Originally posted 2020
I bead a lot. I know that’s a shocker to all of you. I love working in my studio, but I really love the freedom beading gives you. I can bead on the couch while watching a movie. I can work on some beadwork outside while my daughter is playing. I can even bead in bed (I don’t do that often because I’m not a fan of seed beads in the bed, which is going to happen). That means I need something portable. That is why I love Bead Buddy Boards Design Save and Go Portable Beading Kit (not an affiliate link, I just like these guys so much). Wow, that’s quite a name!
They are perfect for me. First of all, unlike a lot of bead boards out there, they have a lid. A lid that latches. Like completely, turn it on its side, latches. This is perfect for those of us who have kids, both the human and furry variety, running around the house. I cannot set a bead board down without it being bumped. No matter what. The lid saves me from having to pick tiny little beads out of the carpet And the only other thing I hate more than picking up beads, is all the fuzz and pet hair that I get with the beads (and yes, I could vacuum more often, but who has time for that?) So a lid is my number one requirement for a bead board.
But let’s talk about this lid. What makes it so special? Why are we still talking about it? Not only does this bead board have a lid, but the lid is lined. But who cares if the lid is lined? Anyone who has ever used seed beads before, that’s who. There are a ton of bead boards out there that have lids, but not like this one. The lining in the lid helps to keep all those tiny little beads from rolling around. So if you’re like me and you don’t put your beads away each time you take a break, this is perfect. You put your shiny happy beads in little piles and that’s where they are when you open it back up again. Pure perfection.
Okay, so we’ve established the lid is a godsend. What else have you got? The lining (on both sides, just in case you forgot) is super soft. Not only is it soft, but it holds the tiniest beads in place. Making it oh so easy to pick up those little suckers with that tiny little beading needle we beaders use. And not having to fight to get those beads on my needle, makes me a happy lady. Not only happy but relaxed and peaceful.
They also offer a variety of sizes. I have two of the large size. They are my favorite size because I can put my beads, my scissors, and even the project I’m working on (if it’s flat of course) in there. Even with all of that in there, I can close that baby up and be assured that everything will be right where I left it when open it back up. And that’s all because of that amazing lid.
I have recently purchased the smallest size. I like the convenience of the small one, it’s a little more travel-friendly. I bet I could fit that bad boy in my purse. I’ll be right back……sure could. I just tried and that little bead board fit right in my purse. So that is another huge plus, you can jam it in your purse and take it wherever you like. Unfortunately, it doesn’t fit in my Stranger Things lunch box (where I keep all my bead supplies), but that’s a me problem, probably not a you problem.
They have one other size that is between the two I have. I don’t own that one, but I plan on getting one shortly. I’ll let all of you know what I think of that size as soon as I get it. I’m sure it will be great.
Another great thing about these bead boards is that because they have a lid, they are easy to stack. You can stack them on top of each other, or you can place them on their sides and put them on a bookshelf. This is great for those of us who have a whole bunch of projects going at once.
These boards may sound absolutely perfect, but there are a few things I should note. Because the lid is lined, the beads do sometimes stick to it when you open it up. I don’t have this problem with every bead, just some. I solve this problem by opening it up a little, checking to see if there are any stuck, and then carefully brushing them off. It’s a little inconvenience I’m willing to put up with to have such a nice travel bead board.
The only other thing that can get annoying is the lining is not snug up against the sides, so you will get beads stuck into the little crevasse. I don’t normally have that many beads stuck in there and when I do, I just pull back the lining a little bit to get them out. But it can get a little annoying.
But those two inconveniences cannot deter me from these boards. I really do love them. I bought the little one back in March, so I’ve only had that one for a few months, but I’ve used it for a lot of projects. I bought one of the larger ones back in 2015 so that one has been serving me proudly for five years and it has many more to come. I don’t even know when I bought my first one. Probably the early 2000s when I was looking for something that I could take with me to art shows. And I still use that one. So see, they are a great value as well because you will use them for years.
Are you a Bead Buddy Board fan like me? Leave me a comment and let me know what you love best about them. Or let me know if you have a different favorite bead board, I’m always excited to hear about new beady supplies!
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