Shop our full beads range — glass beads, wooden beads, seed beads, pony beads, alphabet beads and more. Whether you're stringing your first bracelet, weaving a seed bead pattern, or stocking the craft cupboard for a school holiday program, you'll find the right beads here, with Australian dispatch from Arbee Craft.
We've broken the bead range down by type so you can jump straight to what you need.
Glass beads — clean, classic finish for jewellery making and decorative work
Wooden beads — natural finish for macramé, kids' craft and bohemian jewellery
Seed beads — tiny beads for intricate weaving, embroidery and beadwork
Pony beads — large-hole plastic beads, the standard pick for kids' bracelets and friendship beads
Alphabet beads — letter beads for name jewellery, keepsakes and personalised gifts
Strand beads — pre-strung mixes for fast jewellery projects and design inspiration
Choosing the Right Beads for Your Project
Different beads suit different projects, so it's worth matching the type to what you're making.
For jewellery, glass and seed beads are the workhorses. Glass beads give a polished look in necklaces and bracelets; seed beads suit weaving, fringe and detailed beadwork. For kids' craft and party activities, pony beads and alphabet beads are the go-to — large holes, bright colours, and easy to thread with elastic or cord. For macramé and bohemian-style work, wooden beads sit naturally alongside cotton cord and macramé thread.
Beads for Kids, Schools & Bulk Buyers
Schools, party hosts, OOSH programs and fundraising organisers buy beads in volume. We stock bulk packs across the most-used bead categories — pony beads, alphabet beads, wooden beads and mixed-colour craft beads — so you can equip a whole classroom or party without running short.
Resellers, market sellers and educators can apply for a Ribtex wholesale account for additional bulk pricing on top of our standard bulk packs.
Affordable, High-Quality Beads from an Australian Supplier
Every bead in our range is stocked locally and shipped from our Australian warehouse — no overseas waits and no freight surprises. We refresh stock and add new colours regularly, so the catalogue stays fresh whether you're a hobby maker, a market seller or a craft retailer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Beads
What types of beads do you offer?
We offer a wide variety of beads including acrylic, crystal, gemstone, glass, metal, wooden, and pearl beads, among others. Our collection spans different shapes, sizes, and colours to suit various crafting needs.
Are your beads suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! We have beads suitable for all skill levels. For beginners, we recommend starting with larger beads or bead kits that come with instructions.
Do you sell bead-stringing materials?
Yes, we offer a range of stringing materials in our Jewellery Making section, including various types of cords, wires, and threads suitable for different bead types.
What size beads do I need for elastic bracelets?
Most elastic bracelet projects use beads with a 2–4mm hole. Pony beads, glass beads and most alphabet beads fit standard elastic cord.
Do you sell beads in bulk packs?
Yes. Bulk packs are available across the bead range, with additional trade pricing through Ribtex wholesale.
What's the difference between seed beads and pony beads?
Seed beads are very small (typically 1–4mm) and suit weaving and intricate beadwork. Pony beads are larger (typically 6–9mm) with big holes — built for kids' craft and easy threading.
Established 1902
About Arbee Craft
The Arbee Business began in 1902. The owner Mr. R.B.Stevens, a leather merchant, started the business to sell his leather items.
The original Arbee business, shop and factory, was in Swanston Street, Melbourne.
By the 1930s Arbee had expanded to make the famous Arbee moccasins. These became well known as they had durable cowhide on the outside and a layer of lambswool on the inside. Arbee made the moccasins for many years and the kits were very popular in the 1960s and 1970s. During this time Arbee diversified with some other products that were popular e.g. cane items.
$2.70 / MINI ICECREAM BD 5PC
$2.25 / PASTEL BOW FB EMB 6PC
$2.70 / MINI CUPCAKE BD 5PC
$2.70 / MINI MUSHROOM BD 5PC
$3.60 / MULTI MUSHROOM BD 6PC
$3.60 / CHECKERBOARD SQ BD 6PC
$2.80 / LARGE BEAR BD AB 5PC
$3.00 / SEED BD 2MM SI 50G
