by P Vandegrift

Created on: July 12, 2010

Being an artist can be an expensive hobby at times. But no matter what medium you choose to express your creativity with finding simple ways to save money on your supplies is well worth the effort. Jewelery artisans have been around for centuries and then some. They probably faced the same monetary constraints that we do today. We 'have' to create but we should not have to go broke doing it!

There are indeed more than five ways to save money on jewelry-making supplies but here are a handful of ways that stand out the most.

1. Tool boxes

Tool boxes, whether your father's, husbands, brother's, grandfather's or aunt's, can be a gold-mine for finding an extra pair of pliers, wire-cutters, dremels, files, etc. Many of these toolboxes have more than one pair of each and, if they are not being used, can always find a good home with any jewelry-maker. I came across a pair of needle-nose pliers this way that have been with me now for over fifteen years and show no sign of retiring any time soon.

2. Second-hand shops, yard sales, auctions

It is amazing what people will drop off at second-hand shops. Brand new beads, pliers, wire, findings, ribbons, chains have all been acquired at Goodwill, Salvation Army, Value Village, and Hospice shops. Check out their tool section for pliers and then stop by the arts and crafts aisle; there are layers upon of bags of jewelry supply goodies to add to your craft treasure chest.  

Stop by yard sales, you never know what old jewelry folks are trying to get rid of. The same with auctions and estate sales. While most people are interested in the furniture, keep your eyes and ears at the ready for when the box or bag of jewelry is brought out. These boxes and bags may have been pre-picked through, but many end up leaving behind the beads, chains, pins, pendants and other sundries that we know we can recycle. I found three Austrian crystal necklaces this way which have colors that are not produced anymore.

3. Gem and Jewelry Shows

These are the most difficult because all you want to do is buy everything that you see. Strands of shiny moonstone and pink quartz beads sing to you like sirens. It is both Heaven and Hell to jewelery makers. Still, it is a great event to find incredible prices on tools, findings, and strings of beads that local jewelry stores often overprice. Don't forget to get business cards so that you can shop the vendor's online stores. Many of these vendors will give you

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