Frequently Asked Questions

Beads & Bobs is a UK-based craft supplies store for makers, small businesses, hobby crafters and anyone who loves creating colourful handmade items. We sell silicone beads, alphabet beads, novelty beads, bead mixes, beadable products, charms, clips, clasps, jewellery beads, lanyard supplies, keychain supplies and craft accessories.

This FAQ page answers common questions about our products, shipping, returns, safety information, bead care, project ideas, small business supplies and how to shop with Beads & Bobs.

Quick links

Shop by category

About Beads & Bobs

Are Beads & Bobs a trusted seller?

Yes. Beads & Bobs is an established Etsy seller with over 41,000 sales, thousands of reviews and a 5-star Etsy rating. Our Shopify store allows customers to shop directly with us while browsing our full craft supply range.

Where is Beads & Bobs based?

Beads & Bobs is based in the United Kingdom. Orders are shipped from the UK.

What does Beads & Bobs sell?

We sell craft supplies including silicone beads, alphabet beads, novelty beads, bead mixes, charms, clips, clasps, jewellery beads, beadable products, lanyard supplies, keychain supplies, dummy clip supplies, craft kits and accessories.

Who is Beads & Bobs for?

Beads & Bobs is for hobby crafters, handmade sellers, small businesses, teachers, gift makers, parents planning party favours, and anyone who enjoys making personalised craft projects.

Can small businesses shop with Beads & Bobs?

Yes. Many small business owners and handmade sellers use beads and craft supplies to create products such as keychains, lanyards, beadable pens, bag charms, jewellery, party favours, teacher gifts and personalised gifts.

Do you sell supplies for beginners?

Yes. Many of our products are suitable for beginner-friendly craft projects such as keychains, beadable pens, bag charms, lanyards, bracelets and personalised gifts. If you are new to crafting, it is often easiest to start by choosing the project you want to make.

Products and craft supplies

What are silicone beads used for?

Silicone beads can be used for keychains, lanyards, beadable pens, bag charms, jewellery, dummy clip supplies, teacher gifts, party favours, seasonal crafts, personalised gifts and small business handmade products.

What are alphabet beads used for?

Alphabet beads are used to add names, initials, words and messages to handmade craft projects. They are popular for name keychains, beadable pens, bag charms, lanyards, bracelets, teacher gifts, party favours and personalised gifts.

What are novelty beads used for?

Novelty beads are used to add a fun focal point or theme to a craft project. They are popular for keychains, teacher gifts, seasonal crafts, party favours, beadable pens, bag charms and small business products.

What are bead mixes used for?

Bead mixes are useful when you want a ready-made colour palette or themed selection of beads. They can help makers create matching designs for keychains, beadable pens, bag charms, party favours, seasonal products and small business craft ranges.

What are beadable products?

Beadable products are craft items designed to be decorated with beads. Beadable pens are a popular example. Makers can add silicone beads, alphabet beads, novelty beads and charms to create personalised designs.

Do you sell supplies for keychains?

Yes. We stock beads, charms, clips, clasps, cord and keychain supplies suitable for making handmade keychains, bag charms, name keyrings, teacher gifts, party favours and small business products.

Do you sell supplies for lanyards?

Yes. We stock lanyard supplies, silicone beads, alphabet beads, clips, clasps, cord and accessories that can be used for lanyards, badge holders, teacher lanyards, staff lanyards and handmade gift projects.

Do you sell supplies for beadable pens?

Yes. We stock beadable products, silicone beads, alphabet beads, novelty beads, bead mixes and charms that can be used to create personalised beadable pens, teacher gift pens, office gifts and small business products.

Do you sell supplies for teacher gifts?

Yes. Teacher gift supplies may include beadable pens, keychain supplies, lanyard supplies, alphabet beads, silicone beads, novelty beads, charms, clips and clasps. These can be used to create end-of-term gifts, Christmas teacher gifts and thank-you gifts.

Do you sell supplies for party favours?

Yes. Beads, alphabet beads, charms, bead mixes, bracelets, keychain supplies and beadable products can be used to create personalised party favours, birthday bag fillers, baby shower favours, wedding favours and handmade keepsakes.

Do you sell seasonal craft supplies?

Yes. We stock seasonal and themed craft supplies for projects such as Christmas bead crafts, Halloween bead crafts, Easter crafts, teacher gifts, party favours and seasonal small business products.

Silicone bead questions

Are your beads food grade silicone?

