Artbeads Cafe Giveaway – What to Do When You Run Out of Beads

We’ve all been there before – you’re working on your best jewelry design yet and you run out of beads! It may sound like a beader’s worst nightmare, but there are techniques you can use to finish your masterpiece in style, right then and there. In our latest Artbeads Cafe episode, Cynthia and Cheri are sharing ways to finish jewelry designs when you run out of beads. Watch the episode and then keep reading to find out how you could win some of the options featured in the episode, plus an Artbeads gift card.

As you can see, there are ways to save your projects when the unthinkable happens. Chain, silk ribbon, and leather cord are all great options for completing your designs with a stylish flourish. Want to try it for yourself? We’re giving away some of the options featured in the episode.�

Artbeads Cafe Giveaway Prize

One lucky winner will receive some of the choices Cynthia and Cheri used in the episode to finish their projects – chain, hand-dyed silk ribbon, and leather cord. We’re also throwing in a $20 Artbeads Gift Card to try all of those other finishing touches you may need (or to buy more beads!). To enter for your chance to win these items, just follow the prompts below. Make sure to let us know your tricks for when you run out of beads in the comments below.�

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We’ll pick a winner on December 2nd, 2019. Good luck! Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you’ll always know when a new Artbeads Cafe episode is available.�

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Comments

  1. Reply

    Instead of silk or kumihimo or chain, I’ve used seed beads in one color but several types at each end of the necklace (for example, a pattern of round matte, square not matte, another round matte bead, a cylinder or tube of shiny, another round matte, lather, rinse, repeat until you get to the clasp. Repeat exactly on other end.

    • Nancy Bramble
    • November 22, 2019
    Reply

    I have used seed beads when I’ve run out of beads for a necklace or bracelet design, making sure there is an even number on each side of the clasp. Occasionally, I’ve used crimp covers for that purpose, too.

    • Pam Davidson
    • November 22, 2019
    Reply

    I have used chain to finish a necklace, but I am eager to try silk ribbon & leather. Thank you for the inspiration!

    • Aja
    • November 22, 2019
    Reply

    It is rare when I run outta beads. It may be Artbeads is outta the beads I need (yeah, that’s right you!!! You know who you are!! — buyin’ all MY [WINK-WINK] Beads!!!! I see you out there!) And haven’t we all been there? We say to ourselves”, Gosh!! I need 25 more metal spacers— ok, I’m calling Mike!!! Only to be disappointed that CAARROOLL FROM Scarsdale just bought the last baggie??? (Is there a Carol from Scarsdale??? I haven’t the foggiest— I just picked a name and city [If there is a Carol–hello carol. Nice to meet you– ]) Well I have a few tricks.
    1. Combine several beads to make a new bead and create a set in the color you need.
    2. More metal!! Honey, there isn’t
    anything wrong with some nail
    polish on some metal to.
    preserve to fake stuff, and help
    anti tarnish the good. Also helps.
    with allergies.I’ve never been let.
    down by more metal in a.
    necklace. bracelet or WHATEVER I
    have gotten in m’crafty brain to.
    make.
    3. Or flip the script and add some.
    more glass?
    4. What about a paper bead or two?? Take a minute, flex those You. tube muscles (Little know.
    fact-it is inbetween ya 2nd n 3rd.
    finger on you’re hand. The one
    you use to vacuum that rug I lie.
    like–cause its not true– about.
    the muscle. Never mind)
    5. Lets get crazy— you need.
    something to match that blouse.
    or skirt. Turn the hem over and.
    take a hint from the “CC’S”
    (Cynthia n Cheri) remove a small
    piece of the seam allowance as
    ribbon and attach it as they said.
    6. Any beadtard worth their weight
    knows to troll salvation army or
    dollar stores. For beads or other
    outta the box ideas. Recently, I ran
    Outta bezels, I found these air
    freshners for the car that were.
    oval and plastic. I broke off the.
    pointy bits, smoothed them with a
    nail file, painted and nailpolished.
    them gold and added some.
    eyepins in a strategic place and.
    Viola!!!! I was in Bezel business.
    Baby!!
    Anyhoo, I hope I helped. Y’all take care n OOOOOOOOOH!!!
    1 MORE THING!!!! Dremel tool. Remember trolling salvation Army?? Well, occasionally they have resin beads molded on a string—drill out those out honey child!!! Drill baby drill.

    Okay, I’m out. I hope I inspired instead of scared ya. I admit I am pretty hands on, but I hope one thing is clear—The love for and of my craft.
    May God bless all ya giggly bits n take care
    — Aja

    • Rosie
    • November 22, 2019
    Reply

    I add chain or an alternate bead section.

