by Melissa Hadden

Created on: June 28, 2008   Last Updated: February 02, 2012

Making beaded jewelry is really easy once you get your technique down. It is finding beads at low prices and deciding which colors to buy that is the hard part. I have looked in retail stores as well as on the Internet and I choose the Internet, hands down. A lot of people think that the Internet caters to the large quantity buyer. This is not the case, if you know where to look. My absolute favorites are www.Finedings.com, www.INMcrystal.com, and www.ibeads.com. These websites contain a huge assortment of findings, tools, supplies and beads. Some of them also contain ideas and instructions. When I first started beading I was completely overwhelmed at the vast assortment of beads and findings!

I began with Swarovski crystals, because I loved the look of the crystals, but I hated the price tag on them. I always heard how expensive one bead was and that was the reason for the steep prices. I will admit that Swarovski crystal prices can add up, but the beads I purchase are certainly not as expensive as the horror stories I had heard. The above websites let you purchase in two ways. You can either buy a package of beads containing a certain number of beads or findings, usually 12, 24, or 48, or at ibeads you can actually buy one bead if you so choose.

I tend to buy my findings at finedings.com and my crystals at the other two. Shipping fees are small at all sites, and they usually ship free if you purchase a certain amount. I recommend getting a design and color idea down on paper before you begin purchasing, or you will end up having a lot of different beads in various colors, sizes, and shapes and not really know what to do with them next. I also recommend sticking to a couple of colors to begin with. This way you will not end up with a couple of beads in ten different colors that don't look good together. It is also good to invest in seed beads. I did not like them at first, but after finding some that I liked I found that they help to lower your cost to produce a piece of jewelry. And the best part of using seed beads is that they are super cheap and they go a long way.

Understanding bead lingo is also a hurdle when buying supplies. I suggest buying a book to clarify any confusion. I could ramble on about the different finding and bead names, but it helps to have a book to reference to. Make sure that is has a bead size reference as well or you could end up with tiny beads or huge beads. You want to make sure the size is appropriate for the piece you are creating. Another good idea is to ask companies to send you a catalog if available.

Now let me discuss quality. It is always best to use the highest quality you can afford. Silver plated is certainly not the same as sterling silver. If you are selling your creations you should use sterling or tell your customer if it is not. Most consumers would rather invest in sterling silver. Never lie to your customers. Most can't tell the difference but it will come back to bite you.

Most importantly, have FUN! Find inspiration in books, magazines, or on the Internet. I love to find a piece in a magazine that sparks my interest and then tailor it to my needs and taste. The possibilities are absolutely endless!

Learn more about this author, Melissa Hadden.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.