Bead Retreat anyone?

[Merandab4]

I was just introduced to beading. A Co-worker of mine is a Bead retreat consultant and introduced me to it. I love all the cool jewlery you can make. I did however check the bead stuff out at A.C Moore this weekend and have noticed that the beads there are so much cheaper then ordering out of the bead retreat catalog. My co-worker said that Bead retreat is the only company that she has found that sells "sterling silver". this is important to me as my skin seems to break out if I wear imitation jewlery. I was browsing online at Micheals.com and saw that they are advertising "sterling silver" beads and clasps as well.

I have never done beading before and the consultant says that the bead packs do not come with intructions. I would love to invite this consultant to my home to do a party, but she charges each guest a $10 fee, plus the cost of the item that she teached us how to make that evening, ( one of the least expensive items is a bracelet for like $7 or $8). I do not feel comfortable inviting people to a party and telling them they have to pay $17 just to come and that doesn't even include if they want to buy anything. Besides, none of my friends/family whom I would be inviting do not bead, so this would be there first introcuction to it and i think that is kind of expensive for someone to do something that they might not even like.

Okay, Sorry this post is kind of long. I was just wondering if anyone else is into beading, and if you can share any advise like, Where do you get your beads, what quality are they, how much do you usually spend per piece, Do you use bead retreat and what do you think of it? Also, for someone just starting out, what kind of tools should I get. My co-worker said I should be okay with just a pair of pliers. My husband's pliers are kind of yucky, so he is going to buy me some "real crafting tools". She said I could get these at any local craft store and did not have to buy them from Bead retreat. Any suggestions? Thanks for any help you all can provide!

 

[Merandab4]

Hasn't anyone heard of this?

 

[DSNYRose]

A co-worker introduced me to beading a couple of years ago. She was just starting out herself, so we both just experimented with making jewelry. Since then I've only made a few pieces, so I'm not an expert.

I just wanted to mention that I bought cheap jewelry plyers, beads, clips, pins, etc from Walmart and Hobby Lobby (craft store). I saved the specialty bead shops and catologs for the fancy beads that I couldn't find in the above mentioned stores.

 

[bananiem]

I've never heard of them. I've made a few bracelets out of beads, wire and tools I got at Michael's. I've gotten a few compliments on them. There is a specialty store here that sells beads but I haven't had a chance to go in and check prices yet.
As far as Bead Retreat being the only company that sells sterling silver....They may mean the only "home sales" company with sterling silver. Otherwise I'd say their claim is hogwash.

 

[mommie2angels]

I usually buy my beads and things from Hobby Lobby because their selection is so good. They carry sterling silver. They have 50% off pretty often too on all their beads and supplies. If you really get into it this place has great prices on sterling silver. The more you buy the cheaper the price. http://estore.hhhenterprises.com/e/

 

[ajksmom]

I love to bead!!! Instead of having a bead retreat party of your own why not ask your friend when someone in your area is hosting one that you can attend. Or else check you local stores to see if they offer beading classes. In my area Michael's, ACMoore, Joann's and the local bead shops all offer classes. They range in price from 10 - 35 dollars depending on what the class offers. I took a class through Joann's a few years ago to start out with and found it gave you all the "basics" that you'll ever need.
I purchase most of my beads from local bead shops or on the internet. The pricing and quality is much better than what you'll find in these craft stores. Here are my favorite online places that I've purchased from over the last few years. If you do a search you will find LOTS more.

www.finedings.com - GREAT place to purchase sterling silver. They allow you to purchase in small quantities too which is perfect.

www.firemountaingems.com - great variety of all kinds of beads. better quality tools than you'll find at the craft stores. also very good "stringing" material selection. good pricing especially if you buy in bulk.

As for:
what quality beads I buy - best that I can afford. Depending on the project I might choose to use "regular" crystals or else splurge on "Swavorski" crystals if its something special.
how much I spend per piece - I've made SS earrings for a few cents, and I've got a Labradolite necklace I made for about 25 dollars that I've been encouraged to sell at shows for 100!! I just can't part with it!!!!
Bead Retreat - never have used them. For someone interested in beading the $ amount of "class" or materials fees doesn't seem too excessive to learn the basics. They however ARE NOT the only place to find sterling silver products!!!
Tools - To start out with I would recommend getting a pair of
"chain nose pliers" similar to needle nose without the "teeth" - won't leave marks
"flush cutters" to cut your thread, accuflex, or wire - whatever you are stringing on
"round nose pliers" come in handy working with jump rings,etc

If you have any other ?'s ask away here or PM me.
Kristy