The short answer: yes, and most bead art looks better that way. String and mini clips, push pins, magnetic tape, or a felt board cost almost nothing and keep the bead texture visible.
Frames are great for a formal look, but bead art is a casual, colorful medium. A frame makes it feel like a poster; the methods below make it feel like a collection.
Five no-frame ideas
- Gallery string: stretch a wire or twine along a wall and attach pieces with mini clothespins. Swap pieces whenever you want.
- Felt board: a large piece of felt on a corkboard holds bead art with a little friction. Works especially well for kids rooms.
- Magnetic tape: stick magnetic tape to the back and use any steel surface as the frame.
- Push pins: the simplest of all. Two pins through the bead holes, done.
- Standing display: lean small pieces against a bookend or place them in a shallow tray on a shelf or desk.
For a changing collection, the string and clips option is our favorite: one wire can hold twenty pieces, and swapping takes seconds. See more display methods in our display guide, and start a new collection from our pattern library.