Shopping for beads

[sam]

Hi,
Just wondered if anybody makes their own jewellry, and if so, can you reccommend a good (cheapish, good delivery etc) place to buy beads, charms and findings from?

Many thanks

Sam x

[suban]

Can I suggest you start looking in Jumble sales and recycle necklaces etc! The Jewellry Channel sell silver and gold plated findings. Their postage is reasonable and you pay one p&p per day! So you can put 10 separate orders in in a single day and you just pay the one p&p! I've had semi precious stones from them - the delivery was fairly quick and you get a free dvd with your first order. Their kits usually come with reels of elastic thread and tiger tail, voile bag and findings so you have plenty extra to use on other projects.

[Dips]

Ebay is a very good source, even China. I also use Southampton Bead Shop

[sam]

Thanks ladies.

I'll have a look a Southampton Bead Shop website later - thanks Dips.

I've already raided my childrens old bracelets and necklaces (and my old broken stuff) to recycle Suban - good idea about jumble sales.

I've got a full basket at Beads Direct that I've not yet taken the plunge and bought Elphaba, good to know that they have been recommended - think I might check that basket out.

Ta
Sam

[suban]

There's also The Beadery - their stuff has been on C&C before!

[LadyKatkin]

I would also recommend beadservice.net and the-beadshop.co.uk . You need to spend £30 to get free postage at both of those. Quick turnaround. Beads Direct get a recommend from me, too. It depends what you want, though, Sam. I'm a bead weaver, so I look for seed beads and crystals, clasps and Fireline.

[LoobyLou]

My Daughter used to get her supplies from ebay, as there are one or two really reliable sellers with reasonable prices