Any advice for a beading beginner?

**MomK** · 12-06-2009, 07:17 PM

I have been looking into beading as a new hobby for 2010 (like I need another hobby). I ordered the catalog from Oriental Trading Co. of their beads and tools.

Anyone have any advice for a beginner beader?

Should I start out buying the kits they sell at Oriental Trading?

How many tools do I need to get started?

What would you start making? necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or sets of all three?

Thanks in advance for any advice! I trust all you FVers!

**madhen** · 12-06-2009, 07:33 PM

To get started, you really only need three tools: a flat-nosed plier, a round-nosed plier, and a wire cutter. I would suggest that you get a good quality set, preferably one of the German-made ones, as they are VERY good and will last a life-time. I've used the cheap ones and I've used the more expensive ones, and it is the difference between getting a cheap-looking product or getting the product you want.

A lot of what else you need depends on what you want to make. Typically, if you want to make earrings, you will at least need earwires and headpins. If you have allergies to base metals, you'll want sterling silver or gold.

Oriental Trading Company is "okay," but doesn't really cater specifically to serious beaders. I LOVE Fire Mountain Gems catalog. You might want to check out their website.

**McD** · 12-06-2009, 08:53 PM

I have no advice, but Daisygirl owns her own beading store and would be able to offer some great advice!

**sinopa27** · 12-06-2009, 11:26 PM

Check out the listing of bead, jewelry and gem shows that may come to your area. In my area they come in May and October.

**frugalfranny** · 12-07-2009, 02:26 AM

Originally Posted by madhen

Oriental Trading Company is "okay," but doesn't really cater specifically to serious beaders. I LOVE Fire Mountain Gems catalog. You might want to check out their website.

Some good advice from MH - but Or. T. Co is 'just barely' okay - have ordered from them and the 'cliche' comes to mind "you get what you pay for".........if you are just going to bead something for kids - or to see if you like it - then -maybe.......but.....

Be sure to go on-line and get info too.........there is TONS of free info out there - and hints and tricks plus sites that sell.

**madhen** · 12-07-2009, 07:13 AM

And check to see if there are any bead stores in your area. 99.9% of them have classes, and there is no faster way to learn than by doing!

**bluedog** · 12-07-2009, 04:15 PM

I have a small beading business and agree Or T is pretty much barely beads actually. Also, agree about Fire Mountain Gems--I bought from them for a long time until my hobby turned into a business. I now work almost exclusively with seed beads and buy from Foxden. As to what to make? start with small and simple until you have some skills--which you will have quickly as this is a really fun thing to do. LOTS of info on net!!

**lparker** · 01-27-2010, 07:13 AM

My wife buys ALL her beads from Fire Mountain Gems. They have a huge selection running from plastic to gem stone beads...also have a great help section online. She started with the plastic beads to see if she liked it, graduated to glass, and now is almost exclusively gem stone. She buys faceted gem stones and settings from Jewelry TV and works them into her jewelry.

www.firemountaingems.com
www.jtv.com

**pat in east texas** · 01-27-2010, 10:31 AM

Use quality materials, and start with easy stuff. Many people want to do it all at once, and then get discouraged.

**Jenibelle** · 01-27-2010, 12:27 PM

When ordering or buying supplies do so with a specific project in mind. When I first got into beading/jewelry I went nuts and spent nearly $100 on beads & other supplies that i thought were absolutely necessary and looked "cool". Most of them are still sitting in my craft box...never used! So plan out your projects then find the supplies you need!