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Beading on a Budget Tips — Getting Started

Choosing Your First Project
If you are just starting out with beaded jewelry, it is a good idea to start for your first project to be a simple one, such as a bracelet or a set of earrings. This will get your feet wet in the world of beaded jewelry without breaking the bank. You can try out a project kit that will show you step by step bead stringing basics and other beginning beading techniques. You can also purchase books on beginning beading that come with full color illustrations, project ideas and instructions.
Choosing A Beading Book
When choosing a beading book, you will want to look for three major components. The book should have easy to follow, step by step instructions. The instructions should come with clear and easy to follow illustrations or pictures of the steps and techniques. Finally, the book should have a photograph of the finished product. To save on money, purchase a book or two that covers the basic beading techniques that you can then apply to a variety of projects.
Keeping Instructions Organized
If you have collected a large amount of beading instructions, you will want to keep them organized. Keeping instructions organized will help with finding projects for the future and help keep your craft area clean. Purchase an inexpensive three ring binder, sheet protectors and dividers. Decide how you want to organize your instructions. You can organize by technique or projects, such as necklaces, bracelets, etc. You can also divide by beginner, intermediate and advanced projects. Simply place the instructions in the sheet protectors and place in the appropriate section in the three ring binder. This is a simple and cost effective way of organizing your project instructions.
Keeping Patterns Organized
Another technique to keeping patterns organized is using a hanging file folder. File folders are inexpensive, yet they are easy to organize and label. If you don't have a desk with a hanging file folder drawer, you can purchase an inexpensive hanging file folder container to use. To stay organized, simply file away your pattern as soon as you are done.
Buying Wholesale Beads
Wholesale beads and jewelry supplies are great for large stores and the traditional hobbyist. Many online stores which offer wholesale pricing if you buy in quantity or if you have a resale certificate. A resale certificate would be used by someone who was going to sell their beaded jewelry and some stores require this before you can purchase wholesale beading supplies. You can also find wholesale jewelry findings and beading supplies at a variety of online stores as well. In many cases, retail on-line stores sell at prices comparable to traditional wholesale suppliers.
Stringing Beads
You can string beads on a wide variety of thread objects. The most common are leather cord, wire, string, clear cord, ribbon, satin cord, silk cord, and cotton cord. What you choose will be dependant on the project you are working on and your budget. Stringing materials can be found in any jewelry beading supply store. One inexpensive alternative to clear monofilament cord is to use clear fishing line, which is durable, strong and easy to use.
Beadworking Center on a Budget
Beading does not have to be a space hogging and budget breaking hobby. You can use zip bags for bead storage. You can use sandwich bags or purchase small hobby zip bags for your bead containers. Both are inexpensive and easy to find. You can store the bags in a small Tupperware style container, a fishing tackle box, or even an old shoe box if necessary. You can also check out the hardware store and use those organizing containers usually used for screws and other small objects. For really small beads, you should consider using vials for your bead storage. For more capacity, bead storage containers are readily available on-line or in your local bead shop.
Plan Ahead
Buying from an online bead store has several advantages and disadvantages. For a beginner beader, you may want to be able to physically look and at touch the beads to get a better idea of what the different kinds are like. However, you are likely to find better prices online, especially if you don't have a lot of craft or bead jewelry stores in your area. You can always go to a store, look at what you want, and then find the best deal online. If the product isn't what you want or expected, you can always return the items.
Tutorials and Galleries
There are plenty of places you can look for inspiration for your beaded jewelry. You can purchase books with different patterns and instructions, but there are plenty of places you can find patterns for free. Several online bead stores offer free pattern and project ideas, as well as galleries of projects. If you buy beads at a regular store, browse through the books and magazines they have to find inspiration for your next beaded project.
So Many Choices, Where to Start?
The selection of beads and findings available on the market is vast, and can be overwhelming to the novice beader. If you would like a great selection of beads but are working on a budget, consider purchasing bead mixes or discount bead assortments. Oftentimes these assortments are much cheaper then buying individually and will give you a great selection of beads to choose from for designing your projects.
Startup Inventory
It is a good idea to have a wide selection of beads and supplies on hand if you plan on starting your own business. The best way to stock up is to look for inexpensive beads and discount beading supplies. Look for bulk pricing, discount bead assortments, clearance beads, and sales. Glass beads are sometimes cheaper than gemstone beads and can look wonderful intermixed with more expensive beads. By being patient and searching for the best bargain, you will be able to stock up on supplies at a fraction of the cost.
Save Money on Holiday Projects
One of the best ways to save money on holiday projects is to plan in advance. Usually after the holiday season is over, you can find a huge variety of holiday beads offered at a discount. By stocking up now you create excellent projects while still beading on a budget.