    • Lynne Thornton
    • November 22, 2019
    Reply

    I’ve added clear seed beads when I need maybe a quarter of an inch extra. I try to see what I can do to spread the pattern out a little.

    • Helene Bodnarchuk
    • November 22, 2019
    Reply

    Typically I’ll use chain. There’s always a solution when you don’t have enough beads and I will try other methods you have suggested.

  2. Reply

    I’ve added different colored pearls and used chain. But I loved your ribbon suggestions.

    • Janice Stewart
    • November 22, 2019
    Reply

    I love the suggestion of using the silk or leather for the Kumihimo projects. I have several Kumihimo projects that I done, but haven’t finished yet. As always, Cynthia and Cheri have inspired me. Thank you ladies.

    • E. W.
    • November 22, 2019
    Reply

    When I run out of the beads I’m using for a particular pattern in a bracelet or necklace, I add more spacer beads. Little glass seed beads in complementary colors, (or as a pop of color😉) or I add metal spacers. I usually use seed beads, so I can keep the pattern I was going for looking as close to the original as possible.

    • DEE PETERSON
    • November 22, 2019
    Reply

    I ran out of one of the designer blends when making a rope, so I just put on endcaps and added wire with matching smaller color seed beads to complete,

  3. Reply

    I have never run out of beads since I’m a beadbuyingaholic but if I did I would us chain or leather cord or ribbon to make the design work.

    • Theresa Finnigan
    • November 22, 2019
    Reply

    I will try the leather next time I run short on beads. I usually lay all the beads that I am stringing on a beadboard.

    • Patricia Morgan
    • November 22, 2019
    Reply

    I add seed beads (at the end of beadweaving, or within a stringing design) or metal spacers (within the design) if I need a little more length. Perhaps an extra crimp cover, if it was a stringing project. Depending on the piece, to go around the neck, I use leather to finish, or seed beads on stringing wire, or chain. I’d also consider a seed-bead-woven ‘chain’ or kumihimo braid to connect to/finish a short focal segment.

    • Melonee
    • November 22, 2019
    Reply

    When planning a project I try to lay out my design before starting….however, I have made a few pieces on the fly and when I run out of a certain beads I’m using I’ll bring chain into finish the project.
    But after watching your video I love the idea of adding leather and/or silk to finish the project. I will definitely be adding options to my finish going forward!!

    • Regina Newman
    • November 22, 2019
    Reply

    I usually add chain and spacers. If my kumihimo is just a little short I use a longer clasp. Can’t wait to try the silk and leather!!!! ❤❤❤❤🐕

    • Dana
    • November 22, 2019
    Reply

    I’m new to jewelry making. I’m reading and learning all of the wonderful finishing tips.

    • Yolanda
    • November 22, 2019
    Reply

    I have had this dilemma. I made a bracelet a little short on beads and added some others and turned out cute. Nothing like I had envisioned at first

    • Susan MacWilliams
    • November 22, 2019
    Reply

    I love finishing my pieces in many different ways, including ribbon and seed beads. Thank you for the great giveaways! Good luck everyone!

    • Carol
    • November 22, 2019
    Reply

    I love your Artbeads Cafes, very informative and creative projects. Thankyou for the time you give each and every week 💜

    • Susan Pedersen
    • November 22, 2019
    Reply

    I use a ribbon to wrap an off color bead and thread the ribbon through a bead in a color I love to hold the ribbon securely around the off color bead. Works great and allows me to afford some special beads because I only need a few. Thanks for the wonderful videos.

    • HW
    • November 22, 2019
    Reply

    I add more spacer beads.

    • Chriss P
    • November 22, 2019
    Reply

    If I run out of beads, I look for another type of filler, like findings, connectors, gemstones and try to match them up. Sometimes it works great, and sometimes I have to order more beads lol

    • Gwen
    • November 22, 2019
    Reply

    Great video ! Thank you again !

    • Patricia
    • November 22, 2019
    Reply

    I try to plan my designs but sometimes it doesn’t quite work so I use either chain or ribbon to finish off .

    • L Watson
    • November 25, 2019
    Reply

    I have used chain to finish a piece that I started as Kumihimo. I used beads for about as long as I would do a bracelet and then used the chain. Not only do I not have to use as many beads, but I like the finish it gives. I think the piece looks less gaudy this way. I have used leather for a necklace. Ribbon would be interesting to try.

    • Constance J Alford
    • November 25, 2019
    Reply

    It’s only happened once… Yes, I’m a newbie. I used metal. I just made sure to use on both sides evenly. I was ok with the end product. Would have preferred not to run out of beads! Anything extra in the end goes into my bead soup mix.

