This paper describes a simple procedure for preparing the beads using materials having a cost of about $1.00 per bead. The most important characteristics of the beads are also given. A high rubidium oxide concentration (10 to 20%), a high sodium oxide content (4 to 10%), and a low boron oxide content (2 to 3%) yielded beads having good sensitivities and detectabilities. The beads were easily made in the laboratory, and they showed good sensitivities and detectabilities for nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. 1 table. (DP)