Water beads have become a popular decorating tool in recent years. They are small, colorful, translucent balls that expand when placed in water. Water beads can add a fun, whimsical touch to a variety of decor projects. Here are some tips on how to use water beads for decorating.
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What are water beads?
Water beads go by many names – hydrogel beads, water pearls, gel beads. They are small polymer balls that expand to many times their original size when placed in water. The beads are made of non-toxic sodium polyacrylate. This material has a high capacity for absorbing and retaining water.
In their dry state, water beads look like large grains of sand or gelatinous pearls. When hydrated in water, the beads become squishy and transparent. They are commonly sold in a variety of vibrant colors. Popular sizes range from 3-5mm up to 10-15mm in diameter.
Where can you get water beads?
Water beads can be purchased at most major craft stores, party supply stores, and online retailers like Amazon. Here are some places where you can buy water beads:
- Michael’s
- Joann Fabrics
- Walmart
- Target
- Amazon
- Ebay
- Etsy – great for buying beads in custom colors and sizes
- Wholesale party supply websites
Prices range from $1 per ounce for basic water beads from discount stores, up to $10 per ounce for specialized shapes and colors from craft retailers. Buying in bulk quantities can help lower the cost per ounce.
How to prepare water beads
Before using water beads for decorating, you need to hydrate them so they expand. Here is the basic process:
- Measure out the desired quantity of beads.
- Place them in a bowl, vase or other container.
- Add enough water to fully submerge the beads.
- Let the beads soak for 6-8 hours. Larger beads may need up to 24 hours to reach full size.
- Drain off any excess water before using the beads.
Be sure not to pour unused beads down the drain, as they can expand and clog pipes. Discard any extra beads in the trash.
Decorative uses for water beads
Once activated and expanded, water beads become clear, jelly-like orbs. Their transparent, bubble-like appearance makes them ideal for decorating these spaces and items:
Vases and centerpieces
Add water beads to vase arrangements in place of floral foam or marbles. Their bright colors make beautiful backgrounds and fillers around flowers, branches or candles. Water beads also work nicely in floating candle centerpieces.
Fish bowls and terrariums
Use water beads at the bottom of fish tanks and terrariums for color and interest. The beads won’t harm most live plants or fish.
Holiday decor
Water beads can add whimsy and color to holiday decorating. Scatter them in glass hurricane vases or apothecary jars for cheerful seasonal displays. Suspend them in ornaments. Layer beads in the bottom of Easter baskets under faux grass.
Weddings
Create romantic wedding reception centerpieces by filling glass bowls or vases with water beads. They make unique floral stands at each place setting. Add beads to glass cylinder vases on aisles and tables.
Kids’ rooms
Non-toxic water beads are perfect for bedrooms and playrooms. Use them in clear containers to decorate shelves. Hide beads in sensory bins for toddlers. Suspend them in DIY tabletop water walls.
Spa decor
Give your bathroom spa flair with water beads. Place them in glass jars on shelves or in the shower. Add beads to containers of cotton balls and q-tips for an interesting look. Display them with candles around the bathtub.
Parties
Water beads can instantly dress up any party. Fill large glass vases, apothecary jars or fish bowls with beads. Arrange them down the center of tables for color and interest. Suspend beads in balloons or paper lanterns.
Sensory play
Water beads are great for sensory and educational play for kids of all ages. Fill sensory bins, water tables or small wading pools with clear beads. Supervise play to prevent ingestion of beads. Clear beads work best for safety.
Creative water bead display ideas
Looking for unique ways to show off water beads around your home or event space? Here are some creative display ideas:
Layered apothecary jars
Stack 3-5 glass apothecary jars of varying sizes. Fill them two-thirds with water beads in complementary colors. Add candles on top for a pretty centerpiece.
Suspended water walls
Fill plastic sandwich bags with beads. Seal the bags tightly with no air pockets. Tape the bags at intervals to a frame or wall to create a “water wall” effect.
Confetti balloons
Add a handful of small 4-5mm beads to party balloons before inflating them. The beads will float and swirl inside the balloons like confetti.
terrarium
Place a layer of water beads at the bottom of a glass terrarium container. Add soil, plants and decorative elements on top. The beads add nice color underneath the terrarium landscape.
Floating candles
Fill a clear glass bowl, vase or cylinder half full with water beads. Place a floating candle on top of the beads for a relaxing centerpiece.
LED light displays
Fill large glass containers with water beads. Submerge waterproof LED lights in the beads to illuminate them. This creates a beautiful glowing display.
Tips for working with water beads
Follow these tips to make decorating with water beads easy and successful:
- Activate beads a day before needed to allow full expansion time.
- Use distilled water for clearest, most vibrant bead color.
- Stir beads gently while hydrating to prevent clumping.
- Rinse beads to remove dust before using in decorations.
- Display beads in containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent evaporation.
- Mix bead sizes and colors in displays for visual interest.
- Re-hydrate dried beads for reuse. Store excess beads in an airtight container.
- Supervise children using water beads and dispose of any broken beads.
Where to use caution with water beads
While generally safe when used properly, there are a few situations where caution should be exercised with water beads:
- Water beads pose a choking hazard for small children if swallowed. Do not use beads with infants or toddlers unsupervised.
- Discard broken beads immediately to prevent ingestion or foot injuries
- Avoid prolonged skin contact with beads, as they can dry out the skin.
- Keep beads away from pets who may try to ingest them.
- Do not put beads down drains or dispose of them outside where wildlife could access them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are water beads toxic?
Water beads made from sodium polyacrylate are non-toxic. However, broken beads or the dust on the dry beads could potentially cause upset if ingested. Supervise children playing with beads and discard any broken or popped beads right away.
How long do water beads last?
With proper storage, dry water beads can last for many years. Hydrated beads will eventually evaporate and need to be re-hydrated. Displayed beads may need a top up of water every 1-2 weeks as some moisture evaporates over time.
Can you reuse water beads?
Yes, water beads can be reused multiple times. When you are ready to store a decoration, simply drain and collect the expanded beads. Allow them to dry out in open air, then store in an airtight container to use again.
What liquids can you use besides water?
Water produces the clearest, brightest bead color, but beads will absorb other liquids too. You can hydrate them with glycerine for a shinier look. Hydrating with oil makes clear, non-sticky beads. Colored alcohol like colored vodka can tint the beads.
Can water beads go moldy?
Water beads alone won’t go moldy, but contaminants or organisms in the water they are soaked in could produce mold. Using distilled or boiled water can help prevent mold growth. Displaying beads in a clean, enclosed container will also limit contamination.
Are water beads safe for pets?
Water beads are generally non-toxic for dogs and cats if ingested, but can potentially cause minor stomach upset or obstruction in large quantities. It’s best to keep beads out of reach from pets to prevent any possible risks. The beads could also damage pets’ paws if stepped on when dried out.
Can you decorate water beads?
Yes, there are a couple options for customizing and decorating water beads:
- Buy beads in specialty shapes like hearts, stars, letters etc. These come pre-molded.
- Color plain clear beads yourself using liquid watercolors, food coloring, or alcohol inks.
- Glitter and confetti can be mixed in with clear beads for sparkle.
- Place small decorative items like beads, seashells or flowers inside larger beads before hydrating them.
Conclusion
With their bright, bubble-like appearance, it’s easy to see why water beads make such attractive decorating accessories. They can lend a playful pop of color and interest to centerpieces, holiday decor, party displays, kids’ projects and more. Water beads are affordable, reusable, and easy to find both in stores and online. Follow our tips on properly preparing and displaying water beads, and exercise reasonable safety precautions for an enjoyable decorating experience.