    • S. W.
    • November 26, 2019
    Reply

    I like to finish my necklaces with chain partially so I don’t use up my favorite beads. Sometimes I make my bracelets too short and I use several jump rings to elongated it and to give multiple options for connecting to the closure. When making stretch material bracelets with crystal beads I like to use transparent seed beads between the beads. I also like to put the transparent seed beads next to the crimp bead that I use to close off the stretch bracelet, so that the more expensive crystal beads won’t get chipped or scratched,(which has happened to me before.) 😊

    • Kim Crawford
    • November 26, 2019
    Reply

    Great Artbeads Cafe yet again. Love the topic..learned lots & going to try a few more things..particularly finishing w/ ribbon (which I tend to string on to or use w/sliders & wrap around the wrist). When I have run out of beads, I have added additional spacers or re-worked the design making beaded “links” to extend the length of my section(s). I too, am a fan of the crimp ends w/loops. I like to keep a stash handy. TY for the giveaway opportunity. 🙂

    • Heather Figueroa
    • November 27, 2019
    Reply

    I use chain or suede thongs but would love to try ribbons the next time. Thanks for all the handy tips!

    • Karen Vogel
    • November 27, 2019
    Reply

    I like to make alit of keather wrap bracelets. They are pretty popular in my area. The only problem I may have when designing a color theme I have 2 or 3 beads left of the bead I really want and artbeads.com is out🙁 But I just go with it and mix them in😉

    • Karen Vogel
    • November 27, 2019
    Reply

    Spell check….alot of leather😂

    • Misty
    • November 27, 2019
    Reply

    I love love love using chain to finish pieces it’s just so easy and qiuck

    • Debbie Carney
    • November 27, 2019
    Reply

    I have used chain, silk cloth , pearls, gem stones and leather

    • Meredith
    • November 27, 2019
    Reply

    When I run out of beads for a project, I usually try to think of ways I can modify the project. Like if its a necklace or collar, I may bead the front and use chain for around the back. Or I may bead weave the front and then string larger beads on SoftFlex wire for the neck straps. On bracelets I have also used chain or even beaded the centerpiece and then used Clon with a macrame style closure. I always seem to find myself short on beads or things I need for a project, so Im often looking for a way to modify it so it will still work!

    • Sylvia B
    • November 27, 2019
    Reply

    Silk ribbon is my favorite “filler”, when beads run short.
    Chain, also, makes me happy…but used in between bead combos. That way, my shortage looks intentional.

    • Laurena Whitwer
    • November 27, 2019
    Reply

    One of my favorite things to do when I am short on beads is to use the faux suede and loop through Tierracast connectors to add a little visual interest. I also save all my chain scraps so some of my jewelry may have varied but complementing chain sections with beads on eye pins separating them. (I will confess I am usually more short on chain then I am on beads.) I also frequently use seed beads to finish off a necklace when I am short on specific focal beads.

    • Jeanie N
    • November 27, 2019
    Reply

    Love artbeads!

    • Jackie
    • November 27, 2019
    Reply

    I often run short on beads and many times just start over or wait for supplies. I’d love to try the ribbon and leather to stretch out my bead supplies! Thanks for the giveaway and good luck to all!

    • Nanette
    • November 27, 2019
    Reply

    I usually finish off with chain, but may be trying leather next time. I also incorporate spacer beads to stretch the pattern.

    • janice mancusi
    • November 27, 2019
    Reply

    Like alot of the others, I use seed beads or 2mm rounds. They don’t change the look of the piece much, and it looks like I planned it that way.

    • Priscilla Schmidt
    • November 27, 2019
    Reply

    I haven’t run out of beads yet but I’m taking note of the many tips everyone has given.

    • Anne Hilliard
    • November 27, 2019
    Reply

    If its a necklace I like to use leather or satin cord. But, I was making some beaded beads and ran out of Ginkos so, I had to order more.

    • Kyla N.
    • November 27, 2019
    Reply

    I would so much love to win so I could try finish off a necklace with either chain, leather, or ribbon for the first time. It would open a whole new door for me. Thank you.

    • Cora
    • November 27, 2019
    Reply

    When I run out or just need a small number of beads for a project, I go through my leftovers from kits. Usually, I will find something that works!

    • Carol
    • November 27, 2019
    Reply

    I like to use pretty chain to complete my necklaces.

    • Kara
    • November 27, 2019
    Reply

    I had a necklace that broke and lost some beads. I was able to incorporate some cording to get the same length.

    • Justin
    • November 27, 2019
    Reply

    I paint, or clay. beading is one of my many creative loves.

    • Cindy Henrich
    • November 28, 2019
    Reply

    The last time it happened I used chain.

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