Happy New Year!

With the Canadian dollar worth alot less than it was a year ago, (when it was on par with the US dollar) I have decided that I need to try and buy more of my supplies here in Canada. I will always have my favourite lampwork artists that I purchase fabulous beads from, and some of those are in the USA, but as for some of the more basic supplies, I need to purchase more here at home, to keep my costs down and my jewelry affordable. The cost of shipping, and duty charges, along with our lower dollar, was starting to hurt! The problem is, I find it extremely difficult to find good quality, interesting and unique items here in Canada. I am very picky, and we just don't have the selection available to us that our American neighbours have. Many, many hours have been logged in at this computer searching the internet for a quality Canadian suppliers that offer good wholesale prices, and I have only found a small handful of good sites. I have one that I have been ordering from for a couple of years now, and I am very pleased with the product, prices and service of this company, Bamiyan Silver, which specializes in silver, Bali silver and gemstones, as well as Swarovski crystals. Yesterday, I came across another site, which seems to be very promising...Stones and Findings, located in Toronto, had some unique precious metal findings, as well as gemstones and pearls . After I placed my order online, one of their reresentatives called me for my credit card number, and was very helpful, offering replacement suggestions for a couple of items that were sold out. She also told me that she would add in some free samples of pearls and gemstones to my order! My order would ship out today, and I should have it within a few days. Normally I wait 2 to 3 weeks for packages from the States, so it is always exciting to get supplies sooner than later. So it seems like there is great customer service at this company, which means alot to me, as it is so rare these days! So to all jewelry designers and beaders here in Canada, as well as those reading from other countries I will leave you this year with a few favourite Canadian bead suppliers sites to browse on New Years Day.....have a good one, and see ya'll next year!!!

www.stonesandfindings.com (gemstones, pearls, silver,gold and metal findings)
www.bamiyansilver.com (wholesale, silver, gemstones,Swarovski)
www.beadfx.com (Czech glass, seed beads, metal and silver findings)
www.theringlord.com (wire, jumprings, chainmail supplies)
www.titanbeads.com ( Smaller site but some interesting finds. Ugandan beads, copper, glass, semi precious, wood etc.)


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