by Amanda N.

Created on: April 16, 2009   Last Updated: October 14, 2010

Beading is a world of wonders. New beads and supplies are coming up every now and then. From basic plastic beads to Swarovski crystal beads, your choices of beads and supplies for your next beading project are abundant. However, buying new beads and supplies from craft shops could be expensive for homemade jewelry makers. It's true that craft shops offer more choices of beads and supplies, but other than craft shops there is another place where you can find your supplies: your home. You are making homemade jewelry, right? Why not just start from your home?

Being so keen on beaded jewelry, you should have kept an impressive collection of jewelry yourself. Find out your trinket boxes and gut the contents of it. Sift through them and see if there is any necklace, bracelet, or earrings, both broken or intact, that you can make use of. Chances are you may find many that you seldom wear or wear too much that they look worn out. But that doesn't mean they are useless. On the contrary, they can make a good storage for your homemade beaded jewelry. You can mix and repurpose them and make a new piece.
 
Your wardrobe is another place to find beads and supplies for making homemade beaded jewelry. Buttons, ribbons, lace fringe, rags, and colored strings are some of the most common items that you can find in your wardrobe to make beaded jewelry. Although they may look worthless at first sight, when used in a creative way, they can add character to your homemade jewelry, and probably become your signature items. When you finish purging your own wardrobe, expand your search to your family's. Ask their permission before doing so.
 
Another place to find supplies for your jewelry project is your household tool box. That may sound weird at first, but remember that creativity is the very essence of every craft. With creativity, you can turn ordinary to amazing. The unused bolts and nuts, the delicate Victorian style drawer knot, or even metal wires of different sizes can be the supplies of your next jewelry project. Yes, they look ordinary, but if you can think of a way to repurpose and give them a second life, you are not only creative, but also environmentally friendly.
 
By now, you should know that finding beads and supplies for homemade beaded jewelry is not limited to craft shops. Your choices can be limitless when you reach out and explore.

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