Here are some resources I have found useful in my beading adventures:
A couple of books I've found useful for learning beading techniques (Click on title for links to Amazon.com):
Websites with (free!) beading tutorials or instructions:
Buying supplies:
I personally prefer beading stores and shows over larger craft stores like Michael's, even as a hobbyist I find the quality seems better. However, they ARE more expensive in most cases. Still, if you're interested in beading, I recommend finding a local bead store. The staff often has good advice on how to make what you want, and looking around is usually fun!
A couple of books I've found useful for learning beading techniques (Click on title for links to Amazon.com):
- Inspired Wire: Learn to Twist, Jig, Bend, Hammer, and Wrap for the Prettiest Jewelry Ever, by Cynthia B. Wuller
- Teach Yourself Visually: Jewelry Making and Beading by Chris Franchetti Michaels
Websites with (free!) beading tutorials or instructions:
- About.com has lots of free instructions for simple designs or basic techniques
- Beadage also has some free tutorials for simple designs
- Fire Mountain Gems and Artbeads both have pages with design ideas and instructions, too.
Buying supplies:
I personally prefer beading stores and shows over larger craft stores like Michael's, even as a hobbyist I find the quality seems better. However, they ARE more expensive in most cases. Still, if you're interested in beading, I recommend finding a local bead store. The staff often has good advice on how to make what you want, and looking around is usually fun!
- Beadworks is a small chain of stores with locations in the Boston area, as well as Atlanta, Westchester, NY, Dallas, Norwalk CT, and Providence RI. This is not the cheapest store, but the staff at the few I've been to are very friendly and glad to show you how to make something! If there's one near you, do check it out!
- Fusion Beads is one of my new favorites for buying beads online. They usually have good prices for someone like me who doesn't buy huge quantities, and they have free shipping in the US. If you're in Seattle, you can visit their store. I don't live there but I have been to their store, check out my review here
- Artbeads - I've shopped here a few times, and never had any problems. They sometimes have good sales
- Fire Mountain Gems - I've heard some complaints from others about the quality of beads here, especially stones, but so far personally had no problems. I've mostly ordered findings from this site
- Shipwreck Beads is another site, which I've found sometimes has the cheapest prices. It's a good idea to shop around between sites.
- Etsy - Yes, you can find supplies here! Especially if you're looking for handmade. You can also sometimes get good deals when someone is selling off items they bought for their own projects but haven't actually used.
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