The Best Places To Score
In the Etsy forums, I see a lot of conflicting views about whether or not to share information about techniques and supply sources when it comes to each of our crafts. Some say sharing this information is bad for business and to guard such trade secrets. Others say share the wealth, it's about community and helping each other out. I've seen some heated discussions about this and a lot of people feel strongly about it, either way.
I say, mind your own business. If you want to share, then share. If you want to hoard, then hoard. Me, I'm a sharer. Nothing I know is a huge secret that can't be discovered in the same way I have. Here is a list of some of my favorite supply sources. When it comes to supplies, I'm usually looking for paper goods or jewelry supplies. So, that's what my list consists of.
Ribbons and Bows Oh My - great selection of ribbon (gross grain, velvet, satin, novelty, etc.) good prices and easy to navigate, accepts PayPal.
Two Peas in a Bucket - one of my favorite paper sources. Tons of scrapbooking supplies. Carries many company's products, easy to navigate, great site tools, fair prices, accepts PayPal.
Paper Source - lovely site. Unique paper in large sheets, bookbinding supplies, cool catalog, fun to browse.
Paper Mojo - another great selection of unique papers. Easy to navigate, pretty to look at.
A Cherry On Top - another scrapbook shop, large selection, carries many company's, good prices, fair shipping, and they have a fun game where you collect cherries whenever you see one on certain products when browsing.
Accessories Susan - my new favorite jewelry supply source. Awesome prices on findings, gems, settings, etc. No sterling silver, but lots of brass, copper, and plated metals. I try to buy jewelry supplies at wholesale, but found this place to be priced even better. Great find. PayPal friendly. Free shipping.
The Beading Path - Love this place. I have a wholesale account with them, but they sell retail also. If you can get a wholesale account, you can buy at 50% off with no minimum and they offer free shipping. Great variety of glass, vintage, swarovski, and much more. A must visit. I love this place. PayPal friendly.
Rings and Things - I have only browsed this site so far. But, I hear many great things about this shop. Easy to navigate, large selection, and good prices.
Fusion Beads - Everything you need in one place. Good prices, free shipping, no minimum, easy to navigate. No PayPal here, though.
Black Star Beads - Etsy shop with great vintage beads and great prices.
Black Sheep Beads - Etsy shop with vintage beads, findings, and great prices.
e & e bungalow - Etsy shop with beautiful wood beads.
Stone Soup Supplies - Etsy shop with awesome handmade findings.
The Beading Tree - my favorite Etsy shop for shipping and packaging supplies.
Gaussboys Super Magnets - the lowest prices for rare earth magnets that I've been able to find. Quick shipping. PayPal friendly.
***added 04.26.08
Stampfranciso - after browsing this site I got excited about going to their shop, assuming it was local. Apparently they aren't actually in San Francisco. Washington, actually. But they aren't open to the public there either. The online shop is awesome. I love their selection of stamps, they have soooo many. Tons of cool, unique stamps to choose from. PayPal friendly too. I highly recommend this place.
I'll add more as I discover or remember them. Please share your favorite sources, if you are willing....
I just wanted to say that I love your blog, your new store, AND your attitude towards sharing!! I saw that particular thread and I happen to enjoy sharing too. Oh, and thank you for the mention in your list!!! :)
Thanks beading tree. It's my pleasure listing your shop. It is a great source, worth sharing.
Oooh, thanks so much for this! Fantastic :)
Pictures of Lily,
Thanks for your positive words about Rings & Things! We appreciate the support of real people...like you.
And I second the praise for your blog. Love the "Toy Yoda" article!! It's already being forwarded around our warehouse...
Take care,
--Dave Robertson
www.rings-things.com