I am of Cherokee heritage, enrolled with a state-recognized tribe and am inspired by the beadwork of the various other Indian Nations, especially that seen at pow wows. I learned to bead in the summer of 1998 when I bought pony beads and cords to work with my children. The beads clicked with me, as it was fun to do. I decided to find out more about beads on the Internet by researching them through search engines. I use Tupperware hamburger stackers purchased at yard sales for storing projects and supplies while traveling.
Beads go in one, supplies go in one, project goes in another.
Then stack them all together, put the lid on, and everything is held tightly and safely. If you have a customer or just a visitor with a child, you then have a quick way to occupy the child. Little one can string his or her own necklace while mom shops. Be sure to watch closely as loose beads can pose a choking hazard. Dawn I keep the different colors of thread in a baggie with a needle threaded and ready for a quick fix.