where the best place to get beads? store or catalog?

Question

i like fire moutain jems..and some online beads....wheres
the best place in the world to get beads/?

Answer 1

If I get my beads I usually buy them at the store for I sometimes get confused with the sizes online but if you want to shop online I go to http://www.joann.com/ because sometimes they have really good sales and most of the time they hold free shipping for purchases over $25.00. I also shop at :

http://www.shipwreckbeads.com/

http://www.houseofgems.com/Beads/?gclid=CJmk8NKR7okCFQsEVAodajJpKQ

http://www.artbeads.com/?utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=plm&utm_campaign=beads&utm_term=beads

http://www.beadworks.com/us/

Answer 2

Neither one, consistently. Sometimes the local crafts store is the best place to find beads (Michaels generally has beads of a slightly higher quality than JoAnn's, I've found) and sometimes online is the best place. I like the MadBeader on eBay for some things and Fire Mtn for almost everything else. Fusion Beads is another good online bead store.

Michaels has recently added a nicer line of beads (the kind you'd usually find in a little specialty bead shop, but at a better price) to their regular stores. I really enjoy working with those.

If you're looking for sterling silver beads, wire, or chains, I'd highly recommend the Santa Fe Jewelers Supply. They have these things in a high quality at a low price. The website takes a little getting used to, but once you do, it's fine.

Answer 3

I guess it depends on the type of beads.. For silver bali type beads, I like www.ForeignSource.com, Halstead Beads, or www.Zeelver.com..

For lampwork beads, I am a lampwork glass bead artist, so I don't have to purchase them but if I did, eBay or individual self-representing artists websites. Please make sure when you buy glass beads, they are annealed properly. The glass beads you find at places like Michaels, Oriental Trading, AC Moore and the like are cheap chinese and indian import glass beads that haven't been annealed and will crack if they haven't already.

For crystals like Swarovski, www.RainbowsofLight.com has the best prices or if I only need a small quantity, Fire Mountain.

For everything else, I kinda look around.
:-)

Answer 4

I have gotten some of the most amazing beads on Ebay. If you look hard you can find some real bargains. I have ordered from at least 50 different sellers and was only disappointed one time.

Answer 5

Michaels craft store has an incredible selection of beads.

www.orientaltrading.com has lots of beads; they do one whole catalogue just for beading. You can request a catalogue on their website.

Answer 6

http://www.bolekscrafts.com/homepage_1.htm
I recently came across this catalog. Haven't ordered as of yet though. Hope its good.