The line of Lucite we showcase at The Beadin’ Path features shapes ranging from retro Go-Go hoops to standard rounds; crisp cubes to elongated tubes; and we’ve thrown in some sculpted flowers, leaves and shells into the mix. Lucite and plastic beads, once poo-poo’ed by discerning designers, come in a plethora of shapes and sizes, making them a new classic in today’s bead market. Our collection that we purchased back in 2004 and was created in the 1960’s-1980’s by Best Plastics in Rhode Island & contains some palette staples that every designer can turn to for inspiration and components to construct with.

The following is a glossary of just a sampling of the line of Lucite & plastics that we offer. Of course, this is just a sampling; this glossary could be ump-teen pages long if I tried to include every shape out there made in this material.

Round Beads – Almost seems to need no explanation right? Well, rounds in Lucite have a certain weight and substance to them that is almost unexpected when you think of round plastic beads. Chunked all together in a linear design, in all the same size and color, rounds can make a bold and contemporary statement with a class and retro flair. Ranging in size from 4mm to 30mm, try these out in a plethora of sizes and colors.


Tube Beads – Tube beads describe a linear shaped bead that is longer than it is wide. Ranging in sizes from short and skinny to chunky and long, these beads are great in longer, chain-linked necklaces with round baubles in between to break up the length.


Rondell or Heishi Shaped Beads – This is such an important bead shape. Sometimes referred to as simply a ‘spacer bead’ this term often describes a saucer shaped bead that is wide and narrow. It’s a great shape to put in between larger or bolder beads. But at times, it’s just the design element that is necessary to make another bead the star. Rondells or heishi are a design staple no matter what you’re making – beaded earrings, long beaded necklaces, chunky chokers, or bauble bracelets.
 
Cube Beads – In Lucite, cubes create a crisp geometric statement. Dangling from a single bead earring or peppered in with other beads in an opera length necklace, cubes are a break bead in that they break your gaze in their perfect square shape.


Button Drop Beads – Button drops were manufactured originally for the garment industry to use on sweaters and other clothing. They make wonderful textural components when strung next to each other, cascading off in varied directions. They also make particularly nice closures and clasps, especially in the larger sizes. Cluster them for a floral pattern, stagger them with seed beads; these beads are unlimited in their options.


Teardrop Beads – Drop beads are the perfect tapered shape with a bulbous base. They are a classic shape commonly used in earrings or on the end of pendants. Stagger them throughout a necklace or juxtapose them on either side of a bold round with the tips pointed in to highlight the centerpiece in a bracelet.


Hoops & Loop Beads – Varied in style, hoops refer to a rounded component with a larger donut hole in the middle. Some hoops have a more traditional sized hole in them as well, but most are simply a large-holed centerpiece. These are instrumental in creating a retro or mod look dangling from earrings or as a pendant in a necklace. Hoops can vary from bulbous drops to class ‘go-go’ rounds with an off-set center.

Flower Beads & Leaf Beads – Lucite flowers & leaves can be found in many variations of shape, color & size. And they sell fast, so get them when you see them, no matter where you see them. Perfect in clusters, dangling from earrings with a solitary leaf highlighting the floral design, or layered on necklaces, flowers and leaves are sculptural elements that work into almost any style or design.


Shell & Nautical Beads - In a range that contains conch shells, spiral seashells, starfish & snailshells, these plastic and Lucite beads are perfect as isolated centerpieces or in groups and clusters. Cluster varied shapes and colors of shell beads on a sculptural bracelet using a conch shell as a closure. 
 
Lucite beads offer a wide range of shapes and will add varied textures to your beadwork. And plastics & Lucite are surprisingly weighty and in some cases resemble stone and other more high-end components. Don’t be afraid to try out new shapes that you may not have tried before.