How to Buy Beads on a Tight Budget

When you don't have a lot of money or the economy is in a financial hardship, sometimes it's hard to get extra money to supply the hobbies or activities that we like to do. For jewelry makers, beads are practically a necessity. While some beads may cost more than others, you can find quality beads without spending too much money. If you are on a tight budget, follow some of these steps to purchase the beads that you need for your projects.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• creative imagination
• contacts with thrift or antique shops
• newspapers
• notebook to plan your spending budget

1. 

   Look over your current spending budget and decide how much you would like to spend for beads. Do not spend any more than you plan on for your beading hobby. Keep all of your receipts and record all of your purchases in a notebook that will be used just for your hobby or business.

2. 

   Browse local thrift and antique shops. Look for jewelry pieces with unique beads and the colors that are of interest to you. Find jewelry that will be easy to take apart so that you can use the components.

3. 

   Search for beads and wholesale lots on Ebay. There are several listings for all types of beads on ebay. You can find glass, lampwork, pearls, Swarovski crystals,and even beading tools. Make sure you browse the wholesale beading lots too. It can be cheaper to buy in bulk than to purchase beads in single units.

4. Visit wholesale beading and jewelry websites such as ArtBeads.com. Artbeads offer free USPS shipping in the United States and allow customers to buy in bulk or in single units.

5. Shop in retail chains like Walmart. Beads can be found in the craft section. Most beads are all under $5.00 and can be affordable for any strict spending budget.

6. 

   Read your local newspapers for area garage sales. Some garage sales sell old jewelry that will have unique beads and material on them. Most jewelry can be purchased at very low prices at garage sales. These purchases will keep your jewelry designs unique and original also.

7. Take notes of all of your favorite bead shopping outlets so that you will remember where to buy your favorite beads and supplies.

Resources

• ArtBeads
• Sentimental Jewelry
• Buy Beads on Ebay

[Felicia822]

on 12/23/2008 Cool article, and craft stores are great like AC MOORE, they have take apart jewelry starting at $1.00

[JewelrySource]

on 8/7/2008 A great source for wholesale beads is WholesaleVintageBeads.com. They are a wholesale website that allows retail customers to purchase. Also if you add the customer code: newcustomer at checkout you will get an additional 10% off your first order.

[Walkaboutangel]

on 3/24/2008 Thanks for sharing...+++

Angel

[juliesam3]

on 3/14/2008 I hadn't thought about these places to buy my beads. I just started my jewlry making hobby and was coming up emptyhanded in finding different types of beads than the ones I already have. Thanks for the tips.

[Muddy]

on 2/25/2008 Don't forget the possibility of joining a bulk-buying group on the internet. That way, you can get big reductions by sharing purchases with a lot of other jewelry makers.