Friday, September 26, 2008

Where I go for beads...

Right now since I'm still in the mostly pleasure stage as opposed to the business pleasure stage there are only a few places that I get my beads from. I think its important to really check on prices and shop wisely when you branch out into the business end of it so you will usually end up buying in bulk.


  • If I'm not getting ready for a show and I want to do a "one of a kind" piece, I may go to Beadworks on Thayer Street. They have some pretty unique stuff. The advantage is that I can get it NOW when I'm in a rush. The disadvantage is their prices.

  • Another "walk in" place I discovered about 2 years ago was Michael's Craft Store. The one in RI has a Bead Gallery section where they sell strands of beads at a somewhat decent price. I get picky about what kind of glass beads I will use and they had some nice ones. They also had some nice shell beads.

  • I mainly like to work with semi precious, wood, bone and horn all of these plus my findings I usually get from several places on line. They are eebeads , Shipwreck Beads and Fire Mountain Gems and Beads
This set was made using beads from eebeads and Shipwreckbeads:
From Sets

Business, Pleasure or Both



Over the years I've enjoyed relaxing by creating with beads. I get a picture in my head of what I would like to see, then just do it. In the beginning it was solely as a hobby, but then people started asking me to make them something and it brought in some extra cash. I had so many requests for jewelry that I decided to start a business, however I did no research or planning beforehand. BIG mistake. Never, never, never start your own business without researching and planning first. All you end up with is a lot of stress, frustrations, disappointment and bills. Nowadays there is plenty of information, tips etc on how to turn a hobby into a business. If that is what you are interested in doing then I encourage you to do some research before you take that first step. As for me, right now I don't want to lose the fun of beading while I plan so I am taking my time and still doing some research before I branch out again.