If you're new to bead craft, or think you may be interested, one of the first queries that may spring to mind is where you can buy beads online. Luckily, there are a lots of trustworthy web vendors, but before you race to find them, it might be worth taking a second to think about the advantages and drawbacks of ordering beads on the web.
The major advantage to being able to buy beads online is, obviously, comfort. From the comfort of your chair, you can browse a staggering array of alternatives (all from glass to wooden, to semi-precious and some specialty beads), drop what you prefer into your shopping cart, and with the touch of a key, they are on their way to you, fast and convenience, but there are two drawbacks to ordering beads online.
First is shipping cost. You can skip these completely and get a better deal if you frequent your regional brick and mortar store. Certainly, some vendors of beads online offer free shipping if you order more than a certain dollar amount. Always check out deals like this is purchasing beads online.
The second major drawback of purchasing beads online is the fact that bead craft is, at its essence, a tactile hobby. While shopping for beads, part of the pleasure is getting to reach out and touch them. To get a feel for them and see if you truly like them and if they will work for you in your projects. The way most brick and mortar shops are laid out, the beads are out in the open and on display, encouraging this hands on approach. You just don't get that when ordering beads over the internet.
My personal recommendation would be this:
If you have a brick and mortar bead shop in your local area, checkout what they have available as a first course. Perhaps even browse beads online to get an idea for things you wish to look for at the brick and mortar shop.
If you don't have a shop in your region specializing in bead craft and beading supplies, then check some chain shops to see what's available (Michael's is a good source, and even Wal-Mart's craft section has some beading supplies). Once you have exhausted the options of the local shops, then certainly turn your concentration to finding a source to buy beads online.
One last note, and a nod in favor of web based bead vendors are specialty beads. The brick and mortar stores are tremendous sources for standard supplies, but you may find that they do not carry particular specialty designs (just simply not enough local demand for it). So if you are looking for something rare or specialized, purchasing these beads online is almost certainly your best bet.
The major advantage to being able to buy beads online is, obviously, comfort. From the comfort of your chair, you can browse a staggering array of alternatives (all from glass to wooden, to semi-precious and some specialty beads), drop what you prefer into your shopping cart, and with the touch of a key, they are on their way to you, fast and convenience, but there are two drawbacks to ordering beads online.
First is shipping cost. You can skip these completely and get a better deal if you frequent your regional brick and mortar store. Certainly, some vendors of beads online offer free shipping if you order more than a certain dollar amount. Always check out deals like this is purchasing beads online.
The second major drawback of purchasing beads online is the fact that bead craft is, at its essence, a tactile hobby. While shopping for beads, part of the pleasure is getting to reach out and touch them. To get a feel for them and see if you truly like them and if they will work for you in your projects. The way most brick and mortar shops are laid out, the beads are out in the open and on display, encouraging this hands on approach. You just don't get that when ordering beads over the internet.
My personal recommendation would be this:
If you have a brick and mortar bead shop in your local area, checkout what they have available as a first course. Perhaps even browse beads online to get an idea for things you wish to look for at the brick and mortar shop.
If you don't have a shop in your region specializing in bead craft and beading supplies, then check some chain shops to see what's available (Michael's is a good source, and even Wal-Mart's craft section has some beading supplies). Once you have exhausted the options of the local shops, then certainly turn your concentration to finding a source to buy beads online.
One last note, and a nod in favor of web based bead vendors are specialty beads. The brick and mortar stores are tremendous sources for standard supplies, but you may find that they do not carry particular specialty designs (just simply not enough local demand for it). So if you are looking for something rare or specialized, purchasing these beads online is almost certainly your best bet.