Daily Tip July 1: Starting Local

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
July 1, 2010

Question:

I am fairly new to this whole wire and beading thing, and as I do not want to start ordering online yet, I was wondering where the best places to get good prices on wire would be.

I have tried Michaels, but they do not have the type of wire I would like to purchase. I am most interested in sterling silver, in round, half hard wire.

-Rachel in Salmon Arm, British Columbia

Answer:

As I am not familiar with the type of stock Canadian craft stores carry, and you wish to purchase sterling silver, my advice would be to find a local bead store. If they do not already carry what you’d like, most of them will be pleased to order it for you. As you mention you are new to jewelry making, you can find some great companionship, help, and classes at your local bead store, too. Nothing wrong with starting local to get your footing, and then looking online for bulk wire.

When you do feel comfortable ordering online, of course, Wire-Sculpture would be a great place to start. Wire-Sculpture has sterling silver wire in many gauges, shapes, and hardness, at extremely competitive prices. The ladies on the Customer Service line (1-877-636-0608) really know their stuff and will help you out with any product questions you have. The staff is currently working on getting our international shipping rates lower, there will be a big an announcement when that is finalized!

Happy Canada Day to our Canadian friends!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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5 Comments

1. 

   Cristina

   July 1, 2010 at 11:20 am

   WOW!
   I’l be eagerly waiting for that big announcement!
   Eagerly!!!

   

   kisses
2. 

   Adrian

   July 1, 2010 at 11:26 am

   Hey all, I also have not been beading, wrapping very long, and I also had a hard time finding local supplies! THEN I had a break through. If you have a college/ university in your area they more than likely have a student store. This is where I found to be the best place to purchase your supplies locally! You do not have to be a student to visit/make purchases from the student store and they also usually have a whole slew of other beading/jewelry supplies as well! Hope this helps!
3. 

   Margaret Delaney

   July 1, 2010 at 2:49 pm

   Oh yes that is good news….I have had articles from the US quite often for a few dollars so I know the cheaper rate exists. Looking forward to this happening.
   You have a brilliant site with wonderful answers and I so wanted to buy the snap sets.
   Regards
   Margaret in Scotland UK
4. 

   Gigi

   July 1, 2010 at 8:35 pm

   Once I became a Gold Club member I just have not found better prices on wire anywhere else – even wholesalers – than here at wire-sculpture. I have had MANY orders fulfilled by wire-sculpture.com and I can assure you, this would be a great place for you to make your first online order. There’s nothing to be afraid of: I do understand people’s hesitancy to begin online ordering if they’ve never done it before…but good companies assure your security, and wire-sculpture is one of those.

   When you order online, here are some tips from http://www.privacyrights.org that help you determine whether you are dealing with a secure site:

   •First, if you look at the top of your screen where the Web site address is displayed, you should see https://. The “s” that is displayed after “http” indicates that Web site is secure. Often, you do not see the “s” until you actually move to the order page on the Web site.

   •Another way to determine if a Web site is secure is to look for a closed padlock displayed at the bottom of your screen. If that lock is open, you should assume it is not a secure site.

   •The third symbol that indicates you are on a secure site is an unbroken key.

   (retrieved 7/1/10 from http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs23-shopping.htm)

   I would also recommend reading any privacy policies you come across on various websites before you consider placing an order. Good Luck!
5. 

   Eldon Austin

   July 2, 2010 at 10:03 am

   To Rachel from Salmon Arm—Try Capalano Beads and Supplies in North Vancouver and Lacie West in Vancouver BC. Eldon