Money Saving Jewelry Making Tips -Better Beader Episode 48 by PotomacBeads 

When my mom passed away I inherited her huge stash of seed beads, but I also inherited her button box. Some of these buttons, my grandmother had saved from her days as a seamstress. I pulled out many of these distinctive buttons, then shared the rest with two quilting groups. I wanted these buttons used, not landfill, had recently bought buttons prior to getting the box - was shocked by the card cost. The buttons I saved have been used for many projects - some though, they are for personal jewelry. Memories make Them far too precious!

I save the small pieces of wire from wire-wrapping projects that I can make my own jump rings with, sometimes I need a larger, or smaller jump ring then I have on hand, that way I don't waste any of the wire. Thanks for the video it is a big help and makes us think of our own money saving and time saving ideas.

Lotsa great tips, thanks, Allie, for sharing all this info.

When doing bead embroidery, I use metal snap fasteners, especially on bracelets. Size is important. On a 2.5 inch wide bracelet, I use a 14mm snap fastener. They are affordable and secure and invisible when wearing. You can use snap fasteners on bead weaving jewelry. I make two small squares in peyote, sew on the fastener and you're done! For necklaces I prefer beaded toggle clasps. My pendants serve a double purpose: as a brooch and a pendant. Ok, that's easiest when bead embroidering, but can be done with bead weaving too. The catch is that the pendant is single sided only. Nonetheless you get double use. Occasionally I get old jewelry from elderly ladies, which I take apart and use in my bead embroidery. Chain will be used as extender chain. If older jewelry is a bit dirty, I fill it in a small netted bag (larger pieces) or a hand sewn cotton bag (make from old t-shirt or cotton shopping bag), fill a bowl with warm, not hot, water and add mild liquid soap. Wash, rinse, and place it in its bag on a towel to dry. Larger beads, like table cut Czech glass, say 20 mm by 30 mm, I use as cabochons.

THANK YOU Allie, once again, for I sharing more of your GREAT ideas, tips, & knowledge with us. Hugs & Blessings 2U

I love this video. I own my own business and always looking for unique techniques. This is great. Thank you so much.

Thank you! This is helpful for this new beader! -- T.J. Rutherford

Trying to learn to make my own closures out of wire. It is coming along. Thanks for your tips!

Thank you so much for the information!!! Love it!! I have started looking at how to use findings in other ways to save money!

I also am making paper beads which I have seen u show us

Thanks for the info.....❤️ I just started using wire and the possibilities are endless.

Thanks so much

I haven't checked to see if you already have, but if you haven't, would you do a tutorial on how to make various clasps out of wire? Thanks Allie!

What a great video and knowledge thank you 💕💕💕

Valuable tips. Thanks for sharing!

Great tips Allie, thank you ! 💞💫

Thanks. Many great ideas.

Great ideas

What is the best gauge wire to make head pins? Clasps? Always enjoy your videos!

Great video, and grat tips. Now I know which strength of wire is best to use. Also how do you make that clasp you showed towards the end out of seed beads, is there a tutorial?

Pls share where I can get your silky tassel thread. And how to make tassel caps. Ty

Great ideas. Thank you. What do you use to smooth out the end that goes through the earlobe?

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