Ok, so the topic of bead scoops isn't very glamorous, but I want to give them a little press because I really do think they qualify as essential beading supplies. Having a few sizes and shapes of affordable scoops on hand will save you frustration, time, and even money (fewer lost and wasted beads!).  Use them to quickly retrieve beads from the crannies of divided plastic storage-boxes; rake up beads from your beading dishes; pour beads into boxes, bags or tubes; and retrieve (i.e., rescue) as many beads as possible when you have a spill.

I use three different shapes of bead scoops for maximum versatility. Here's a look at them:

The angular "bead shovel" scoop

I consider this to be the multi-purpose work horse of bead scoops. It's great for cleaning up spilled beads, and if you're careful, you can also use it to pour beads back into their containers by angling the scoop so that the beads all roll to one side. That said, I usually use this scoop in conjunction with the next one . . .

The deep triangle scoop

This scoop is terrible at picking up beads, but it's excellent for funneling them into containers or baggies.  I typically use a shovel scoop (above) to gather beads, then pour them from the shovel scoop into the deep triangle scoop.  I also use the triangle scoop when I need to count larger beads - I count each bead as I drop it into the scoop, and when I'm finished, I pour my counted beads into whatever container I want them to be in.

The long and narrow scoop

This scoop is just a curved strip of thin metal that tapers at one end and is broadly rounded at the other. Use it for scooping small beads from of annoying bin-corners or from porcelain bead dishes. The narrow end is small enough to grab even the tiniest seed beads, although the process takes some time if you have a bunch of them to pick up.  These scoops are especially affordable (usually around $2 each), and they are usually more effective than using a teaspoon for gathering seed beads.

So - those are the scoops I use on a regular basis. There are a few other sizes and shapes out there which you also might want to try. (To save money, visit your local bead shop and ask to try them before purchasing.)

Do you use a different shape or size scoop than I've listed here, or do you use them differently? Please comment to share your thoughts.