I love to make things, and I LOVE to make things with beads.  The tough part is finding the beads that I like for a price that I can afford.  Sure there are TONS of beads available on Ebay, but how do you know that what you are getting is worth what you're paying?

Here are some tips!

1: Get a good ruler.  When the auction says "10mm long" use your ruler to get a "real feel" for the size of the bead.  It might not be as big in real measurements as it is in your mind.  (I know I've made this mistake many times)

2: READ THE FINE PRINT!!  Is the bead genuine or a "genuine imitation"? Some stones I like to use are better and more affordable in the "stabilized" or "man-made" versions. Be sure the auction tells you if they are genuine stones or something else.

3: Watch your shipping charges.  A .49 strand of beads is great! But the shipping at over 5.00 is a killer.  Sometimes its still worth it, but shop around, you might find the beads a little more expensive with cheaper shipping that overall saves you money!

4: Buy old costume jewerly for the parts. I LOVE getting antique costume jewerly cheap, and reusing the parts. Not only will you get some cool beads, but you'll get findings (clasps, pins, jump rings, etc) too.  Now that's a bargan!

5:Think about the whole project cost. I once saw this wonderful bracelet I just knew I could make in a catalogue for about 30 bucks.  Once I got through buying the parts, beads and paying shipping, I spent 40.  This is easy to do, so watch that total cost!

6: Keep some neat beads in stock.  No one wants to wait when that idea pops into your head.  As you look at the auctions, look for some beads that might not work with THIS project, but you might use later on. Its even better if you get them cheap and with a discounted shipping for ordering more than one item from that seller.

7: And finally, if someone else can make it, you can too.  A little trial and error leads to great beaded creations. Your imagination is the only limit you have, after all, everything you could ever want is on Ebay!