by Nan Demers

Created on: December 01, 2008

I've been doing beadwork for the last five years. When I first got started, the obvious choices to buy supplies were Michaels and Hobby Lobby. Both stores have a good selection of beads, crystals, semi precious stones, findings, and tools for the beginner as well as for the advanced beader. I've found that the best time to buy supplies at both stores is when beads, findings, and charms are on sale. I look for items that I know I'll use a lot of, and that's when I stock up. However, if your jewelrymaking is a business or you're so hooked on beading that you want more unusual beads and findings to work with (and will use a lot of them), you'll want to find some good wholesalers.

Jewelrysupply.com has a huge selection of crystals, beads of all kinds, and even beginner's beading kits with a bead board, instructional book, and all the tools you need to get started. You can even find displays, gift boxes, beaded jewelry boxes, and gift jewelry. A variety of beading books is also available. AuntiesBeads.com also has a great variety of beads and beading components. They carry a large selection of Czech crystals (one of my favorites to work with). Free beading tutorials are available online, as well as a selection of jewelry displays for your creations. Firemountaingems.com is one of the most well known suppliers. Fire Mountain has a huge selection of Swarovski crystals in many shapes and colors. Swarovski crystals are the highest quality machine cut crystals in the world. They carry Swarovski beads and components such as crosses and snowflakes. A tutorial is on their website explaining how to tell Swarovski form imitation crystals. The larger the quantity you buy from Fire Mountain, the larger your discount will be. If you need inspiration, check out their online jewelry gallery. Experienced beaders may want to experiment with unusual combinations, and can find holiday lampwork beads, amber, Israeli and Bali silver, stardust and rhinestone beads, and even mood beads that actually change color when they're worn, at Arizonabeadcompany.com

Another supplier with an extensive selection of Swarovski pendants and components is artbeads.com. Artbeads also has a large selection of semi precious gems sold by the strand that are reasonably priced, as well as porcelain, silver, pewter, gold, and glass beads. If you're looking for something unique for a one of a kind project, they also carry some lovely limited edition handpainted porcelain and Russian design pendants. A variety of beading books can help you to easily get through your projects whether you're a beginner or an experienced beader.

Last but not least, for a huge selection of beads, jewelry components, findings, charms, and just about everything imaginable, visit Shipwreck Beads, "the world's largest selection of beads." Their store is located in Washington, but visit their website www.shipwreckbeads.com and there's so much to look at, it will make your head spin. They have an enormous selection and are reasonably priced. If you want something special for Christmas, their "12 Days of Christmas" antique gold or silver charms are lovely to make charm bracelets or necklaces with. When creating your own jewelry, try experimenting with different color combinations and beads. There's lots of help online for novice beaders, and before long, you'll be making your own creations that you'll be proud to wear, sell, or give as gifts.

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