Wooden beads - natural and coloured - for macramé, jewelry & craftwork
Authentic and warm, wooden beads are a must-have for creative hobbies. Our range offers a vast choice of shapes (round, geometric, cubic), sizes (from 6 mm to 30 mm) and finishes (raw, varnished, colored) to bring all your projects to life.
Delicate jewelry, nipple clasps, macramé hangers or Scandinavian-style interior decorations - these are just some of the creative ideas you can create with wooden beads. Wood brings that natural, timeless touch that makes all the difference to your creations.
Choosing your wood beads: raw, varnished or colored?
The choice of finish determines the final look and use of your creations. Beads in untreated or natural wood appeal to designers who want to personalize their own beads. This untreated wood provides a perfect base for acrylic paint, Posca markers or simply to maintain that raw look.
Varnished wood beads have a smooth, glossy finish that protects your creations from daily wear and tear. As for painted beads, they instantly add color to your compositions, with a palette ranging from soft pastels to bold, bold colors. Each wood species (jujube, sandalwood) reveals unique nuances, allowing you to play on the contrasts between light and dark woods.
Which size to choose? From jewelry to macramé
The diameter of your beads determines their use and the visual impact of your creations. Here's our size guide:
- Small beads (6-12 mm): perfect for delicate bracelets and multi-strand necklaces, these discreet beads add a subtle touch to your jewelry. They are also ideal for lightweight earrings and refined key rings.
- Medium beads (15-20 mm): this is the universal format, ideal for baby accessories such as pacifier clips, but also for statement jewelry and small decorative projects. Wooden beads (20 mm) are among our bestsellers thanks to their versatility.
- Large beads (25 mm, 30 mm and over): these large wooden beads are ideal for large-scale creations. They are particularly popular for wall macramé, plant hangers, decorative chandeliers and personalized curtain poles. For these uses, choose beads with large holes (4 mm to 10 mm), which allow you to easily pass through your 3 mm or 5 mm braided cotton cords, even in double thickness.
What bead size for macramé?
For wall macramé or plant hangers, choose large wooden beads (20 mm, 25 mm or 30 mm). The most important criterion is the size of the hole: choose beads with a large hole so you can easily pass through your 3 mm or 5 mm braided cotton cords, sometimes in double thickness.
Is it possible to paint raw wood beads?
Yes, that's the beauty of raw wood! You can personalize them with acrylic paint, gouache or Posca-type markers. If the bead is intended for decorative use, apply a finishing varnish to protect the color. For a child's toy, make sure the paint used is non-toxic and complies with current standards.
Can wooden beads be wetted?
Wood is porous, so avoid prolonged contact with water, which could cause the bracelet or necklace to swell or warp.
What can I do with wooden beads?
The possibilities are endless! Here are a few creative ideas:
- Create jewelry(necklaces, bracelets, earrings),
- personalized pacifier clips for baby,
- plant hangers
- wall hangings
- a hanging mirror
- a wooden bead bag
- Wooden beads can also be used for key-rings, bookmarks, trivets, nursery mobiles and scrapbooking projects.
How do I clean wooden beads?
Wood is water-repellent, so never immerse your beads. Simply clean them with a soft cloth slightly dampened with lukewarm water and no harsh chemicals, then dry them immediately. For raw wood beads, you can occasionally nourish them with a little vegetable oil (coconut or olive) or beeswax to revive their natural shine.