Is this an inappropriate question regarding a tutorial - or an appropriate question posted in an inappropriate area? I still haven't 100% figured the workings of this site. Anyone?

Hello mrosem2.

You have posted your question at the right place, inside the tutorial page you are interested in. So you're good there.
I don't think it is an inappropriate question regarding a tutorial, since you wanted to know something about the material used.
When any one member posts a question/comment/tip to a Gallery picture, Tutorial, or Article in the site -- there is an email sent directly to the Teacher/Member of JL who posted those picture/tutorial/article. This is the 'subscribed to content' feature of every gallery picture/tutorial/article.

However, you can still send the question directly to the Teacher by clicking their name, and it takes you to their profile page. Then click the Send Message under the name and send him/her your question/inquiry.
Since you are asking anyone to answer your question, so this is my reply. Hope this helps.
Mica

Hi, thanks for the questions. You can use other beads as long as it is the same size as recommended in the tutorial. I personally like to use Swaroskvi and Japanese seed beads reason being the size of the beads are very uniform and standard. If you are using other seed beads, do pick those that are standard size and throw away the rest to ensure your final output is beautiful and of highest quality. Cheers