Next week, I leave for a week and a half in the great northwest U.S. I’ll be spending long days in lectures and at readings, and I’ve discovered that beading is a great way to unwind after a long, tiring day of listening. Since I’ve toted beading projects on a few trips, I thought I’d share these tips for happy beading on the road or in the air.

• If you’re beading as a passenger on a plane or in a car, the simpler the better. That means fewer tools, fewer bead colors or sizes, and more repetitive tasks. I usually choose a project that only requires a needle, thread, and one or two colors or types of beads, and I try to avoid projects with complicated instructions that need to be consulted frequently.
• Secure packaging is a must, whether the project travels in your suitcase or carry-on. Depending on how many tools or beads I take, I like to use either disposable plastic containers or a little metal lunchbox to travel. These hard-sided containers keep my tools in place and I don’t have to worry about my pliers or scissors tangling with my clothing. The secure lids keep everything where it belongs. I like to use small, shallow containers for carry-on projects, so I can work right from the container.
• Usually, it’s ideal to minimize what you take with you, but there are exceptions. If your trip focuses on beading (the Bead&Button Show, for example), and you have a favorite beading tray or work surface, take it with you. You’ll be much more comfortable if you have the right tools to work with, and you’ll enjoy your class or workshop so much more.

If you have any travel tips of your own, I’d love to hear them!