1. For your first few projects, invest in some good quality Japanese seed beads. The beads will fit together nicely and the holes are nice and large. While you're learning the techniques, you don't want to have to deal with the problems that Czech seed beads can sometimes present such as irregular sizes and holes that are too small.
   
   
2. There are needles that are specifically designed for beading. Some are hard (like typical needles) and some are made out of thin flexible wire. You may want to buy a couple of each when you start to see what you prefer. If possible, get some advice from whoever you are buying the beads from as to what kind of needle will work well with the beads you are buying and the techniques you are going to be doing.
   
   
3. Use thread that is specifically designed for beading. Beading thread is made out of nylon and comes in various thicknesses and colors. When I first started beading I used clear, thin fishing line. I worked great at the time but now, years later, the fishing line has shrunk and made the jewelry warp and break.
   
   
4. When you are first learning a technique where you must weave the beads together (many techniques are like this), you may want opt for the thinnest thread. If the thread is too thick, you may not be able to pass through a bead as many times as you need to. After you gain experience, you'll be able to better gauge what size thread to use.