What to Buy for a Jewelry Workshop

A jewelry workshop needs more than beads and string. Plan one complete work kit per participant, with extra findings and materials for mistakes, then add the tableware, drinks, snacks, and equipment needed for a comfortable session. Buy most jewelry supplies at least one week ahead so you can check quantities, sort materials by table, and replace missing or unsuitable pieces before the workshop day.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Work tablesqty 3
Chairsqty 16
Buffet table
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 16
Drinking glassesqty 24
Platesqty 24
Cutlery setsqty 16
Serving bowlsqty 6
Serving traysqty 4

Equipment

Coolersqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee maker
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 2
Chef's knifeqty 2
Serving tongsqty 4
Pitchersqty 3

Jewelry materials

Bead mixesqty 12
Glass beadsqty 300
Wooden beadsqty 150
Charmsqty 120
Beading wireqty 12
Elastic cordqty 12
Closuresqty 60
Kettelstiftenqty 150
Button beadsqty 200
Ear hooksqty 40
Eye hangersqty 60

Tools

Round-nose pliersqty 8
Flat-nose pliersqty 8
Wire cuttersqty 8
Tweezersqty 8
Scissorsqty 8
Measuring tapesqty 4
Glue gunqty 2
Cutting matsqty 6

Work materials

Work traysqty 24
Jewelry tagsqty 40
Storage bagsqty 40
Name badgesqty 16
Pensqty 16
Floor matsqty 16

Decorations

Table runnersqty 3
Flower arrangementsqty 3
Welcome sign

Lighting

String lightsqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Lemon - 4 pieces
- Cola - 3 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Sinas - 2 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 3 bottles
- Spa Rood - 2 bottles
- Apple juice - 2 cartons
- Alcohol-free bubbles - 3 bottles
- Paprika chips - 2 bags
- Plain chips - 2 bags
- Tortilla chips - 2 bags
- Salsa - 2 jars
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Carrots - 1 kilo
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 1,5 kilos
- Strawberries - 1 kilo
- Cheese cubes - 1,5 kilo
- Olives - 2 jars
- Crackers - 4 packs
- Hummus - 3 tubs
- Cream cheese - 2 tubs
- Wraps - 3 packs
- Smoked chicken breast - 500 grams
- Avocado - 6 pieces
- Arugula - 3 bags
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mini brownies - 24 pieces
- Mini muffins - 24 pieces
- Napkins - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 2 rolls
- Kitchen paper - 3 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 1 roll
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 4 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 6 pieces

Tips

Prepare one work kit per participant and add at least 10% extra beads, cord, wire, and closures. This covers broken pieces, design changes, and guests who want to make more than one item.
Choose two or three jewelry designs before shopping and match each design to the required findings, such as ear hooks, charms, closures, kettelstiften, or elastic cord. Buying materials without a fixed design often leaves you short of one small but essential component.
Sort beads and findings into table trays or bowls before guests arrive. Allow 30–45 minutes for assembling kits and laying out materials so the workshop does not start with people waiting for supplies.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill drinks in coolers in advance and keep a separate supply of coffee, cups, and serving equipment ready.
Set up one workstation for every two to four participants, depending on table space. Check extension cords, power strips, lighting, chairs, and access at least one day before the workshop, not when the first guests are arriving.

Frequently asked questions

How many beads do I need per person for a jewelry workshop?: Start with enough beads for one complete project per guest, plus 10–20% extra for mistakes and design changes. For a bracelet or simple necklace, this usually means preparing one labelled bead mix per participant rather than measuring loose beads during the workshop.
What jewelry-making supplies should I buy for beginners?: For beginners, provide bead mixes, glass or wooden beads, charms, beading wire or elastic cord, closures, and the findings needed for the chosen designs. Buy these supplies at least 7 days before the workshop so you can test one finished example and fill any gaps.
How much food and drink do I need for a jewelry workshop?: Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour, followed by one per person for every extra hour. For snacks, plan two to four small portions per guest and keep dietary requirements separate and clearly labelled before the event.
When should I prepare the jewelry workshop materials?: Buy and check the materials at least one week ahead, then assemble the work kits 1–2 days before the workshop. Put out the prepared kits, drinks, snacks, and tableware on the day itself after the workstations and seating are in place.

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