Use Found Objects
A bead can be anything with a hole in it. With some creativity, found objects can be incorporated into your jewelry and are a wonderful way to recycle. Old computer parts (like RAM chips), those free CDs you get in the mail, bottle caps, buttons - get creative. If the item doesn't have a hole, consider making one using a hand-drill or metal hole puncher.
Comparison Shop
Even if you’ve been purchasing from the same vendor for years, don’t feel shy about shopping around. One supplier may have better prices on beads, but another may have better prices on finding. Some vendors will also have sales going on at different times during the year as well as deals on shipping costs. To get started with your comparison shopping, you can find a long list of suppliers linked on this site.
Team Up and Buy in Bulk
The more you buy, the better your price - usually. If you don’t always have enough money yourself, team up with others who share your passion. Staple supplies like wire and findings are items that most of us use, so these can often be bought in large quantities and split up between those ordering.
Garage Sales and Thrift Stores
Most garage sales and thrift stores have at least a few pieces of jewelry for sale. Don’t turn your nose up, even if it seems ugly. Many pieces can be taken apart and salvaged for the beads and findings. Jewelry is not the only item to consider though. An old crock pot can be a pickle pot; cracked China cups can hold beads or be smashed into pieces and transformed into pendants; baskets can be used to store hand tools or finished jewelry.
Go to a Hardware Store
I like to visit my local hardware store in search of hidden treasure. The chain stores with their forklifts and endless isles intimidate me, but the small mom and pop place down the road is full of wire, chain, and tools. I usually find something new while browsing through the isles.
Inventory Your Supplies
I can't tell you how many times I've come home from a jewelry supply run only to discover that I already had a number of items in my current jewelry supply stash. Simply getting your jewelry studio organized can make a big difference when it comes to frugal jewelry designing. Know what you have. Label your supply containers so you can find items more quickly before you order more of the same.
Use What You Have First
On that same note, one frugal concept is to try to use what you already have in your stash. Maybe you don't have the jewelry component you want to use, but you might have a similar component that would work just as well.
Donate Orphaned Craft Supplies
There are many organizations that would be very appreciative of extra beads, findings, or other jewelry and crafting supplies that you may not need any more. Perhaps your jewelry designing has switched gears and you find yourself with a stash of supplies that no longer fit in with your design vision. Rather than leave these materials packed away, box them up and send them to a non-profit group who could use them.
Swap Supplies
If you know of other jewelry designers or crafters, consider getting together for your own swap meet. One person's trash is another person's treasure.
Barter Yourself
Also consider bartering for either supplies or jewelry information. If you want to learn how to solder, contact someone who knows how already and offer yourself as free labor in exchange for jewelry lessons. It's a win-win for both of you.
Disassemble and Reuse
Go through your older finished jewelry inventory. Anything that has been in there fore more than two years and has not sold, pull it out for disassembling. If it hasn't sold in two years, chances are it won't, so why let all those jewelry supplies sit there when you can use them in a new design?
Design for Practicality and Longevity
Jewelry is not thought of as practical by everyone, but I think it is more practical than a lot of other artwork since you can wear it everyday and enjoy it versus set it on a table and dust it. However, sometimes designs can go overboard and not really be all that practical to wear on a regular basis. Consider the idea of practicality and longevity. Create designs that can be worn comfortably everyday and are made using quality materials that will last for years.
