Jewelry makers, let's talk about where the best places are to buy beads and jewelry making supplies. I tend to buy a lot of stuff on eBay, just because of the really great bargains, but I have also found many other on-line suppliers that I use on a regular basis. I also have a favorite supplier of organza gift bags that I use for wrapping all jewelry purchases (a nice added touch). Who is your favorite supplier and why?
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Go to bead shows!!! Here in PA, we get Bead Fest and Jewelry Fest in Philly every year, and several wholesale jewelry shows come through as well. Many of these have bead distributors showing their wares, so you get the combination of great prices and the ability to sort through and pick your strands, which you can't do online or from catalogs. I get all my Bali silver for the year at these shows, since the competition between companies encourages good prices. I carry a calculator to keep track of what I drop in my tray so I can TRY to stay within budget, and I have a blast. It's worth travelling to one of these things. If you sell jewelry, have your wholesale # available (or your social security #), and you can ask for the company's wholesale prices. This often means 50% off, even off their show specials!! I have even gotten 50% off when they are selling out low cost gemstone beads at $1/strand!
