How to Make Money with Beads!

So, you've been bitten by the bead bug! No doubt about it, beads are addictive. Wouldn't it be nice if you could make some extra money working with them?

Good news! There are a variety of ways you can make extra money with beads. Here are a few for your to consider:

1. Make and sell necklaces, bracelets, and earrings out of beads

There's a large market for handmade beaded jewelry, especially if you make sets. You can market your handmade creations through your own website, at craft fairs, local boutiques, home jewelry parties, at your workplace, as well as a variety of other outlets. Emphasize your jewelry is handcrafted and you'll lincrease their appeal and their saleability.

2. Teach the art of beading and jewelry making

There are lots of people out there who would love to learn how to make their own jewelry but don't know how to get started. Offer to teach a class on beading at a local school, club, or church. You can ask to be paid a percentage of the fee charged for each class with the remainder going to the organization sponsoring the class. You could also work out a similar arrangement at a local bead or craft store. You could even offer beading classes in your own home! Add to your revenues by selling class participants the supplies they need to get started.

3. Start a business doing custom jewelry designs for special occasions

There are lots of reasons why people might want to have custom jewelry designed. Sometimes they want to showcase a particular pendant or centerpiece with sentimental value or they just want a unique look for a special occasion. One of the largest markets for this type of service is the bridal market. You might consider setting up an arrangement with a local bridal supply store or independent bridal consultant whereby you make their custom jewelry requests. You would then be paid a percentage of the fees they collect. If you hav this arrangement with several stores, this could be quite a nice source of extra income.

4. Design and sell unique home accessories using beads

There's no end to the household accessories you can accentuate with beads. Using heavy gauge wire and beads, you can create beautiful napkin holders and wine glass charms. Ordinary silverware can be transformed into artware by wrapping the handles with heavy gauge wire and beads. How about making plant sticks out of beads and wire? Use your imagination and you can come up with a myriad of marketable beaded home accessory ideas. These can be sold through Ebay auctions, a website, or at craft shows and boutiques.

5. Publish your beaded jewelry designs

There are quite a few magazines in circulation now devoted to the art of beading. These magazines are always looking for beading projects and ideas to publish. If you can come up with your own unique designs, these magazines will likely be interested in publishing your designs in project form. The next time you're at your local bookstore, look through the beading magazines and find out where to submit your designs and projects for consideration.

6. Sell bead and beading supplies

Locate wholesale sources for beads and beading supplies and sell them directly from your website or via online auction. It would probably be to your advantage to specialize in one particular type of beads or beading supplies so you're not in direct competition with some of the larger companies. For example, you might specialize in artisan glass lampwork beads that you buy directly from the bead artist at wholesale prices. You can sell the beads separately or use them to design beading kits for the busy person who doesn't have time to come up with her own designs.

7. Design and sell unique beaded dog and cat collars

People are devoted to their pets and want to show their devotion by giving them the best. These days this even means giving them jewelry! Design some cute dog collars usin beads and sell them through local veterinarian offices, pet supply stores, pet shows and festivals, craft shows, and online auctions. Show photos of dogs wearing your beaded collars as a marketing tool. You can even donate a portion of the proceeds to your local animal shelter.

If you brainstore a bit, you can come up with lots more ideas for making money with beads. Why not get started in a bead business of your own?