This project does not constitute a commercial offer. These are self-made works of the author. Most of the works have been already made gifts to other people. In the future, the author plans to share her experience in purchase of beads, felt and other materials. Qualitative and inexpensive materials and semi-finished goods are one of the most important conditions for any piece of work. Wish will get you only so far. Please, find description of the very work processes on other sites.

Since I live in Latvia, a very small Baltic country, I prefer and think more convenient to buy beads, stones, accessories, etc. through Internet. Choice in local showrooms, shops and warehouses is single-line and does not always meet my needs.

When searching the Internet for beads, I came across the site www.firemountaingems.com . Of course, there a lot of results when searching for beads, stones in the Internet, but, further considerations make to stop on this site. Choice of beads, accessories, auxiliaries and etc., is wide. But this is the US site. It supports on-line selection, and after a simple registration, provides overseas deliveries as well. They have even sent me a large printed catalogue by mail. Orders are welcome. However, delivery costs are not the cheapest. Truly, the price is adequate taking into account the distance, but the very price scares. The shipping country is US, therefore, there surely will be or may be additional customs fees. Large online store is not a private shop, and they will not show purchases as a gift without commercial value in the customs declaration. In general, the choice should be very attentive and informed. I do not advertise this site and do not disadvise shopping. They actually have the first-class choice of stones, beads and different accessories.

After much heart-searching, I conducted my experiment and ordered Japanese seed beads DELIKA from US. Beads proved to be high class. Beads are exactly similar as clones. Exceptionally wide choice of colours and shades. The parcel was delivered in a week. I ordered a trial batch of 6 items. Delivery costs and customs duties were half as much of the beads themselves!!! Never mind, worthy works sometimes require decent investments.

Purchases on www.ebay.com. There is a general opinion that it is possible to buy everything there. Unfortunately, I can not confirm it. Probably, I did not seek or look for correctly. There are some offers of beads, but not so cheap provided the shipment costs. There is a wide choice of semi-precious stones, cabochons, which can become the central element in the work, but there are some problems concerning stones. Everything looks perfect on a photo, the price is low, but, actual delivery often disappoints. Today photographers skilful of Photoshop and using the first-class photographic equipment will conceal any defect on a stone. You may see a can't-take-my-eyes-off stone on a picture, but the actuality is quite opposite. I did not deal with goods returning to sellers.