by Sandra Douglas

Created on: January 28, 2008   Last Updated: September 13, 2011

You've been admiring the beautiful beaded necklaces in the stores but oh, the prices! So you decided to make your own jewelry, stopped in at your local bead shop, and oh, the prices! How do you begin a new craft that appears to be so expensive to start? Don't despair. With a few tips, you can find your way into beading and actually save money on jewelry over the boutique prices.

First, start small. There is no need to invest in the most expensive beads at the start. True they are the most beautiful, and keep their beauty for many years, but it's likely that your first creations will rival the art projects at your local elementary school. I know mine did.

Start with the cheap plastic beads. Your local Wal-Mart craft section has lots of plastic beads. Many of them are sorted into kits with different sizes and colors matched and ready for a project. Some of the kits even come with bead string and findings. They aren't the best quality materials but perfect for the beginner. Your local craft stores like Michael's or Joann's will have a nice selection as well.

As a beginner, I found my daughter's closet to be a great source of beads. Her clothes often came with beaded belts that she didn't use. She also had some old jewelry and hair ties made from beads. With her permission, I took them apart and turned them into jewelry.

You will also need to invest in some tools, round nose pliers, flat pliers, and a cutter. How much you invest in tools depends on your budget. If you decide to get the cheapest tools, you'll be replacing them as soon as you decide you love to bead. Also, cheap tools can make beading difficult and frustrating where it doesn't need to be. My advice is to buy one or two tools in the best quality you can afford. I raided my husband's tool box for wire cutters and pliers to supplement the crimper and round nose pliers I purchased until I was ready to make more of an investment. Jewelry making tools can be found in the same stores that carry beads, the quality of the tools comparable to the quality of the beads they carry.

Once you have honed your skills on cheap plastic beads and are creating designs that you love, it's time to move into higher quality beads. Your creativity is about to explode. Bead stores are popping up everywhere. There you will find beads of natural stone and wood, gems, Czech glass, Swarovski crystals, and freshwater pearls. High quality beads will last longer than plastic. Plastic beads will lose their color over time where some

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