When it comes to DIY jewelry and crafts, few materials are as versatile and fun as acrylic beads. Lightweight, colorful, and affordable, acrylic beads have become a favorite for beginners and experienced crafters alike. Whether you’re making bracelets, designing beadable pens, or crafting keychains, acrylic beads offer endless possibilities for creativity.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what makes acrylic beads so special, their benefits, creative uses, and tips for choosing the right ones for your projects.
What Are Acrylic Beads?
Acrylic beads are beads made from a durable type of plastic called acrylic. They come in countless shapes, colors, and finishes—ranging from glossy solids to translucent styles that mimic glass. Because they’re lightweight and inexpensive, they’re often the go-to choice for larger projects, kids’ crafts, and trendy jewelry.
Unlike glass beads, which can chip or break, acrylic beads are durable enough for everyday wear and handling. This makes them perfect for crafting gifts, festival jewelry, or accessories meant to be used often.
Benefits of Acrylic Beads
1. Lightweight but Durable
One of the biggest advantages of acrylic beads is their weight. Even chunky beads feel comfortable to wear, making them ideal for statement necklaces or layered bracelets. At the same time, they hold up well to regular use without cracking easily.
2. Affordable for All Budgets
Crafters love acrylic beads because they’re inexpensive. You can buy large quantities for the price of a few glass beads, which means more room to experiment with designs without worrying about cost.
3. A Rainbow of Choices
From neon brights to soft pastels, acrylic beads are available in nearly every color imaginable. They also come in fun shapes—stars, hearts, flowers, cubes, and even specialty designs that make each project unique.
4. Safe for Kids’ Crafts
Because they’re lightweight and sturdy, acrylic beads are perfect for school projects, summer camps, and at-home craft sessions with children. Kids can string them on elastic or thread without much difficulty.
Popular Uses for Acrylic Beads
Jewelry Making
The most common use for acrylic beads is in DIY jewelry. You can combine different bead shapes and colors to make:
- Bracelets with stretch cord
- Beadable pens and lanyards
- Necklaces with charm accents
- Earrings for everyday wear
DIY Keychains and Bag Charms
Chunky acrylic beads are perfect for decorative keychains or zipper pulls. They add personality to backpacks, purses, and travel accessories.
Festival and Seasonal Crafts
Because acrylic beads are available in themed shapes and glow-in-the-dark finishes, they’re often used for holiday crafts, party favors, and festival jewelry.
Mixed Media Projects
Acrylic beads aren’t just for jewelry. Many crafters use them in home décor projects, scrapbooking, or even sewn into fabric designs.
Acrylic Beads vs. Glass Beads
If you’re new to beading, you might wonder how acrylic beads compare with glass beads.
- Weight: Glass beads are heavier, giving jewelry a more luxurious feel, while acrylic beads are much lighter.
- Durability: Acrylic is shatter-resistant, making it safer for everyday use. Glass beads, though elegant, are more fragile.
- Price: Acrylic beads are more affordable, which makes them great for bulk projects.
- Appearance: Glass beads often have a higher shine and more natural elegance, but modern acrylic finishes can look surprisingly similar.
For many crafters, the choice depends on the project: acrylic beads for playful, lightweight designs and glass beads for timeless elegance.
How to Choose the Right Acrylic Beads
With so many shapes, colors, and finishes available, choosing the right acrylic beads for your project can feel overwhelming. The good news is that a little planning goes a long way. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to consider before you buy:
1. Bead Size
Size plays a huge role in how your final piece looks and feels.
- Small Beads (2–6mm): Perfect for delicate bracelets, chokers, or woven bead patterns. They’re subtle but add great detail.
- Medium Beads (7–10mm): A versatile size that works for both jewelry and craft projects. Great for everyday bracelets and necklaces.
- Large Beads (11–20mm+): Best for statement necklaces, bold keychains, and kids’ crafts since they’re easy to handle and highly visible.
👉 Tip: Always check the hole size of the bead. Larger beads may have wider holes, which are better for thicker cord or elastic.
2. Shape and Style
The shape of your bead adds personality to your project.
- Round Beads: Classic, smooth, and versatile—ideal for most jewelry.
- Cube or Geometric Beads: Modern, edgy designs perfect for trendy accessories.
- Novelty Shapes (hearts, stars, flowers, animals): Great for playful jewelry, festival crafts, or kids’ projects.
- Flat Beads / Discs: Add texture and break up the flow of round beads.
Mixing shapes can create more dynamic and eye-catching designs. For example, combining round beads with a few star-shaped accents instantly adds interest.
3. Color Selection
Color can make or break a design. Acrylic beads come in every shade imaginable, so it’s important to think about your project’s overall theme.
- Monochrome Palettes: Stick to one color family (like blues or neutrals) for a polished, elegant look.
- Contrasting Colors: Pair opposites (like pink and green, or black and white) for bold, trendy designs.
- Pastels: Soft tones are perfect for spring or baby-themed crafts.
- Bright Neon: Fun for festival wear, summer jewelry, and kids’ projects.
- Transparent or Translucent Colors: Add a glass-like feel without the weight.
👉 Pro Tip: If you’re creating items to sell, follow seasonal color trends (e.g., red/green for Christmas, orange/black for Halloween).
4. Finish and Texture
Acrylic beads aren’t just about shape and color—they also come in different finishes that can change the entire mood of your craft.
- Glossy: Shiny and smooth, giving a sleek, polished look.
- Matte: Subtle and modern, perfect for minimalistic jewelry.
- Pearlized or Metallic: Adds a touch of elegance without the cost of pearls or metal.
- Glow-in-the-Dark / UV Reactive: Fun for party accessories, rave jewelry, and kids’ crafts.
- Frosted / Textured: Creates a soft or playful effect, great for mixing with smooth beads.
5. Project Purpose
Think about what you’re making and who it’s for.
- Everyday Jewelry: Choose medium-sized beads in neutral or soft tones for a wearable look.
- Kids’ Crafts: Larger, brightly colored beads are easier to handle and look fun.
- Gift Items: Consider charm accents, unique shapes, or pearlized finishes for a thoughtful touch.
- Bulk Projects: Stick with affordable multipacks of basic shapes and colors.
6. Quality and Source
Not all acrylic beads are created equal. Higher-quality beads have smooth edges, consistent coloring, and uniform hole sizes. Poor-quality beads may have rough edges or inconsistent finishes, which can ruin your project.
Buying from trusted craft suppliers (like ZoeDIY) ensures you get durable, vibrant beads that will hold up over time.
7. Pairing with Other Materials
Acrylic beads can stand alone, but they really shine when combined with other materials:
- Glass Beads: Add elegance and balance the playful look of acrylic.
- Metal Charms & Findings: Elevate a simple bead bracelet into a stylish accessory.
- Beading Thread or Elastic Cord: Use strong, stretchable materials to make sure your designs last.
Tips for Working with Acrylic Beads
- Always use a sharp needle or threader to avoid fraying your beading thread.
- Combine acrylic beads with metal charms or glass beads for a more elevated design.
- Store beads in labeled containers to keep colors and shapes organized.
- If crafting with kids, choose larger beads that are easy to string.
Final Thoughts
Acrylic beads are more than just a budget-friendly option—they’re a doorway to endless creativity. With their variety of shapes, colors, and uses, they’re an essential supply for anyone who loves DIY crafts. Whether you’re making jewelry, decorating accessories, or exploring kids’ crafts, acrylic beads give you the freedom to design without limits.
