Clay beads—especially polymer and Fimo beads—are extremely popular in jewellery making and DIY crafts. From colourful heishi beads used in trendy bracelets to decorative clay beads for necklaces, UK craft stores offer a wide variety online.
If you’re looking to buy clay beads online in the UK, this guide compares some of the most reliable stores based on product variety, pricing range, and shipping options to help you find the best supplier for your projects.
What Are Clay Beads?
Clay beads are lightweight decorative beads made from polymer clay or natural clay materials. They are widely used in DIY crafts such as:
- Friendship bracelets
- Beaded necklaces
- Anklets
- Keychains
- Phone charms
- Earrings
Polymer clay beads (like Fimo beads) are especially popular because they are durable, colourful, and available in many shapes and patterns.
Why Clay Beads Are Popular for Jewellery Making
Here are a few reasons why crafters love clay beads:
- Lightweight: Comfortable for bracelets and necklaces
- Colourful: Available in vibrant shades and patterns
- Affordable: Ideal for beginners and bulk crafting
- Versatile: Perfect for bracelets, charms, and accessories
- Trendy: Heishi clay bead bracelets are very popular
Comparison Table: Best Sites to Buy Clay Beads Online UK
| Store | Bead Types | Price Range | Shipping (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julz Beads | Polymer clay beads, colourful mixes | £2 – £8 | Standard UK shipping available |
| The Bead Shop | Clay beads, heishi beads, jewellery supplies | £2 – £10 | UK delivery available |
| Riverside Beads | Polymer clay beads, heishi styles | £3 – £12 | UK shipping available |
| Bead Crazy | Clay beads, spacer beads, craft beads | £2 – £9 | Standard UK shipping |
| Bora Beads | Polymer clay beads, jewellery making supplies | £3 – £15 | UK delivery available |
| Totally Beads | Fimo beads, polymer clay beads | £3 – £10 | UK shipping options |
| Rito Hobby | Clay beads, craft beads | £3 – £20 | UK delivery available |
| Hobbycraft | Clay beads, jewellery kits | £3 – £15 | UK delivery & store pickup |
| Beads Unlimited | Polymer clay beads, jewellery components | £4 – £18 | UK shipping available |
| Low Cost Craft Supplies | Polymer clay beads, craft materials | £2 – £12 | UK delivery available |
| Save Fluent | Clay beads, DIY craft beads | £2 – £10 | UK shipping available |
| Spoilt Rotten Beads | Clay beads, jewellery beads | £3 – £12 | UK delivery available |
| Devon Bead Shop | Polymer clay beads, heishi beads | £3 – £15 | UK shipping |
| EMART | Polymer clay beads, craft beads | £3 – £10 | UK delivery |
| Fruugo UK | Multiple sellers, clay bead kits | £5 – £25 | Shipping varies by seller |
| The Craft Room UK | Clay beads, craft supplies | £3 – £12 | UK delivery available |
| Star Beads | Clay beads, jewellery beads | £2 – £10 | UK shipping |
| Spellbound Bead | Clay beads, polymer beads | £3 – £15 | UK delivery |
| Kawaii Squirrel | Colourful clay beads, kawaii craft supplies | £3 – £12 | UK shipping available |
| Charming Beads | Clay beads, jewellery making supplies | £3 – £10 | UK delivery |
| The Bead Selection | Polymer clay beads, Fimo beads | £3 – £14 | UK shipping available |
Types of Clay Beads You Can Buy
1. Polymer Clay Beads
These are the most common clay beads used in jewellery making. They are colourful, durable, and ideal for bracelets.
2. Heishi Clay Beads
Flat disc-shaped beads commonly used in boho-style bracelets and necklaces.
3. Fimo Clay Beads
Fimo is a popular polymer clay brand known for bright colours and high durability.
4. Patterned Clay Beads
These beads include flowers, fruits, or artistic patterns often used for fun jewellery designs.
How to Choose the Right Clay Beads
When buying clay beads online, consider these factors:
1. Bead Size
Clay beads usually range from 4mm to 8mm depending on the design.
2. Hole Size
Ensure the bead hole fits the elastic cord or thread you plan to use.
3. Colour Variety
Mixed colour packs are ideal if you want to create multiple bracelet designs.
4. Quantity
Some stores sell beads in bulk packs, which are great for large crafting projects.
5. Shipping Costs
Compare delivery fees if ordering from multiple stores.
Styling Ideas for Clay Bead Jewellery
Here are a few creative ways to use clay beads:
- Heishi stack bracelets for trendy summer jewellery
- Name bracelets using clay beads with letter beads
- Colour gradient bracelets using mixed bead packs
- Boho necklaces combining clay beads and gemstones
- Phone charms and bag charms
Final Thoughts
Buying clay beads online in the UK is easy thanks to the large number of specialised bead shops and craft retailers available. Stores like Julz Beads, The Bead Shop, Beads Unlimited, Hobbycraft, and Riverside Beads offer a wide variety of polymer and Fimo clay beads suitable for beginners and professional jewellery makers.
Before purchasing, compare price, bead variety, and shipping options to ensure you get the best value for your crafting needs. With the right clay beads, you can create beautiful bracelets, necklaces, and handmade accessories that are both stylish and unique.
