Commercially made bead boards are beautiful. But, they are expensive.
A weekend trip to a nearby Michael's store provided a surprising way to make an inexpensive beading board.
And not one, but two!
I found this set of trays that are really meant for resin craft, but realized that they would be perfect for something else.
First I found some stiff cardboard and cut out a circle that was 2mm (1/8 inch) smaller than the diameter of the inside of the tray. Next I cut a circle out of bead mat fabric that was about 1.5cm (1/2 inch) larger than the cardboard. This fabric was an old velux blanket that I had found a few years ago at a thrift store. I used some strong, thick thread and a large needle to make a running stitch around the edge of the fabric.
I pulled the thread a little as I worked to make the edge of the fabric cup inwards.
I inserted the cardboard, pulled the thread snug and tied the ends into a secure knot.
Then I turned the cardboard and fabric over and slipped it into the tray. Done.
The result is a quick and easy beading surface. Making it this way means that if the fabric wears out or becomes dirty, it will be very easy to renew. There is no glue to unstick or staples to dig out. Simple.
I used the second tray to make another beading board with velux fabric in a beige colour.
And there it is, my new beading board!