If you’re keen to start making fun things using beads, such as bags, jewelry or hair accessories, there are some important things you need to know before you begin. Just follow these five tips for having fun with beads. And save money by looking into bulk beads (or discount beads online). Buying bulk beads is fantastic because you can do more than one project at a time and not have to worry about running out of beads when you are not finished. Whether your are buying beads for a business venture or for fun, buying bulk beads (or discount beads or beads online) will definitely help.

1. Know your beads and what you are buying. Do your research, make sure you know exactly what you need. You need to know the difference between each material. You need to know how the beads were made and what treatments were involved
2. Make sure you are clear on the exact size of the bulk beads you are ordering. Photos can be very deceptive!
3. Make sure you are 100% clear on the quantity you are ordering
4. Choose a reputable or well-established supplier or retailer or online beads supplier
5. Make sure you know the postage costs and any other costs which may be incurred

I agree that buying in bulk is a good investment when working on bead projects.  Buying online is very convenient, but the key is knowing exactly what to buy.

When first starting out it will be informative to go through the process of going to all the different craft stores in your area and seeing for yourself what different styles of beads look and feel like. This will give you the chance to experiment with different groupings of types of beads, size and color combinations until you find the beads you prefer for your jewelery making or fashion designs. Once you have that settled, then the most cost effective choice you can make is to buy beads in bulk from an online warehouse store.

As usual with any online purchases, it is important to shop around to confirm the quality and reputation of your warehouse bead store. If you are looking for glass or porcelain beads, using a store that ends up specialized in plastic or acrylic beads will be frustrating for you.

I’ve found that hitting garage sales, yard sales and flea markets is often a great way to find some great older jewelry pieces that may be dated, but could be taken apart and used to liven up a different piece I’m working on. I like to mix the old and new beads together, sometimes producing interesting results which grab the eye more than a string of similar beads might.

I’m a true bargain hunter and I usually find that most people don’t give “costume” bead jewelry any real value at yard sales. More than once I’ve been picking through a box of costume jewelry and someone will walk over and just say, “You can take the whole thing for $5.00…”

An even greater finder at some of these sales is costume pieces that really don’t need much work to make them interesting and exciting again. I’ve found matching bead jewelry necklaces and bracelets where all I had to do was change out the clasps and clip on a charm to breathe new life into an old design.

Saving money on supplies is more important than ever to us crafty folk, but there are some hidden dangers to mass produced beads and some old jewelry.  I have addressed the concerns of some of my customers in my blog.  Please click here for more information. 

I found your blog really interesting and recommend it to other beaders.  It was important information!