Step #6: Pause & Make Decisions
Congratulations on making it this far! You’re really sticking it out with me.
Now we are finally at the point to make some decisions. In the next section, are the 3 decisions we need to make before we ‘add to cart’. I’ve laid out all the available options. Think on what you have learned from Steps 1-5.
Here are some things to consider:
Budget. Mini beads are more budget friendly but a little harder to work with.
Availability. Midi beads can be found in most local brick ‘n mortar craft stores. Mini beads can only be purchased online, so no last minute supply runs for mini bead users.
Difficulty. I’ve warned before, mini beads are harder to work with. It’s not recommended for kids or people with limited hand function.
Size. Are you planning on making elaborate designs with lots of detail or tiny trinkets like earrings or keychains? Mini beads are the best option if you answered ‘yes’ to either of those.
Compatibility. Do you want as many colors as you can get? Artkal, Top Tier Beads, and Perler are the only brands that will melt together.
You can take a look at what I use here.
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Bead Tools
Pegboards
Parchment paper
Tweezers
Iron
Masking or painters tape
Containers
Wool pressing mat
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Bead Size
Mini
Midi
Maxi/Biggie
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Bead Brand
Artkal
Perler
Top Tier
Hama
Top Tier Beads
The best place to purchase beads was once directly from the manufacturers, but that has changed. A small business owner based out of the US has quickly risen to the new spot of most reliable and affordable bead supplier. Jaz, the owner of Top Tier Beads, has become quite the hit around the beading community. Her business sources her own brand of beads from the same manufacturer as Artkal at a more affordable price. Now, Jaz, tell us more about herself and her business journey:
Hey there y’all! My name is Jaz, and I’m a total Fuse Bead Fanatic! I started selling my fuse bead art over 7 years ago. In that time, I built a thriving Etsy store, sold at conventions, and became a professional fuse bead artist. I became very passionate about fuse beads as an art form rather than merely a hobby or children’s craft.
As my skill level rose, I began to buy more beads in bulk and across different brands as I needed more colors than Perler had to offer. I quickly became frustrated with the experience of shopping for fuse beads online. I disliked having to shop from multiple websites with inflated prices and slow, expensive shipping. The ordering process was inefficient and not optimized for adult artists as they weren’t optimized for selling beads in bulk and often did not have the colors I needed in stock.
One fateful day, I received an order from my Etsy store from a man named Scott, who is now both my life and business partner. He sent me a message, and I realized that he lived in the next town over! So we met up to make the exchange, and as we talked I learned that Scott worked for a local e-commerce startup. He began as a customer service associate and rose up through the ranks until he became the manager of their entire e-commerce department! Working at this startup gave him the passion and skills for entrepreneurship. When his boss sold the company, Scott decided to create his own e-commerce startup. At that point, we decided to go into business together and began brainstorming what kind of product we should sell. And, well… I wanted to sell fuse beads, obviously!!! Thus, Top Tier Beads was born.
Top Tier Beads is the culmination of many years of planning, hard work, and passion. Our mission is to enhance the art of fuse beads by offering a truly Top Tier shopping experience tailored to adult fuse bead artists. There are so many advantages for shopping Top Tier! We make it easy to buy beads as with our no-hassle ordering system, which allows you to order in bulk and get exactly what you need. Our priority is keeping all of the colors, brands, and types of accessories and “beads you need” in stock. We enrich the beading community by sponsoring contests, conducting giveaways, and helping other fuse beaders be the “best they can bead”! Join us on our mission to “Bead the World” by choosing us as your fuse bead supplier. Ready for the ultimate fuse bead buying experience? Visit us at www.toptierbeads.com!
Get 5% OFF your first order at Top Tier Beads using the promo code: createfusebeads
Be sure to keep an eye out on her website for more deals!
Click here for Step #7: Melting | Ironing!