Tip 6: Classes

How do you learn?  If you are the kind of person that learns by reading, on the learning level, this blog may not appeal to you, but on the socializing tip...here are some options on how to save money on Classes...

Here in my neck of the woods, there are three beading shops that I visit consistently that offer classes... Nomadic Notions; Sea of Beads and Lapis Lane Beads. 

 

Option #1:  Limit yourself: Part of my beading budget includes classes or rather one class per month...if there happens to be more than one class that I really want to take, I have to decrement the beading money...never (well sometimes never) do I tap into the rest of my household budget.  Awesome interaction with other beaders!

 

Option 2:  youTube is my best friend...I've subscribed to my favorites, Karla Kams, Beadaholique or Off The Beaded Path (to name a few) so everytime they upload new videos I'm informed and I can go check them out from the comfort of my own home.  Saves of gas, beads (cause you know you buy beads when you get to the bead store) and "class" money.  Be prepared to hit pause a lot.

 

Option 3:  Beading Groups...  Two of these shops on a monthly basis offer what's called a Bead In or Bead Brunch.  This is where the store opens a couple of hours prior to normal business hours and us beaders can just bead and socialize.  These are free (some conditions may apply).  One of the shops require that you've at least taken one class with them to be eligible to participate in the bead in.  Great interaction with other beaders at different ability levels who just may very well teach you something just because.  If you happen to be in an area where you don't have a Bead Society or other beaders that you know of, you can start your own, like I did.  I started a meetup group at called the Jolly Jems.  At first the group started out at 5 people and now membership is up to 70+.  There are some members who are willing to teach a stitch, or design or something and this we typically do for free.  I organize my own meetings and trips and whatever else and those that are available to participate do so.

 

Happy Beading!!!!

Tip 5: Where to Shop

Today's blog offers tips on shopping for our beads and supplies!

First thing I did, was to get a Sales and Use tax license.  In the state of Texas, that means 8.25% I don't have to pay at Point of Sale.  Of course on the back end, I've got to do a lot of paperwork (I choose to file quarterly), and maintain receipts...that is the life of an entrepreneur.

One of the perks of being a member of the Austin Bead Society, is many of the local bead stores offer discounts...+Legendary Beads (15%); +Sea of Beads (10%); +Nomadic Notions (10%).  Original Beads in San Antonio, offers ABS members a discount as well.  Additionally, Nomadic Notions and Sea of Beads both offer 20% discount off materials on the day of a class. 

I recently discovered ebay as a place for shopping for beads and beading material... I saw a listing on ebay 1000 4mm Swarovski Crystals (this was for auction).  With only minutes left, I bid $.99 and guess what, I won!  Yeah!!!  Good deal right?  Well, seller was in China and it was $10+ for S&H.  My thought process was, at $.01 per bicone, if they truly were Swavorski, this was a major steal..if not and they were Czech or Austrian, still no big deal...there was just nowhere that I could purchase 1000, 4mm bicone crystals for under $12.  Draw backs...long shipping time and you just weren't sure whether or not they were Swarovski's.  To me, well worth it...I just don't list that I use Swarovski Crystals in my product details.

Other places you might find some good deals...

 

Some of my favorite online stores always have deals and specials running...check them out online and sign up for email newsletters...Auntie's Beads, Fusion Beads; INM Crystals and of course Firemountain Gems...

 

 

Almost forgot, the best place to shop...bead shows!...OMG how could I forget! There are many to choose from.  I try to stay as local as possible...more money to spend on beads!  It's a beaders dream...beads of all colors, shapes and sizes and all (mostly) priced to sell.  It's wonderful if you have a Sales and Use License (No paying tax) and the vendors (many of them) will have bulk specials...buy 10 get 9 or some other thing that you can really get more bang for your buck!

Happy Shopping!