Many of our silicone bead products are described as food grade silicone in the individual product description. Please always check the specific product page before purchasing, because product details can vary by item.

Are silicone beads suitable for keychains?

Yes. Silicone beads are popular for handmade keychains because they are lightweight, colourful and easy to pair with alphabet beads, novelty beads, charms and keychain hardware.

Are silicone beads suitable for lanyards?

Yes. Silicone beads can be used for lanyards, badge holders and handmade accessories. They work well with clips, clasps, cord and alphabet beads.

Are silicone beads suitable for beadable pens?

Yes. Silicone beads are commonly used for beadable pens. They can be combined with alphabet beads, novelty beads and charms to create personalised pens, teacher gifts, party favours and small business products.

Are silicone beads suitable for bag charms?

Yes. Silicone beads work well for bag charms because they are lightweight and available in many colours, shapes and styles. They can be paired with charms, clips, clasps and keychain hardware.

Are silicone beads suitable for jewellery making?

Silicone beads can be used in some jewellery projects, especially bracelets and personalised accessories. They can be paired with jewellery beads, alphabet beads, spacer beads and charms.

Can silicone beads be used for dummy clip supplies?

Some adult makers use silicone beads, clips, clasps and cord for dummy clip supplies or baby-related craft projects. Finished items for babies or children may be subject to specific safety rules and testing requirements. The maker of the finished item is responsible for ensuring it is safe, suitable and compliant.

How do I choose the right silicone beads?

Start by thinking about the project you want to make. Round silicone beads are useful for colour themes and spacing, novelty silicone beads are useful as focal beads, alphabet beads are useful for names and words, and bead mixes are useful for coordinated designs.

Safety questions

Are your products suitable for children?

Our supplies are intended for adult makers and crafters. Loose beads and small parts can be choking hazards. They should not be left with unsupervised children. Finished handmade items should always be made, checked and used responsibly.

Are loose beads safe for babies or young children?

Loose beads and small parts can be choking hazards and should not be left with babies, young children or unsupervised children.

Can finished bead products be used by children?

That depends on the finished product, materials, construction, intended use and any safety rules that apply. If you make finished items for babies or children, you are responsible for checking the relevant safety rules, testing requirements and product standards.

Do you certify finished products made by customers?

No. Beads & Bobs supplies craft components. If you use our supplies to make finished products, you are responsible for ensuring the finished item is suitable, safe and compliant with any rules that apply.

What should I check before using or selling a finished bead product?

Check that all beads, charms, clips, clasps, cord, knots, hardware and other components are secure, undamaged and suitable for the intended use. Do not use cracked beads, frayed cord, broken clips, loose parts or damaged hardware.

Where can I read more safety information?

Please read our Silicone Bead Safety Information page for more detailed safety guidance.

Cleaning and care

How do I clean silicone beads?

Silicone beads can usually be wiped clean with warm soapy water. Rinse away any soap residue and dry them fully before using or storing them.

Can silicone beads be washed?

Loose silicone beads can usually be wiped or gently washed, but finished items should be cleaned more carefully if they include metal, cord, wood, acrylic beads, charms or other materials.

Can I soak finished bead products?

Avoid soaking finished bead products for long periods, especially if they include metal hardware, charms, clips, clasps, cord, wood, acrylic beads, pen parts or jewellery findings.

How do I clean beadable pens?

Wipe the bead section gently with a slightly damp cloth and dry fully. Do not soak the whole pen or allow water into the pen mechanism.

How should I store beads?

Store beads and small craft parts in clean, dry containers away from direct sunlight, moisture, babies, young children and pets. Sorting beads by colour, size, shape, theme or project type can make future crafting easier.

Where can I read more cleaning advice?

Please read our Bead Care & Cleaning Guide for more detailed care, cleaning and storage advice.

Shipping and delivery

Where do you ship from?

Orders are shipped from the United Kingdom.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. We currently offer shipping to selected international destinations including Ireland, Europe, the USA and Australia. Delivery times and customs charges may vary by country.

How long will my order take to arrive?

Delivery time depends on the delivery service selected at checkout and the destination country. International delivery may take longer because of customs and local postal processing.

Do you offer UK delivery?

Yes. UK delivery options are shown at checkout.

Do you offer international delivery?

Yes. International delivery options are shown at checkout where available.

Do I have to pay customs or import duties?

Customers outside the UK may be responsible for local customs duties, import taxes or handling fees. These charges are set by the destination country and are not controlled by Beads & Bobs.

