I have a question for anyone

[franmarz]

I am interested in making my own necklaces, I notice the some of the ladies on television, the news ladies mostly, are wearing large beads. Does anyone know how to get into this area, and where to go to fing out. Franmarz

[eleny]

1. Do you have a bead shop in your area?

I once took a beading class at a local bead shop. It lasted a couple of hours and we made a bracelet and earrings. They went over the basics.

There are a number of crafters here who are into beading. I'm sure you'll get a more complete reply in time!

[Katherine Brengle]

2. I haven't had a lot of luck finding good beads locally,

I'm sure it depends on your area, but I have ordered from firemountaingems.com and gotten some good stuff at good prices.

[eridani]

4. I'd recommend Fire Mountain also

They offer excellent discounts for bulk buying, and even smaller orders are quite reasonably priced.

[AllegroRondo]

3. Local bead shops, even Michaels, are a great start

start out with a beading magazine or two, or check your library for books on beading. Most magazines have a regular section on all the 'standard' techniques, and once you learn these basics the rest is wide open to explore.

Or, check on if a local shop has any beginners classes.

Its really not that difficult, and not very expensive, depending on what kinds of beads you use. I got a lot of my basic tools, wire, and starting stuff for under $50.

[Arkansas Granny]

5. I've ordered a lot of material from Fire Mountain Gems also.

They have a good website where you can find instructions and material lists for many projects. You can also sign up for a free catalog.

http://www.firemountaingems.com/

Another good website for projects is Bead Baubles and Jewels. They have a program that airs on many PBS stations. You might check your local station to see if they carry it.

http://www.beadsbaublesandjewels.com/

[Katherine Brengle]

6. The latest catalog came with a tutorial booklet as well --

it was pretty cool.