for bead embroidery

John James beading needles
I use these needkes (sizes 11, 12, and 10) for bead embroidery and some beadweaving projects. Most bead vendors stock them either in 25-packs or 4-packs.

John James beading needles, sharpes, size 11

Bead storage bags, 4 mil, 2 x 3 inches
I store all my beads in these sturdy bags! Many vendors carry them. Search for "4 mil ziplock bags".

ziplock bags, 2 x 3 inches, 4 mil

Bonded nylon cord, #18 weight
Used for finger weaving and micro-macrame. Also called "S-Lon"; many colors available. Search for "micro macrame cord".

bonded nylon cord used for finger woven treasure bracelets, necklaces, tassels and straps

Glass rings, 9mm
Saddly these beautiful rings are not currently being produced by the glass factories in the Czech Republic. Sometimes you can find vendors that still have inventory. Try searching for them on Etsy and eBay.

glass rings, 9 mm Czech, metallic purple;  Robin Atkins favorite for beadwork.


Glass flower and leaf beads
Many vendors carry shaped, pressed-glass beads. Although most are new, vintage flower and leaf beads are also available. I like to buy them at bead shops where I can see the size, color, and hole direction.

flower beads, opal rose;  Robin Atkins favorite for bead embroidery.


beadwork by Robin Atkins, bead artist




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