Where can I find shipping information?

Please read our Shipping Information page for more details about delivery and international shipping.

Returns and order issues

Can I return an item?

Please read our Returns Policy for full details. Items usually need to be unused, unopened where applicable, and in their original condition. This does not affect your statutory rights.

What should I do if my order arrives damaged?

Please contact us as soon as possible with your order number and clear photos of the issue. We will review the problem and help you with the next steps.

What should I do if my order is incorrect?

Please contact us as soon as possible with your order number and details of the issue. If possible, include clear photos so we can review the order quickly.

What should I do if something is missing from my order?

Please contact us with your order number and details of the missing item. We will review the order and help you with the next steps.

Where can I read your returns policy?

Please read our Returns Policy page for full details.

Buying in bulk and small business questions

Can I buy beads in bulk?

Yes. We offer a range of products suitable for larger craft projects, handmade sellers and small businesses.

Are your beads suitable for small businesses?

Yes. Many small business owners use beads and craft supplies to create keychains, lanyards, beadable pens, bag charms, jewellery, teacher gifts, party favours, seasonal collections and personalised products.

What can small businesses make with your supplies?

Small businesses can use our supplies to make name keychains, beadable pens, lanyards, bag charms, bracelets, jewellery, party favours, teacher gifts, dummy clip supplies, seasonal crafts and personalised handmade products.

Do you sell supplies for Etsy sellers?

Yes. Etsy sellers and handmade sellers can use our beads and craft supplies to create personalised products, seasonal ranges, gift items, craft kits, packaging extras and small business product collections.

Do you offer wholesale pricing?

Please check the website for current offers, discounts and bulk-buy options. If you need help with a larger order, please contact us before ordering.

Where should small businesses start?

Start with the product range you want to create. For example, if you want to sell keychains, look at silicone beads, alphabet beads, novelty beads, charms, cord and keychain hardware. If you want to sell beadable pens, look at beadable products, silicone beads, alphabet beads, novelty beads and charms.

Project and beginner questions

I am new to crafting. Where should I start?

Start with a project rather than a bead type. For example, browse Keychain Making Supplies, Beadable Pen Supplies, Lanyard Making Supplies or Teacher Gift Supplies. These collections help you shop based on what you want to make.

What is the easiest project for beginners?

Beginner-friendly projects often include keychains, bag charms, beadable pens and simple bracelets. These projects allow you to use beads, alphabet beads, charms and accessories without needing complicated tools.

What can I make as a teacher gift?

Popular teacher gift ideas include beadable pens, keychains, lanyards, bag charms and personalised gift sets. Alphabet beads can be used to add names, initials or short words.

What can I make for party favours?

Popular party favour ideas include name keychains, bracelets, bag charms, beadable pens and small personalised gifts. Bead mixes and alphabet beads can help create matching designs.

What can I make with alphabet beads?

Alphabet beads can be used for name keychains, beadable pens, bag charms, lanyards, bracelets, jewellery, party favours, teacher gifts and personalised handmade products.

What can I make with beadable products?

Beadable products can be decorated with silicone beads, alphabet beads, novelty beads, bead mixes and charms. Beadable pens are popular for teacher gifts, office gifts, personalised stationery and small business products.

What are the best supplies for personalised gifts?

Useful supplies for personalised gifts include alphabet beads, silicone beads, novelty beads, charms, keychain hardware, beadable products, lanyard supplies, jewellery beads and bead mixes.

Website and shopping questions

How do I find the right products?

You can shop by product type, such as silicone beads, alphabet beads, novelty beads, bead mixes, charms, clips and clasps. You can also shop by project, such as keychains, lanyards, beadable pens, teacher gifts and party favours.

Should I shop by product or by project?

If you already know what you need, shop by product type. If you are unsure what to buy, shop by project because it groups supplies by what you want to make.

Can I save products for later?

If the website offers a favourites or wishlist feature, you may be able to save products for later. Availability may depend on your device, browser or account settings.

Can I contact you for help choosing supplies?

Yes. If you are unsure which beads, clips, charms or accessories you need for a project, please contact us before ordering. We will do our best to point you in the right direction.

How can I contact you?

You can contact us through the Contact Us page or by emailing info@beadsandbobs.co.uk.

Helpful links

If you are new to Beads & Bobs, you may find these pages useful:

Trusted by Thousands of Crafters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

41,000+ sales and 6,000+ five-star reviews — join our community of happy crafters across the UK and beyond.