These are just some basic kandi tips, I might upload more tips that are for more complicated stuff, but these are just the basics! I’ve been making kandi for a while, so i know a lot of random tips lol
Beads!
So, of course if you want to make kandi you need beads! For kandi the most common type of beads are pony beads, and what you should use if you’re a beginner. I say try to stick to one brand for a project, because in my experience the colors and shape can slightly differ with different brands. When you buy beads you should also make sure to buy a separate bag of black and white beads, because those tend to run out faster than other colors. Clear beads are nice to add some contrast as well, and they are often sold with glitter in them but you can buy ones without glitter too. You can also use different shaped beads of course, like star shaped beads and stuff.
I usually buy my beads and supplies from michael’s, they often have sales and if you have the app they often have coupons as well! But you can also buy beads at places like walmart, or hobby lobby, and if you can buy things online there’s online stores too. If you can’t spend as much money you can buy things when they’re on sale or with coupons, or you could maybe find beads, or broken jewelry or bracelets at thrift stores as well. You can also make your own charms which ill talk about in this post later.
String!
Of course, string is also very essential to making kandi. Different types of cord are better for different types of kandi. For bracelets or things that need a lot of stretch (singles, cuffs, chokers) it's better to use fabric covered elastic cord. You can buy it in different colors, like black, white, or rainbow too. For things that don’t need to stretch (bags, charms, long necklaces, flat peyote stitch designs) It’s better to use plastic stretch cord or fishing line.
When I tie off my string, I usually tie it 3 or 4 times. You can use nail polish or super glue to secure the knot, I've never needed to for fabric covered elastic, but it’s good for plastic stretch cord because the knot can slip out sometimes.
Also, if you have a hard time tying knots i suggest making the string longer than you need so you can tie it easier, and just cut off the extra. This is more for singles though. For cuffs a tip is to tie the string every round so you can keep the tension of the string. But make sure not to make it too tight so it can still stretch!
Random tips!
A tapestry needle is VERY useful for kandi. I think a plastic one is better than a metal one (for kandi at least) because it can bend a little and is cheaper. You can buy tapestry needles at craft stores, probably with the yarn or sewing stuff.
There are a bunch of ways to make your own charms too. You can use shrinky dink plastic, and draw or print a design, and punch a hole in it. You should add a clear coating on the side you drew on though so it doesn’t fade. You can also make charms out of small toys. Some might already have ways to tie it on a cuff, but you can also drill a hole in it or add a screw loop thing (i forgot what its really called but its basically a metal loop you can screw in to things)
I hope these tips are helpful! I might make a post with tips for cuffs and stuff but that would be later because I have to do some things lol
