Does anyone know of any places I can go to for really cheap beads and clasps? I've looked up the prices for clasps and they are so expensive!
By Loleini
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Depending on the kind of clasp you want, if you have a few simple hand tools and some wire, you can make your own. I make jewelry, and I prefer handmade findings. Generally, they will end up costing less than buying clasps. If you don't have any tools and you need only a few clasps it might be cheaper to buy ready-made, but if you're making many pieces it might be worthwhile to buy a few tools and learn how to make them.
If you enjoy working with metal, you can even buy sheet and get yourself a jeweler's saw and make more substantial pieces. I made a really cool toggle to go with one of my bracelets that way.
If you scroll down this page to the Wire Working Techniques section, you'll find instructions for a simple clasp.
www.fusionbeads.com/
You can also do your own search and find other instructions. Jewelrylessons.com has a lot of tutorials (some are free).
As for inexpensive beads; what kind are you looking for? I have a sales tax license and usually buy mine wholesale. I mostly buy stones (never plastic, and very rarely glass). If I want Swarovski crystals, I usually order online. I try to make it to the Rings & Things bead show when it comes to our city (once a year), and load up. "Cheap" is going to be relative.
Sometimes you can get nice quality beads at a good price, but then sometimes "cheap" quality beads cost too much for what they are. If you have a Hobby Lobby or Michael's in your area they routinely have sales on beads/jewelry making supplies and coupons online or in the newspaper.
Keep an eye out at yard sales,thrift stores or Estate sales. Old clasps, beads from several items not just jewelry and other interesting things can be bought rather cheaply.
Keeper
I've recently started making bead crafts and have found amazing bargains on Ebay. I took a chance and ordered a few beads from Hong Kong. They are great. I could give you the names of some of the sellers if you like. Of course you can also buy more expensive better quality ones They are also mostly free postage items. I've bought lots of beads and jewellery making things, super buys and fast delivery.
Try Fire Mountain Gems. They have some pretty good prices and everything ships for $5 no matter the size of the order. www.firemountaingems.com
An update about FireMountainGems.com. As of September 2017 their shipping has gone up to $5.99. This is the first increase I have seen in about 20 years.
You need to check out the thrift stores. I often see beads and other craft items in these stores. People start projects and never finish them- the supplies are given to the thrift store.
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