by Erin Blubaugh

Created on: August 04, 2010

If you shop for beads the way I used to, you’ll soon be breaking out the scissors to assault your well-worn credit card.  However, there are several secrets to creating gorgeous pieces without pawning off your firstborn.  I learned these tips the hard way, but there’s no reason you have to.

Before expolring where and how to obtain a good deal on beads, there is one piece of advice that will save you hundreds.  Unless you are an experienced beader with stock to replace, only buy the beads and findings you need for the project at hand.  It’s so easy to be swept up by sales only to realize when you get to the register how quickly a handful of thirty-five cent beads can add up.  This tip is so important it bears repeating: Buy only the beads you need for your current project. 

With that critical warning out of the way, there are several ways to receive discounts and excellent deals on the beads you want.  One of the reasons people begin beading is because they recognize that good jewelry has one major drawback:  the price.  While making your jewelry yourself, you have to watch your spending, or you may pay retail for the privilege of putting hours into the finished piece.

Corporate stores frequently offer coupons for 40 t o 50 percent off one product.  Michaels and Joann, for example, will even e-mail these offers to you if you sign up online, including offers for 15% off your total, even if you have sale or clearance items.   It’s a great way to get good beads cheap.  Sometimes, however, you need more than one coupon.  Just Google it.  There are many sites that offer free printouts of a variety of craft store coupons.

Do you buy from independent bead stores?  Ask to get on their mailing list.  Most send out monthly coupons as well as ads for in-store specials.  Some even have bead nights where jewelry makers get a special discount for coming.

Are you a teacher?  Homeschooling your children, teaching crafts, or teaching for public or private schools can score you a good deal.  Joann Fabrics is currently giving an additional 15% off of your total just for being a teacher (clearance/sale items included).  Other stores have special discount days for professional teachers.

Want an especially expensive bead?  Go online.  Stores like Fire Mountain Gems will give hefty discounts just for buying a

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