I couldn't really do the whole A to Z theme of being Addicted to Beads without mentioning the dreaded M word... it usually comes under B for Bead Budget but I wanted to show you my Beadmaker Bead for B!
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| Image by Patrice Sheperd of Sheperd Creations |
Like any good addict this means I've shown you lots of lovely beads first before we mention the unmentionable. I did hint at it slightly in A, but there's no getting away from it... being Addicted to Beads does cost money, unless you have a fairy bead mother!
Here are some hints to limit the financial damage:
- Always be aware of special deals - have a wishlist of things you would like so when a deal comes up you can act on it. Some deals are permanent or appear regularly or some retailers might discount regularly. (e.g. some brands do buy 5 for the price of 4 so worth buying in multiples of 5 less often, than single beads more regularly)
- Always look out for sales - if the bead is not limited and you can wait for a sale, this is often a good way to buy beads. (Requires patience and popular beads may never be in the sale)
- Always enter competitions - I've acquired a couple of beads in this manner, once a whole set!!
- Don't be afraid of Customs - work out the maths. Sometimes even with the exchange rate and factoring in any Customs charges/handling fees it might still be cheaper to buy from another country.
- Liquidated Stock (controversial) - when Dealers liquidate their stock they often flood the market with heavily discounted beads. This is when I often pick up a lot of what I call backdated wishlist items or multiples of beads.
- Buy 2nd hand - another slightly controversial one as you have to be more aware of fakes, so I'm talking the more trusted route of other collectors who you know frequent official dealers that you trust when they tell you where they bought the bead.
- Love Baked Beans on Toast! - Okay so that's technically a coping strategy rather than a saving money idea!
I always try to visit my local Dealers too and have gone in to deliberately buy at full RRP just to support them - as if I don't, and others don't, then we won't have any local ones as there will be no demand... so use these with due caution!
How do you fund your own addictions, any tips to pass on?
Luckily my addiction to vampire movies doesn't cost too much - a lot are straight to DVD and only about £3 and they don't come out that often :). Admittedly I did just buy the blu-ray of Frank Langella's Dracula even though I have two copies on DVD - but it was in the sale and the DVD quality is not good. See - sales are good things, right? ;)
ReplyDeleteTasha
Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)
Yep I was thinking I should have chosen a less expensive thing to get addicted to, but I guess when I think of how much I've spent on books over the years too... atlhough my bead collection would buy a LOT of books...
DeleteMars xx
I do like baked beans and toast. Just not together. Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteStephen Tremp
A to Z Cohost
M is for Movies
Sadly my husband hates baked beans or I might have more beads... he does really like soup though so perhaps I should have said soup and bread :)
DeleteMars xx
I'm applying for grants and fellowships this year. They've worked out well for me in the past. I also indulge in baked beans on toast while I'm waiting and wondering how I'll fund my passions.
ReplyDeleteI really like baked beans on toast, and beans are not as cheap these days, did try a lower budget brand the other day but they were completely tasteless so it was toast with lumpy bits in liquid - bluergh!
DeleteWe will do things like soup a lot when money's a bit tight, good way to eat lots of healthy veg and can be quite filling if you make it right. When we moved back here 4 or 5 years ago we didn't have jobs to come back to so had to really tighten our belts as they say as we were living off savings for a while. We got into good food shopping habits then and we've maintained that even though we are both working, bargain hunters in the supermarket when we need to be!
Mars xx
I'd never thought about buying beads second hand - not that I buy beads, but it just hadn't occurred that that was possible, not until I thought it through and then it makes sense :)
ReplyDeleteSophie
Sophie's Thoughts & Fumbles
FB3X
Wittegen Press
It's a really good way to do it once you find some trusted sellers... I was lucky, as by coincidence I met a long time collector who was very well networked in the bead community and she showed me the way!
DeleteSo my 1st year of collecting was different to the following years and now buying 2nd hand is a regular activity - most people, well collectors really, look after their beads quite well and will sell on as they either bought something for a project that hasn't worked out or didn't like the bead as much as they thought, or are selling to fund the next purchase.
I really don't mind buying beads 2nd hand - there are some of the very expensive beads that I wouldn't have without sales or trusted collectors to buy from at a more affordable price. I have a couple of "regret" purchases but they are tiny and so in the minority they'd be at the very end of a bell curve!
Mars xx
I have a similar problem with my love of scrapbooking, I dread to think how much I have spent over the years! x
ReplyDeleteAs part of my "New Years Bead Resolutions" that I've done 3 years running, a theme has been to spend less... so for the last 2 years I have been keeping track in order to chart that particular resolution... the answers were quite horrific! (never published, I just refer to it as A LOT)
DeleteI think it's a common theme amongst crafters and people who like to put things together... the above projects were good though to get a grip on things and I'm much more careful at the moment because of it! Nothing like writing down a goal and publishing it to keep it at the forefront of your mind, bless blogs for that very reason!
Mars xx
LOL Mars! I have managed to rein in my buying now, but it took quite a few years to get to the point where I didn't have to buy every pretty piece of paper I saw LOL! x
DeleteAh yes .. if only there was a money tree! :D
ReplyDeleteI've entered competitions and won some beautiful beads. But mostly I buy in sales and second-hand to make the beads a little easier to afford. And, like you, I also frequent my local dealer sometimes to make sure that I have a local source! Sometimes it's hard to tell from pictures whether a bead will work and I really need to see it in person.
Yes that elusive plant we are alll searching for!!
DeleteYep I've been a lot better this year, although I do think in part that is to the other B in my life, (my bus for the A to Zers), she's taking priority at the moment :D
It's given me a space in my bead buying that's allowing me the luxury of looking back at beads I covet when they're released, to think, actually did I REALLY want/need that.
I'm still missing out on things I really do want, but I think the lampworking is helping curb this a LOT. Still making wonky beads but have my last session before I go away on Saturday and I've bought some glass glitter and silver wire... can't wait to try both of those out... then when I come back it's time to concentrate on shape not decoration!!
Mars xx
Oh, the money; I just spent half of my tax return on Pandora, Ohm, and Troll beads and my first TB bangle. I got the 20% off sale at Perlen, some from a liquidation sale, and the retired smiling snake I've been wanting for awhile from a facebook group. However, I buy a couple here and there from my local stores too, not only because I want to support them, but because I'm blind and like to know what the bead's shape/texture is. When I buy online to get a better price without seeing them in person first, sometimes I get surprises, like a Labrador that was only a head when I wanted a standing dog or a huge dolphin when I was looking for a small one. :) If only there were a money tree.
ReplyDeleteI had to lol Martha, I have had several tax refunds the year before last and I think they all went on beads, last year I had 3 bonuses, yep they all went on beads!
DeleteHave you heard about Alex Cramariuc Elements beads? It's a series of 4 beads that were designed for a gentleman who loves beads but is also blind... they're not cheap but they are top of my wish list as I spend a lot of time feeling my beads when they are on the bracelet.
Here is a link to the article on Endangered Trolls...
Alex Cramariuc Elements Preview
Victoria has also done reviews on the individual beads too.
I love Perlen, great place to shop! Sorry about your Labraodor head!!
Mars xx