Craft Beads? Alternative Craft Store Materials to Add "Naturalistic" Characteristics?

[Zak]

@Zak ,
What sizes - gape hooks do you use them with?
Can you recall what size they are?
Or better yet, can you put a link to what you ordered?

Here is a link to what I bought, but this product is now unavailable:
Amazon product ASIN B017TQZUP2
A search for: "3mm Transparent Silver Lined Round Loose Spacer Beads" turns up a bunch of hits. Maybe these would be the same or similar:
Amazon product ASIN B0943XBNKH
They fit on most hooks size 10 and smaller. The beads are not identical one to another and the ones that are "long" (i.e., the hole in them is more of a tube) sometimes don't fit around the bend of the kook, depending on the curve of the bend. You might look for just the red color; so far, I have almost exclusively used the red color beads.

The silvering inside seems to make a big difference in how they look in the air and underwater.

 

[Brian Miller]

I think size of the beads and hook sizes were the big things I was looking for.
From my pic earlier, the 3mm white (glow in dark) bead seems to be the one that has the least problem with fit.


Good to know they fit smaller hooks too because a tight gape radius is where I experience the fit problems.

Thanks!

 

[SurfnFish]

Joann's craft store is my go to, and not just for fly-tying beads, wire, etc..small tools, adhesives, loc-tite, masking tape, storage boxes...periodically check my phone app for their latest sales/coupons...when I see those 40% off sales/coupons, time to shop

 

[Zak]

I think size of the beads and hook sizes were the big things I was looking for.
From my pic earlier, the 3mm white (glow in dark) bead seems to be the one that has the least problem with fit.

View attachment 43753
Good to know they fit smaller hooks too because a tight gape radius is where I experience the fit problems.

Thanks!

3mm is sometimes called "8/0" on seed bead packaging.

 

[DarrellP]

I have been using some wire embroidery thread my Mom had. Nice subtle shine. I also use clear "mercury" beads on Zebra midges.

 

[Ernie]

I have purchased glass beads from craft stores like Michaels and Joaan Fabrics & Crafts. From reading these posts, they should have a fly-tying section, seriously.

 

[Northern]

I have purchased glass beads from craft stores like Michaels and Joaan Fabrics & Crafts. From reading these posts, they should have a fly-tying section, seriously.

Bite your tongue! Then they'd bump the prices of everything by 200%

 

[ABITNF]

There's a number of bead shops around and online. I've purchased a few times from Beads by Dee.

I've purchased embroidery threads, yarns, plastic beading material, felting yarn, wire in various colours, foam sheet, alcohol ink for dying metal beads and plated dumbbell eyes, rolls of sheet film, jute and burlap dyed different colours, permanent markers, pins for balanced leech patterns, glues, craft fur and storage supplies in craft shops.

Quilting supply shops and fabric stores have some nice threads. Got some cool barred faux fur at a fabric shop a while back. These are great places for inspiration.

 

[Bambooflyguy]

Shipwreck Beads has an amazing inventory of beads.....

 

[Brian Miller]

I have purchased glass beads from craft stores like Michaels and Joaan Fabrics & Crafts. From reading these posts, they should have a fly-tying section, seriously.

Bite your tongue! Then they'd bump the prices of everything by 200%

Ooooh, you're right! Well, I've found @Ernie craft stores have had some useful stuff... in addition to beads, like a nit picker, Pony silicone bead lacing, and polypro macrame yarn to make a NZ strike indicator with a (many) lifetime supply of consumables *for <$7*. The polypro yarn also makes a great body and underwing material.

Shipwreck Beads has an amazing inventory of beads.....

That's where I found the Hematite beads.

 

[ABITNF]

Another thing worth checking out in craft stores is artificial sinew that leatherworkers use. It comes in different colours and lighter colours can be coloured with permanent markers. I've used it on shellbacks on nymphs and twisted it into a cord for caddis larvae patterns.

 

[Dr. Magill]

Bite your tongue! Then they'd bump the prices of everything by 200%

Exactly

 

[ABITNF]

Visited Michaels today. I found this ribbon. 3 yards on the spool. Nice flash material very similar to Krinkle Mirror Flash.

 

[FinLuver]

Messin’ with craft store beads…

 

[ABITNF]

I mentioned using imitation sinew. This stonefly uses it for the shellback.

 

[Scudley Do Right]

Fly stores around me are closed Sunday. I wanted so brown thread so I went to the craft store and got some. Took a second to manhandle a cheap bobbin to fit the spool. Don't know why I've never thought of it before.

 

[Bambooflyguy]

Nice color!

 

[Brian Miller]

Fly stores around me are closed Sunday. I wanted so brown thread so I went to the craft store and got some. Took a second to manhandle a cheap bobbin to fit the spool. Don't know why I've never thought of it before.
View attachment 50954

What is the thread denier? The thread and wire I've tried from craft-sewing stores has turned out to be too large for tying most fly patterns I fish.

 

[Scudley Do Right]

What is the thread denier? The thread and wire I've tried from craft-sewing stores has turned out to be too large for tying most fly patterns I fish.

I think it's labeled 60wt. I'd guess the diameter is somewhere around 140.

 

[FinLuver]

Fly stores around me are closed Sunday. I wanted so brown thread so I went to the craft store and got some. Took a second to manhandle a cheap bobbin to fit the spool. Don't know why I've never thought of it before.
View attachment 50954

Leave it off the bobbin holder…
Cut off a length and wax for tying.

Also, that thread is thick and twisted.
That brand has great vibrant colors.
I use it for ribbing mainly.