The seasons of spring and summer are big months for jewelry, which is why it might be a great time to pick up a new hobby to keep up with the demand. Whether you’re planning on hitting the spring festivals to sell your jewelry or if you want something chic to wear for your fashionable summer look, making your own jewelry can be a great way to enjoy a fun craft while saving money on accessories. Of course, there is a price tag associated with this hobby, if you don’t already know the tricks of the trade. These ten tips should allow you to enjoy saving money on your supplies, while also becoming a part of the jewelry community in your neck of the woods.
1. Shop Online
A lot of local stores can offer some decent deals on beads, but a lot of craft stores keep these items overpriced. Of course, you should always stop to check out the beads in your local store as you may find a great sale or find some inspiration in them. However, when it comes down to it, it might be wise to shop for your supplies mostly online. Here, you’ll have a greater selection from around the world. The beads tend to be offered at a reduced price too as these stores don’t have to hike up the prices as much to make ends meet. Thus, the savings are usually passed along to the customer. Shopping online will also allow you to learn more about the beads and supplies you’re choosing, especially when it comes to gemstones. Not to mention, it’s a lot easier to compare prices when you end up shopping online too and if you use shopping apps, you can instantly find coupons to help you out. Some sites will even reduce the price of shipping if you complete a large order.
2. Go Wholesale
If you plan on making a lot of jewelry, particularly the same styles, then wholesale deals are sure to become your best friend. Of course, this can also come in handy if you really fall in love with a certain bead and worry that it may disappear from the shopping list. You’ll also save big time when you purchase wholesale for the clasps, strings and other must have items you’ll need to make your jewelry a reality. These bulk buys take a huge price decrease, which will allow you to get more for your money, before it’s all said and done. Plus, wholesale websites often have a large selection which is sure to spark your interest.
3. Network
When you pick up any hobby, one of the best things you can do is network as much as possible. When you meet other people who make and sell jewelry, you’ll not only be able to boost your own sales but you’ll be able to find the best deals available. One of the best places to start your networking adventure is on social media. You should be able to join groups that will help you meet people that can offer tips or simply their friendship. Another great option is to follow or befriend designers that you look up to. Often, designers who aren’t world renowned are more than happy to help an up and coming jewelry maker. Apart from that you can help them with their advertising. Most of the time, when you do this, people are more than happy to share the love. You may also find local designers who can point you in the right direction of the best beads or sales in town, or at least introduce you to some great stores and shop owners who may be able to help.
4. Fairs/Conventions
If you’re into jewelry making, or just getting a start at the hobby then a fair or convention is the place to be. This is a great place to sell your items, if you’re already producing jewelry. Sometimes, the price of a booth can be pricey, but you can always share it with another hobbyist, so you get more for your money. Another great thing about fairs and conventions is sometimes designers will bring along their spare beads and sell them so they can make room for new items. This is especially common if a designer plans on ending their current theme and going in a different direction. Of course, if you’re not already into the designing aspect, then these locations can be the perfect place to go if you want to pick up a free tip. In fact, some designers will offer on the spot courses or can help guide you to tutorials or other resources that will help you get started.
5. Trade
One thing about the jewelry community is many of the people love the actual community aspect of the hobby. In fact, you may even be able to join a local club or group in order to express just how much you enjoy the hobby. These clubs can save you a bundle of money too. A lot of the time, designers will grow tired of some of their supplies, or they simply won’t have enough of an item to continue using it. Often, they will bring these items along to meetings and trade them for other items. This helps save so much money while still allowing you to enjoy fresh new supplies. If you can’t find a local group, then take to the internet. However, be leery of people who plan on trading here as some may be more interested in ripping you off. Try to work through a professional club that will work as a middle man, or check out the user’s reviews before you make a decision to trade in your supplies.
6. Second Hand Stores
Sometimes, if you go to the right thrift or consignment shops you can find some pretty awesome items to transform into jewelry. Often, the items will come in the guise of other jewelry. You may even be able to find some antique items to make your new designs a whole lot better. Some second hand stores will have a great selection of beads and other supplies though. These are usually donated by other designers or come in craft collections, so you may have to do a little digging around to find just what you want. You may even talk to the people who work in the shop to see if they will keep an eye on certain items. If you’re a regular shopper, then a lot of people may be more than happy to help out.
7. Refurbish
If you’re low on supplies and you have a bunch of jewelry you don’t like or use anymore then this could be the perfect way to replenish your supplies. You can easily scrap beads from other bracelets. However, some pieces may be harder to refurbish than others, so make sure to be careful when you are working on more delicate pieces. You may need some special tools in order to accomplish this, or you might want to look at a few tutorials to give you some inspiration or help regarding how to go about your refurbishing. If you’re in luck, you may even be able to come up with a whole new line of jewelry based on items you never even wear anymore.
8. Use Coupons
The great thing about shopping for craft supplies, like those needed for jewelry is that you can find some major coupons for these items. There’s tons of online coupons for these, especially if you subscribe to apps that are designed to help you find coupons. Of course, one of the best places to find coupons is actually in your local stores. Big craft stores like Hobby Lobby and Michael’s Craft Store actually put out some pretty awesome coupons every week. You can easily find coupons for up to 75% off on some items. The best thing you can do is hold off on some of your items, so you can use the big coupons to save the most about of money. If you get a coupon for a large sum off an item then wait and buy a more expensive item using this coupon. You can use coupons that take off the entire sum on a purchase for smaller items. All in all, if you shop wisely and use your coupons you should be able to save some big money. You may even be able to find some amazing Groupon deals for classes if you have friends who are also into the craft.
9. Take a Class
One of the best things you can do for your hobby is take a few classes, so you can improve your abilities. If you sign up for a course in your local area then there’s a good chance that supplies for the course will be covered, which will mean you’ll be able to make a new piece of jewelry without having to worry about paying for supplies. Sometimes, you can even try working with materials that you normally wouldn’t splurge on, which will give you new inspiration for the hobby. Of course, you don’t always have to take to a local class. There’s actually lots of online courses you can try on for size too. Although these won’t include supplies, they will allow you to improve your skills, so you’ll end up with flawless works of art that will look great on you, or will sell easier to your potential clients.
10. Make Your Supplies
If you really want to progress in your jewelry making skills, then you might want to try making your own supplies. There’s a whole lot of different things you can make to ensure each of your pieces show off more of your creative side. Weaving is one of the first and easiest steps to take when it comes down to it and you can probably create lovely woven pieces that will suit todays best trends. You may also want to try out carving your own wooden beads as this will be both relaxing and will allow you to create a more authentic bead. Metal casting is another option if you love making pendants and other detailed accessories. Last but not least, you may want to check out glass blowing, which will allow you to make colorful beads that will look spectacular on a bracelet, necklace or earrings. You can easily look up tutorials for all of these crafts for free, which will ensure you can easily unlock your talents.
Making your own jewelry will allow you to feel fulfilled while looking fashionable. With these ten tips, you should be able to enjoy your hobby without spending your entire entertainment budget on your hobby. Before you know it, you’ll feel like a professional without having to deal with the budget of one.
