Silicone vs. Rubber: Why Silicone is the Superior Choice for Your Next DIY Crafting Project

Have you ever found yourself choosing between silicone or rubber, wondering which one is best suited for your next crafting project?

When planning your next DIY beading project, deciding between these two materials can feel like a big choice. Whether you're crafting jewelry, creating kids' accessories, or designing unique keychains, silicone has qualities that make it ideal for creative, durable, and safe beading.

At Cara & Co, we’ve built our business around supporting our customers with the best and safest silicone beads and supplies on the market because we truly believe our silicone product range will help you create high-quality, durable, and timeless crafting projects!

Let’s explore why silicone is becoming a popular option in the crafting world and how it can specifically enhance your DIY projects.
1. Heat Resistance

Silicone’s ability to handle extreme temperatures without losing shape or color makes it a great choice for crafting beads.

Unlike rubber, which can warp in high temperatures, silicone does not change form during the crafting process, even if exposed to direct sunlight or warm conditions. This feature is especially useful for crafters who may be working with tools that generate some heat or when crafting in warmer spaces.

Additionally, if you want to wash your or sanitize your silicone products, silicone can handle both the dishwasher and sanitizing with hot water - especially useful if you are making chewlery, sensory toys or items for babies!
2. Longevity and Durability

Silicone beads are highly durable, resisting UV damage, aging, and general wear and tear. Unlike rubber beads, which can crack or degrade, silicone stays resilient and maintains its appearance.

This durability makes silicone a wonderful option for beads on products that may see regular use, like bracelets, necklaces, or keychains.
3. Flexibility and Comfort

Silicone beads remain soft and flexible in any climate, unlike rubber, which can become brittle and uncomfortable.

This flexibility means that silicone beads can handle some stretch and movement without cracking, which is a huge advantage when making wearable DIY projects.

This is also a very appealing feature for any sensory silicone products that need to withstand wear and tear and a lot of fidgeting or chewing.4. Non-Toxic and Hypoallergenic

Safety is essential in DIY projects, especially if you're making items for kids or dealing with sensitive skin.

Silicone beads are a safe, non-toxic choice that’s free from allergens, BPA, and phthalates. This makes them popular for creating pacifier clips, teething necklaces, or any items that might come into contact with skin.

At Cara & Co, we pride ourselves in supplying our customers with the safest silicone beads and supplies in the market, ensuring that you can craft with confidence with our third-party, independently tested products.
5. Easy to Clean and Maintain

Silicone beads are incredibly low-maintenance. Their smooth, non-porous surface is naturally stain-resistant and won’t absorb moisture or odors like rubber.

Whether it’s jewelry or a keychain, silicone beads can be easily cleaned with soap and water, and they retain their color and shape after repeated washes.
6. Eco-Friendliness and Recyclability

Silicone tends to be more environmentally friendly compared to many synthetic rubbers. Its long lifespan means you won’t have to replace products as often, and silicone can often be recycled, reducing its impact on the planet.

Silicone beads bring an ideal mix of safety, durability, and flexibility to your DIY crafting projects. Whether you’re creating jewelry, kids' accessories, or fun home decor, silicone’s unique qualities ensure that your beads will look beautiful and stand up to daily use.

With silicone, you get the peace of mind of knowing your creations will last and remain safe for everyone, making it a versatile choice for any craft.

Have any questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for support or safety testing, as we love sharing our passion for silicone crafting and inspiration with you so that you can enjoy it as much as we do!

Happy Crafting!

xo

- the girls

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.