Bead Stringing Blog

With the economy the way it is, everybody can stand to save a little money where possible.

Of course, that includes bead stringers like you and me.

I’m kind of cheap and am always trying to think of ways to save a few pennies here and there, so I thought I would share a few ideas with you.

Take time to Find the Best Prices
OK, that seems kind of obvious, but I often meet fellow beaders who just stick with one or two vendors. I know that’s easier and more convenient and there’s value in that, but you are probably missing some big time savings opportunities if you don’t shop around. Some of the vendors I use have great prices on beads, and not so great prices on other beading parts, while another vendor is just the opposite. You also need to keep an eye out for different promotions and sales that can save you money. It all adds up!

Buy in Bulk with Your Friends
If you have some fellow bead stringers you know, then it probably makes sense for you to pool your money together and buy in bulk. As with most purchases, the more you buy at once the cheaper it tends to be.

Use Up Existing Supplies First
This used to be a big problem for me when I would get so excited about new beads and I would just keep buying without using what I had bought. Then my hubby got mad at me for spending so much on supplies, so I started getting more disciplined about my purchases. What works best for me is to make sure I have used up most of the supplies I bought before I buy new supplies. It takes a little discipline, but it has save me a bundle.

Trade with Fellow Beaders
You may find that your fellow beading buddies have excess stock of exactly what you are looking for, and you may have what they need. That’s a match made in heaven! You both get what you want without having to spend a penny!

Keep an Inventory List for Your Supplies
If you bead a lot, I am sure you’ve had the experience of buying new beads only to discover you already had some stashed away someplace that you forgot about. That has happened to me more times than I care to admit. I find that when I keep everything well organized, I don’t have the “double purchase” experience. There is also software available these days that can help keep inventory tracking of your beads and supplies.

Reuse Beads from Older Jewelry
I find myself doing this more often as my stock of finished jewelry grows. I have many pieces that either didn’t sell, or I didn’t put them up for sell because I fell in love with them. But if they’ve been sitting around for years, why not take them apart and give the beads new life with an exciting new design idea floating around in your head.