Acrylic vs. Silicone Beads: How I Choose the Right Beads for My Happiness Creations
Acrylic vs. Silicone Beads: How I Choose the Right Beads for My Happiness Creations
If you’ve ever shopped my bead collections or joined one of my lives, you know I’m passionate about creating pieces that bring color, creativity, and happiness into everyday life. One of the most common questions I get from customers and fellow makers is:
“What’s the difference between acrylic bubblegum beads and silicone beads… and which should I use?”
So I wanted to write a more personal blog post sharing how I use each bead type in my designs, why I carry both, and how to choose what works best for your own happiness-filled creations.
Why I Keep Both Acrylic and Silicone in My Shop
For me, crafting isn’t just about making something pretty — it’s about making something that feels good to use. Some designs call for bright shine and bold color, while others need comfort and durability for everyday life.
That’s why my collections include both:
- Acrylic bubblegum beads for sparkle and fun
- 15mm silicone beads for everyday wristlets
- 19mm silicone beads for chunky statement happiness
Each one serves a different purpose, and when used together, they create magic.
Acrylic Bubblegum Beads: Bright, Glossy Happiness
Acrylic bubblegum beads are what I reach for when I want a design to feel playful, colorful, and eye-catching. They have that glossy shine that instantly makes a project pop.
When I’m designing something more decorative — like a fun keychain, bag charm, or colorful statement piece — acrylic beads bring that joyful sparkle.
What I Love About Acrylic Beads:
- They have a beautiful glossy finish
- Colors are bold and vibrant
- They’re lightweight and fun to design with
- Perfect for adding pops of happiness
Things to Keep in Mind:
Because acrylic beads are hard plastic, they can scratch or crack if dropped. I usually don’t use them for items that will get heavy daily use (like keys constantly being tossed around). Instead, I use them when the goal is style and color first.
My favorite use:
Mixing acrylic with silicone to add shine while keeping comfort.
15mm Silicone Beads: Everyday Comfort & Durability
If you’ve bought one of my wristlet keychains, you’ve definitely seen 15mm silicone beads. This is my go-to size for everyday pieces.
They’re soft, flexible, and comfortable to wear on your wrist all day. They also hold up really well to real life — being dropped, tossed in bags, or used constantly.
Why I Use 15mm Silicone So Often
- Soft and comfortable
- Durable for daily use
- Easy to clean
- Perfect size for wristlets
- Gives a clean, modern look
When I design items meant to be used daily, silicone is almost always the base. It just feels better in your hand and lasts longer.
My favorite use:
Wristlet keychains, pens, badge reels, and grab-and-go accessories.
19mm Silicone Beads: Statement Happiness
When I want a design to feel bold and chunky, I reach for 19mm silicone beads. These create that modern statement look so many people love right now.
They’re bigger, softer to grip, and instantly make a piece feel more substantial.
Why I Love 19mm Beads
- Big statement look
- Soft grip for keychains
- Trendy and modern
- Great as focal beads
Things to Consider:
They’re larger and slightly heavier, so I usually use them as focal beads rather than filling an entire wristlet with them. A mix of 19mm and 15mm silicone often creates the perfect balance.
My favorite use:
Statement wristlets and focal designs that stand out.
How I Personally Decide Which Beads to Use
When I design something for my shop, I always ask:
Is this for everyday use or decorative happiness?
If it’s for daily use → silicone wins.
If it’s for color and shine → acrylic shines.
If I want both → I mix them together.
Most of my favorite designs actually combine both materials. The silicone gives comfort and durability, while acrylic adds those joyful pops of color that make people smile.
My Advice for Fellow Makers
If you’re building your own creations or shopping for supplies, here’s my honest advice:
Choose acrylic bubblegum beads when:
- You want shine and bright color
- You’re making decorative pieces
- You want budget-friendly options
Choose 15mm silicone beads when:
- You’re making wristlets or keychains
- You want durability
- Comfort matters most
Choose 19mm silicone beads when:
- You want bold statement designs
- You need a focal bead
- You love chunky styles
Or do what I do…
Mix them and create happiness your way.
Crafting with Purpose (and Happiness)
Everything in my shop is built around one idea:
Creativity should feel joyful and accessible.
Some days that means glossy, colorful acrylic beads.
Some days that means soft silicone comfort.
Most days… it’s a little bit of both.
No matter what you choose, the goal is the same:
Create something that makes you smile every time you use it.
And that’s the real difference between beads —
it’s not just the material.
It’s how they help you create happiness.