Are you an aspiring beader, or you've already gotten into it but are seeking out places where you can find beads? I've been doing this for quite some time now, so I've amassed some resources for places to purchase beads from. My top six places to buy seed beads are:
1. Amazon: As with anything on Amazon, be sure to closely read reviews for any beads you are considering before making a purchase. While I have found some beads that have been good for making beaded jewelry, there are some out there with colors that can scratch off. Many of the beads that I have found on Amazon, especially the ones that come with assorted colors in a case, are not uniform in size, so they won't be suitable for all projects.
2. Aura Crystals: This retailer is tied for my top place to get beads from (with Michaels being the other favorite). The difference between Aura Crystals and Michaels is that while I can see the beads in person at Michaels, there isn't as big a selection. Aura Crystals has a huge selection of colors and sizes for all of my fringe earrings projects, and their beads are coded so that you can find the same color in various sizes. One drawback is that oftentimes the specific beads I am looking for are sold out, but they typically eventually get restocked.
3. eBay: If you know what you're looking for in regards to bead sizes and colors, eBay can be a great resource. As with Amazon, pay attention to the seller's rating and customer reviews.
4. Etsy: Etsy isn't just a place to buy handmade goods, but it's also a great place to find the supplies you need to make those goods as well! If you're going to shop for beads or any other jewelry-making supplies on Etsy, be prepared to spend hours scouring shops, but once you establish a few shops you like to buy from, you're set!
5. Fire Mountain Gems: As far as online bead suppliers go, Fire Mountain Gems is probably the most well known. They have a huge selection of beads and other supplies, and offer a wholesale program as well.
6. Michaels: Michaels has a good selection of basic bead colors and does sales often, but their inventory can be hit or miss. (I sometimes end up going to two or three locations in one day to find the beads I need.) I recommend joining their rewards program that lets you earn vouchers for $5 or more off of your purchase, and the app always has at least one coupon that you can use.
2. Aura Crystals: This retailer is tied for my top place to get beads from (with Michaels being the other favorite). The difference between Aura Crystals and Michaels is that while I can see the beads in person at Michaels, there isn't as big a selection. Aura Crystals has a huge selection of colors and sizes for all of my fringe earrings projects, and their beads are coded so that you can find the same color in various sizes. One drawback is that oftentimes the specific beads I am looking for are sold out, but they typically eventually get restocked.
3. eBay: If you know what you're looking for in regards to bead sizes and colors, eBay can be a great resource. As with Amazon, pay attention to the seller's rating and customer reviews.
4. Etsy: Etsy isn't just a place to buy handmade goods, but it's also a great place to find the supplies you need to make those goods as well! If you're going to shop for beads or any other jewelry-making supplies on Etsy, be prepared to spend hours scouring shops, but once you establish a few shops you like to buy from, you're set!
5. Fire Mountain Gems: As far as online bead suppliers go, Fire Mountain Gems is probably the most well known. They have a huge selection of beads and other supplies, and offer a wholesale program as well.
6. Michaels: Michaels has a good selection of basic bead colors and does sales often, but their inventory can be hit or miss. (I sometimes end up going to two or three locations in one day to find the beads I need.) I recommend joining their rewards program that lets you earn vouchers for $5 or more off of your purchase, and the app always has at least one coupon that you can use.
I hope this list is helpful, and happy beading!
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