"THE BEAD TUBE TOWER STORAGE SYSTEM IS THE PERFECT SOLUTION FOR STORING TUBES OF SEED BEAD. WHEN CONSTRUCTED, THE TOWER STANDS UPRIGHT ALLOWING YOU QUICK AND EASY ACCESS TO THE SEED BEAD COLOR YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. WHEN FINISHED USING ,SIMPLY FOLD AND STORE IN THE CONVENIENT , CLEAR, CARRYING CASE. PRODUCT MEASURE 8IN X 16IN WHEN FOLDED. CAN HOLD UP TO 138 2 OR 3 INCH TUBES OR 69 5INCH TUBES.
The description above is from the manufacturer; here is my review of the Bead Tower...because you know I had to snag one from inventory for myself! (I should test the products we sell, right? Yup, I snagged one for testing purposes only, but once it's been used I pretty much have to keep it....can't sell it used afterall.....thats my story and I'm sticking to it! ;)
Anyway, I love this tower! I wish I could snag about 5 more! (hubby would definately notice that though, dang it) It holds the tubes very securely, and it's fun to organize your beads in it too. (hmmm, by color? By finish? By project? By size? Opaques on one side, transparents on the other? Maybe I should...well, you get the idea) It really does stand up securely after it has been filled and folds and fits back into it's pouch, just like it is supposed to. The pouch has a carrying handle that makes it easy to transport alot of beads easily. And it takes up alot less room than the standard bead box. I like that I can see all my colors of beads easily, even if you just open it up and lay it flat on a table.
I did have a couple of issues with the Bead Tower:
1. It takes a bit of trial and error to figure out how to put your bead tubes into the little elastic bands. Those bands are sturdy and hold the tubes securely, but are a little tight. I found that it made it easier if you hold the elastic open with one hand while sliding the tube into it with the other.
2. It is a little bit difficult to get the folded up tower back into the pouch; I had to wiggle it back and forth a little to get it in there. It isn't too bad, and it is totally worth the effort anyway!!
And 3.Which really isn't an issue, more of a recomendation; When you have it folded into it's triangle to form the tower, it is hard to turn it to see all three sides. I set mine on one of those revolving spinner things and voila! Problem solved! I suggest you invest in one to make life easier; I got mine from the kitchen wares department at our local WalMart for around $5.00.
And thats it! Overall, I am very pleased with the Bead Tower; it does what it says it will do and the price is good......what more could you ask? :)
