Thread: Where to find beading supplies for costumes ?

Hello girls!

I like to make my own costumes but have some problems to do it.
In France, there're really few shops where it's possible to find beads, chains, sequins ect.
So I was wondering if you have some ideas of websites where I can find everything I need to bead my costume.
The most important for me at this moment is to find flat sequins and tube beads in a lot of different colors .... (but also care about every thing else).

Thanksss a lot for your advices...

Cartwright's Sequins, Beads, Buttons & Glitter

I like this company.

nice store, thanks for posting :-)

For flat sequins, JosyRose
Round

For bugle beads (not tube beads!), Creative Beadcraft
CREATIVE BEADCRAFT - Beads, Pendants, Sequins & Stones.

Thanksss Lilagus <3

huge selection on beads:
Wholesale Beads and Jewelry Making Supplies - Fire Mountain Gems and Beads
they do ship international

Amazing !!!
Thanks ladies !

What's the difference between bugle and tube beads ?

Originally Posted by HestiaBellydance

What's the difference between bugle and tube beads ?

Bugle beads are made of glass- these are the long beads used in costume beadwork. Tube beads are made of metal, and are used in jewellery making. If you use the name bugle beads you'll stand a better chance of finding the supplies you are looking for.

I like foxdendesigns.com they have a huge selection of beads, alot of shapes and sizes and every color imagineable. Fusionbeads.com is great for gemstones, freshwater pearls and swarovski sew-on stones.
Cartwrights has a nice big selection of sequins but a min. Order amount of 25 USD, which is a lot when you want to order some sequins for 1 costume.

All three accept Paypal and have reasonable international shipping, unlike some of the big Webstores.

Question ....
My english isn't perfect at all and ... I didn't find "1/2 bugle" or 2mm bugle on this web site Wholesale Beads and Jewelry Making Supplies - Fire Mountain Gems and Beads
Just find gold and black one.
Can someone help please ??? :)

Originally Posted by HestiaBellydance

Question ....
My english isn't perfect at all and ... I didn't find "1/2 bugle" or 2mm bugle on this web site Wholesale Beads and Jewelry Making Supplies - Fire Mountain Gems and Beads
Just find gold and black one.
Can someone help please ??? :)

Does this help?
Seed Bead Sizes and Hole Sizes - Fire Mountain Gems and Beads
Seed Beads, Delica Beads, Fringe Beads, Bugle Beads - Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Yes ! Thanks ;)
Just to be sure, are there any sequins in this site ? (I didn't find anything.)

Originally Posted by HestiaBellydance

Yes ! Thanks ;)
Just to be sure, are there any sequins in this site ? (I didn't find anything.)

I don't think I've ever seen any there. You might be able to find round, flat beads, but that would be an expensive way to cover a costume.

Have you looked for theatrical supply houses (where people who make costumes for theatrical shows buy their supplies)? I'm sure they must have them in Paris, and maybe other cities, too. I would expect they would be cheaper than buying outside of the country.

Shipwreck Beads is good, has all kinds of glass seed and bugle beads, pearls, crystal beads.

If you know what you're looking for you can find good stuff on Ebay.

Sequins - try Loose Sequins

Seconding a lot of the suggestions above!

CosplaySupplies.com - costumes, accesories, wigs, footwear, craft supplies and more also has a huge selection of beads and craft supplies, as well as tons of theatrical makeup.

If you're in the EU, it might be cheaper to order from websites in the EU. Otherwise you might end up with added import taxes on your beads. I've used Beads & Beading Supplies at wholesale prices by Empire Beads, they also have a French website.

Ordered gems from Art Beads.com Good price.

Does anyone know where to get the 2-cut beads used in better quality Egyptian fringe? There must be a bulk source, but I've never seen a vendor that sells the same beads used in Egyptian fringe in bulk quantities.

Originally Posted by Georgine

nice store, thanks for posting :-)

Cartwrights is the best. And the ship very quickly too!

Originally Posted by HestiaBellydance

Yes ! Thanks ;)
Just to be sure, are there any sequins in this site ? (I didn't find anything.)

Hardly any sequins on Fire Mountain but as someone suggested try Cartwrights. You can mail them a sample of what you want to match the sequin to for color matching.

Since we have mentioned 2-cut beads for Egyptian fringe, does anyone have a suggestion on the BEST thread, yard, whatever to string fringe on that will last?

Sherrie

bump

Everyone has their own preference. I like to use Güttermann heavy duty thread, it comes in a variety of colors but I've also heard of dancers who use dental floss for their fringe.