Jewelry Supplies from Hardware Stores

by Bev Carlson
(Bev's Jewelry)

Kindred Hearts barrel weave bracelet by Bev Carlson

Got to love hardware stores for jewelry supplies. Everything from PVC pipe for rollers to whatever.

Just keep your eyes open.

Fireline is cheaper in hardware stores than in jewelry supply stores. I saw that first in Walmart - same product, same store, different departments. I'm still using my large roll of it from the sports / fishing department.

I belong to a group of Beaders called South Shore Beaders (South of Boston, that is), and we are always laughing about our trips to the hardware store.

I just received an email from one of them saying, "Just the thought of us going shopping to buy hammers is hysterical... other women are buying clothes and we are buying metal and hammers!!!!"

We buy torches, copper wire, copper sheets, hammers from hardware stores.

However, with tools we need to be careful. They need to be smooth. Pliers especially need to be smooth.

Looking at a hardware store with "jewelry designer" eyes can turn up amazing things.

Bev Carlson
Bev's Jewelry
Bev's Jewelry blog
Lexie's Jewelry by Bev - helps fund cancer research, in honor of a special girl

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Jewelry Supplies from Hardware Stores

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Great jewelry supply tip!
by: Rena

And for those of us who don't have a local jewelry supply shop, another advantage of shopping the hardware / home improvement store is that we can get things the same day we need them - and without paying for shipping!

Thanks for sharing this great tip!

hardware and Fireline
by: Patricia

I've been meaning to try fireline but didn't want to pay a lot. Maybe I'll try the hardware store! Assuming they carry the really thin radius (width?) that I would need for my multiple threadings through narrow holes. :)

Copper Wire Issues
by: Angie S

I too have found MANY great items for jewelry at Hardware store. Do be aware however that some wire found at these types of stores often have a coating (especially copper) and I have come across what was supposed to be round 22G copper wire that was actually flat.
Another great idea, if you don't mind using base metals, is chandelier chain for long necklaces and as components.
Have fun shopping!!!
Angie S
www.weirdlywiredjewelry.com

wow
by: hannah

i thought it was so cool that i can make anything from a simple copper piece or a small sliver tube that can be a great pendant to the necklace and it was cheap its amazing what you can do from a hardware store,thanks for posting :) :)

hardware store cruising
by: susan whelan

I laughed about this post because I spent an hour and a half cruising the aisles of a hardware store this afternoon, after quickly finding a door striker, which was my reason for going in the first place.
Spent a while in the plumbing section, checking to see if they had any copper washers. (they didn't.) Moved over to the electrical section and found braided copper wire by the foot. I've used this wire before - it's about 18 gauge, dead soft, non coated and cheap as heck. I'll be back for more soon. Then the tools - almost bought a buffing tool for my Dremel but decided to wait, check out the hammers and found a few with lovely, flat surfaces at one end of the head and a compact peen at the other end. Be back for one of those, too.
The only thing I couldn't find was a decent hole punch, but there's two or three other hardware stores in town, and I'll find it yet.

Wire
by: Glenda Munguia

I have found aluminum wire there at a lower cost than the craft store. It allowed me to learn and practice wire wrapping freely. I bought the non galvanized one. I plan on checking other stores for more gauge varieties.

Glenda
web.me.com/glenda.munguia/bj

hardware
by: Debbie

Thanks to all of you for your comments and suggestions. I have purchased washers from Walmart before to use in jewelry, as well as fish swivels ( a big hit), but never even though to look for wire and tools!!!!!

Debbie
www.jadorn.com

Home Depot is the best!
by: Rachel

I LOVE going to Home Depot for jewelry making supplies! My best finds have been a small soldering iron for $14.95 and a mirco-torch for $17.95...the same ones that jewelry suppliers/websites want you to pay $30 - $50+ for!

Don't Forget Storage!
by: Helen

You can buy floss storage boxes with the movable separators at beading stores and needlework stores. OR you can go to the hardware or sports store for exactly the same storage boxes and come home with more boxes for the same amount of money. These boxes are wonderful for storing your findings and special beads.
Going to a beading class? These boxes are great for that, too. You can put scissors, and favourite tools in there just by moving the separators.
WillUBead.Studio@Artfire.com

Thanks
by: Janine Gerade

Thanks for the "wicked Awesome" tip on hardware stores. I'm from Metrowest MA :)
I need polymer clay supplies such as pvc piping, ceramic tiles and dowels from time to time and this is something I can share a stroll with my husband he's also happy to be in a store with me for once!

Moulding for handmade earring holder frames
by: Pam

A few years ago, I used to make earring frames with screen. I bought moulding by 6 or 8 foot sections, cut them down to size with hubby's miter box, and glued them together with corner braces. Then bought rolls of window screen for the center to hold the earrings. Found that the fiberglass screen tore easily, so used the all metal kind. Very inexpensive way to make these, and they sold well!