What do you think of the BeadGlo Light Box?
Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at 9:41AM
An ad for this unusual new product recently caught my eye in Bead & Button Magazine. The BeadGlo Light Box by Artograph claims to be "the perfect accessory for all your beading projects . . . See beading in a whole new light!"
Apparently this is a translucent beading board attached to a box that provides back lighting to help you better see your beads.
Here's more:
The beadglo light box is the ideal accessory to make your beading projects easy. It is provided with two removable design trays that fit onto the 5" X 9", comfortably slanted, acrylic surface. Each tray has storage and work surfaces and is equipped with design rulers and covers for convenient transport. The beadglo has a 9V plug-in power adapter that allows you to operate the light box with either standard AC power or add batteries for operation on the go. Illumination comes from a long-life, 8000 hour flourescent bulb. The Beadglo weighs only 2 lbs but is sturdily constructed. Manufactured in the U.S. by Artograph, a well-known manufacturer of lightboxes and projectors since 1947, this colorful, convenient light box is designed primarily for beadwork but can be used for many projects that require tracing or backlighting. It comes in a convenient clear carrying bag with handle. U.L. listed and warranted 5 years by the manufacturer.
Well, it honestly has never crossed my mind that I might need a beading board with back lighting. I will admit, though, that lighting is sometimes a challenge - especially when I set up and work somewhere other than my studio. Maybe having a built-in light source would help.
Backlit beads ~ photo by whiskeyboytx I can also imagine that the lighting would make it easier to see the colors of glass beads, and to differentiate one color from another. (For me, that would be especially helpful for bead weaving - but this product is designed primarily for basic bead stringing.)
The price (around $30) is hefty for a bead board but low for a light box. And, according to Artograph, you can use the BeadGlo as a regular light box by removing the bead tray. Keep in mind, however, that this model is pretty small at just five by nine inches. The size is convenient for transporting, but inappropriate for making jewelry longer than a bracelet - and it limits its utility as a regular light box. (For more details, here's a pdf of the user manual.)
What do you think? Will you buy one? Comment and let me know!
bead board, beadglo, beading board, beading supplies, light box in Supplies
Reader Comments (7)
I'm tempted! Working with fabulous beads is half the joy of jewelry making. Seeing them illuminated while I'm working on them sounds WONDERFUL. I might take a stab at adding this feature to my workdesk versus a small transporter box, although maybe it's perfect for sitting at my couch working little projects... hmmm.
speaking of cool things, have you see the flipanddazzle???? http://www.flipfold.com/acatalog/Flip_n_Dazzle_Animal_Style.html I bought two and LOVE it for transporting my stash to work with friends.....
I'm interested to know if you do incorporate this idea into your workdesk - please come back and share if you do!
I hadn't seen the flip and dazzle, but I agree it looks really helpful. Here's the link again in case it doesn't work above:
flip and dazzle
I see it's from the same site that sells those flip fold devices, which I've been seriously considering buying.
There are also more trays for the BeadGlo -- different trays for different trays. I'm the designer of the BeadGlo and there is a flat, level tray that can be used for bead weaving. Please - give the BeadGlo a try!!
Wow, this box is awesome. Really something I could use. Thanks for sharing.
My Jewellery Box blog
Thank you Jami! I'm glad you pointed that out, because it hasn't been clear in the product descriptions I've read on reseller sites.
Thanks for visiting, Vee!
I purchased mine @ Bead & Button in WI. I got a couple different trays when I bought mine. Since I commute on the train to work daily I use it to work on projects while I ride. I mostly work in stringing, wirework, and chainmaille. Recently went on a trip via car. At night I was able to projects while riding. Love it!!!