Bead rants
nitrogen from water
One of my biggest challenge in doing this hobby is that what I have in mind usually does not match what I have in my very limited beads stash. In the end, either I have few pieces of half-baked pieces or abandon the idea altogether and start thinking of a new design. Trips to local bead shops don’t really help either as most shops here carry limited range so it’s difficult to gather all the required components. Or maybe I just cannot think properly once I’m inside the shops.
I don’t know how to properly build my inventory to cover all the basics while still on budget. With semi-precious going for at least $15 a strand, every trip to bead shops burns hole in my poor wallet.
Bead Swops! Or buy beads in single units. Take a look at some of my bead stash and see if you have anything you like. Or you can join this flickr group called “Extra beads or findings for swop - SINGAPORE ONLY”, some other crafters have beads for swops as well.
I totally understand and share your frustration - of having a design and colour scheme in mind and walking into a bead shop and get totally thrown off track due to the lack of supplies here. These days I buy most of my supplies on the net. Problem is what you get can be quite different from what you see on the computer screen. So I end up buying more than I should in case one turns out to be a mistake or doesn’t go with the design I have in mind. Plus buying more helps to spread out the shipping cost.
Hey..thank you so much for putting up the details regarding all the bead shops in Singapore. They’re really helpful! =)