Modern Venetian Glass Beads Wanted

Q: To any that can help! I'm trying to find venetian glass beads that are like the one's in the Beadbox catalog, but not so high priced.

A:trying to find cheaper isn't always better. Beads from India are much cheaper, but usually they aren't cleaned out (the hole) and the colors aren't as delicious. One tip I'll pass on - the better quality materials you use, the greater the value of the piece will be. I make lampwork (handmade) glass beads. Last year, I began selling lampwork beads to a crafter on AOL. The first 3 beads I sold her cost $25 each to her. She put one in a simple necklace and sold it for $150 the next day! You have to look at what's selling in your area - and go one better - be the one with something unique in your pieces. Venetian beads are beautiful and will enhance the look of your jewelry much more than cheaper beads. But with the abundance of lampwork beads - you have the possibility of making truly unique jewelry in your area. $10 ea for a Venetian bead may seem expensive, and even $25 outrageous - but go to the art galleries and boutiques and look at what kind of beads are in those $200 + necklaces. Then to see what the best-of-the-best beadmakers are making, check out Cindy Jenkins' new book, How to Make Glass Beads - and see what truly artistic beads are possible. Many of those beads sell for up to $200 or more each!!!!!

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