What are Seedbeads?

Seedbeads are a premium, Bitcoin-inspired fidget. They are also a novel addition to the many tools available for self-custody, the vital practice of securing Bitcoin funds. In short, Seedbeads function like a Bitcoin rosary, empowering Bitcoiners with more peace of mind and confidence in that pursuit.

 

Seedbeads™ stainless-steel Bitcoin fidget with 24 beads on a chain
Seedbeads™ – The Bitcoin Fidget

The design of Seedbeads incorporates several concepts that are familiar to the Bitcoin community. We'll cover those first before we get into how Seedbeads can strengthen your relationship with Bitcoin.

 

Seedbeads were designed for Bitcoiners.

 

To start off, Seedbeads got their name from the term “seed phrase”, which is a foundational building block to Bitcoin's underlying cryptography and security model. A seed phrase is a randomly generated series of 12–24 words that function as a password to a Bitcoin wallet. If you lose that password, you lose access to all of the Bitcoin in that wallet. Period. Seedbeads are now here as another tool to help make sure that doesn't happen.

 

Seedbeads™ Bitcoin fidget in hand, designed for self-custody mindfulness

 

The fidget is made up of 24 beads that are symbolic of a 24-word seed phrase. These beads are held together by a flexible chain that forms the backbone of the fidget, all of which is made out of stainless steel (the preferred material for “backing up” a seed phrase). Incorporating a chain in the design of Seedbeads was a natural decision as it also serves as a homage to the underlying blockchain technology that is Bitcoin.

As you rifle through the beads in your hands, you'll notice that they glide seamlessly from one end of the chain to the other. This motion resembles how sats (the smallest denomination in Bitcoin) might move across a Bitcoin Lightning channel in a peer-to-peer fashion.

 

Seedbeads™ beads sliding along a chain, inspired by blockchain and Lightning payments

 

As you continue to fidget with these beads, you'll notice that they make pleasant *tick* sounds when they hit each other. These sounds and the visual of beads moving across the chain are reminiscent of new blocks being added to the blockchain (“Tick tock, next block”, as the saying goes).


Seedbeads come with utility
in mind... literally.

 

Aside from the satisfying design, there are three value propositions that Seedbeads offer you in your relationship with Bitcoin:

  1. Seedbeads are a calming companion throughout your Bitcoin journey.
  2. Seedbeads are a physical reminder to always safely manage and secure your seed phrase.
  3. Seedbeads are an instrument for memorizing your seed phrase as a “backup of last resort”, if you choose to do so.

We'll break each of these points down in the sections below.

 

Seedbeads™ stainless-steel Bitcoin fidget shown as an everyday carry companion

1. Seedbeads are a calming companion on your Bitcoin journey.

Bitcoin is a big topic that can sometimes feel like an endless rabbit hole. It can also be an anxiety-inducing endeavor. From volatile exchange rates to cybersecurity threats to the responsibility of self-custody... it can be a lot of pressure. We all need less stress in life, and fidgets are a known tool for dispersing anxious energy. Seedbeads can help ground you in these moments of uncertainty, giving your hands something steady to engage with while your thoughts process more freely.

These well-crafted fidgets are fun to play with throughout your day. Seedbeads are portable and can fit in your pocket or bag on the go. Sit back and enjoy your favorite show with your Seedbeads in hand. Or go for a walk and bring them with you to swing around. You'll find many different ways to fidget with your Seedbeads, a few of which we will showcase in our next blog post – Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop!

 


Seedbeads™ Bitcoin fidget on a desk for focus, calm, and self-custody reminders

2. Seedbeads are a physical reminder to always safely manage and secure your seed phrase.

The way you choose to secure your seed phrase is one of the most important aspects of your relationship with Bitcoin. At the very least, you will want to have a proper hardware wallet and one or more copies (i.e., a handwritten note, encrypted SD card, stainless steel plate, etc.) of your seed phrase for redundancy. After having made these backups, it's common to stash them away somewhere safe. That’s ideal, but there can be a trade-off with that: “out of sight, out of mind”.

Ask yourself, “When was the last time I checked on my backups? Do I still have access to them? Are they safe? Do my loved ones know where to find them if I'm gone?” These are the types of questions we hope come to mind when you see your Seedbeads. Keep them at your desk, on your nightstand, or attach them to your car keys. Simply having a physical reminder like this can prompt you to be more alert and aware of this important practice.

You'll also want to keep a mental note on where you leave your Seedbeads. Like anything, you can lose them... just like your seed phrase.


 

Close-up of Seedbeads™ stainless-steel beads representing a 24-word Bitcoin seed phrase

3. Seedbeads are a physical instrument for memorizing your seed phrase as a “backup of last resort”.

So what are the odds of losing your seed phrase backups? That’s a common worry when practicing self-custody. And from there, Seedbeads came to be: You can reduce the risk of permanently losing your seed phrase if you choose to memorize it.

Memorizing a 12–24 word seed phrase might seem difficult (and perhaps ridiculous), but regular recitation makes it possible (and surprisingly easy). Similar to how a set of prayer beads is used to recite a sacred text, Seedbeads can be rifled through your hands for the private recitation of your seed phrase – word for word, bead by bead.

Before stashing away your hardware wallet and backups, take some time to try memorizing your seed phrase. Once you're ready, put them away and go about your day. Test yourself later on to see how well you can recall those words. If your memory begins to fade, take a moment to revisit your backups to ensure their safety and refresh your memory. It's that easy.

Having your seed phrase memorized can be very empowering:
  • Doing so provides you with access to your funds whenever and wherever you are.
  • You can cross borders with no restriction or detection.
  • It serves as a "backup of last resort" if anything were to happen to your other copies.

 

Instead of always looking at the price of Bitcoin, pick up your Seedbeads and secure your Bitcoin!




Seedbeads™ Bitcoin fidget in hand used for seed phrase recitation and memorization

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What about a 12-word seed phrase?
    • A smaller keychain version of Seedbeads is coming very soon. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop!
  • Can I attach things to the rings at the end of the chain?
    • Yes!
  • Why not make it a bracelet?
    • Seedbeads were intentionally designed as a fidget. However, you are welcome to customize your set as you like.
  • Why not use block-shaped beads?
    • Round beads were chosen to make the fidget more ergonomic and enjoyable to play with.
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