Craft stores

[Celestial_Mana]

Hey, So I'm looking for craft stores for materials to make my own jewelry. I'm looking at Miachael's, but they don't have the prices up online, but Joann does and the prices seem reasonable. Anyways, do you guys have any suggestions for stores?

[faolan]

According to my friend, who makes jewelry, Michael's has a somewhat better selection and much better prices than Joann's. It might vary a bit from store to store, but you'd probably be best scoping them both out in person, if you can. ^_~ She seems to rely on Michael's only for basic supplies, though -- she's found a few local bead stores (which is using the term "local" a little loosely, seeing as how it's at least a half hour's drive to the closest one), that she visits periodically for more unique things to use. On top of that, she buys from some artistic bead suppliers on Etsy, I believe. 3nodding

[Celestial_Mana]

faolan

According to my friend, who makes jewelry, Michael's has a somewhat better selection and much better prices than Joann's. It might vary a bit from store to store, but you'd probably be best scoping them both out in person, if you can. ^_~ She seems to rely on Michael's only for basic supplies, though -- she's found a few local bead stores (which is using the term "local" a little loosely, seeing as how it's at least a half hour's drive to the closest one), that she visits periodically for more unique things to use. On top of that, she buys from some artistic bead suppliers on Etsy, I believe. 3nodding

Ah. I see. Thank you.

[Albino Sea Monkey]

I also second Michaels instead of Joanns. Joanns has an extremely limited selection at "meh" pricing. Sometimes they have good sales, but most of the time it's pretty junky. Michaels usually has good sales and good prices otherwise, and much better quality and selection.

If you have a Hobby Lobby nearby, I suggest them for jewelry too. Local bead shops will always have the best selection of beads, findings, and wires, but most of the time it will be a higher price.

[Grimwyse]

Celestial_Mana

Hey, So I'm looking for craft stores for materials to make my own jewelry. I'm looking at Miachael's, but they don't have the prices up online, but Joann does and the prices seem reasonable. Anyways, do you guys have any suggestions for stores?

Shopping at various places, I think price wise it's something like: (Highest to Bargain-ish)
Joanns
Michaels
AC Moore
Hobby Lobby.

Of course, that's from Asheville, NC prespective.

Now. You can find some nice strands and items on www.etsy.com as well, stuff you might not find at those physical stores.

[Celestial_Mana]

Guh. I'll probably hit up Micheal's and search the interwebz for local stores....The closest hobby lobby and Ac is like 100 miles away. emotion_0A0

[God-the-almighty]

If you live in Minneapolis there is a bead store in the mall of america as well as one near Hennipen and lake street. You can also go to 2nd hand stores and buy old jewelry for the beads, clasps and stuff. It's cheaper than a craft store and sometimes you can find some amazing beads. My mom, sister and I have done this for years. We collect the beads and make things.

[Celestial_Mana]

Lol, nope. I live in Florida.

[Serena Rhapsodos]

Pretty much any place but Joann's will be great. I only have a Micheal's and a Joann fabric store and I have to go to Joann's to get one type of clay because Micheal's doesn't sell it.

Other than that... There are way better deals at Micheal's or any other store, online or in person.

[sprite_of_the_shadows]

I like Micheal's and Hobby Lobby but make sure you watch the sales, I rarely buy things at full price at either place there is always an online coupon for 40% off one regular priced item and if you can be patient there stuff usually goes on sale for 40 or 50 % off every few weeks.

[mockingjay_everdeen]

faolan

According to my friend, who makes jewelry, Michael's has a somewhat better selection and much better prices than Joann's. It might vary a bit from store to store, but you'd probably be best scoping them both out in person, if you can. ^_~ She seems to rely on Michael's only for basic supplies, though -- she's found a few local bead stores (which is using the term "local" a little loosely, seeing as how it's at least a half hour's drive to the closest one), that she visits periodically for more unique things to use. On top of that, she buys from some artistic bead suppliers on Etsy, I believe. 3nodding

^ This. It also depends on location. The Michael's near me is messy and unorganized with their jewelry. I work at Jo-Ann's and the location I'm at is huge. Huuuuge. With lots to pick from. I don't understand why Michael's has no prices on their site...

[mockingjay_everdeen]

Lima Beads

[Celestial_Mana]

I'll make sure to visit the stores...Looking at Joann's website though, they seem to have reasonable prices and interesting finds.

[mockingjay_everdeen]

Celestial_Mana

I'll make sure to visit the stores...Looking at Joann's website though, they seem to have reasonable prices and interesting finds.

Sign up and get some coupons. Presidents Day sale, all strung beads are half off, as are Swarovski crystals. Juuust reading the mail flyer emotion_kirakira

[Celestial_Mana]

mockingjay_everdeen

Celestial_Mana

I'll make sure to visit the stores...Looking at Joann's website though, they seem to have reasonable prices and interesting finds.

Sign up and get some coupons. Presidents Day sale, all strung beads are half off, as are Swarovski crystals. Juuust reading the mail flyer emotion_kirakira

Lol. You seem to love Joann's.