Forums > Areas > Central Pacific Region

Mexicanbill

Nov 19, 2008, 1:20 PM

Post #1 of 12 (7413 views)

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Beads and findings

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We will be in Vallarta next week and my wife would like to find some beads for her jewelry making. I would also be interested in small gemstones for the same hobby. Can anyone give us an idea as to where we might find these at a reasonable price.

(This post was edited by Mexicanbill on Nov 19, 2008, 1:21 PM)

cristalhombre

Nov 21, 2008, 8:26 PM

Post #2 of 12 (7361 views)

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Re: [Mexicanbill] Beads and findings

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China.

"NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST...."

Mexicanbill

Nov 22, 2008, 12:14 PM

Post #3 of 12 (7336 views)

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Re: [cristalhombre] Beads and findings

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Thanks for the help. Is there a particular region in China that you speak of, or is it pretty much the whole country?

"Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet."

cristalhombre

Nov 22, 2008, 12:53 PM

Post #4 of 12 (7333 views)

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Re: [Mexicanbill] Beads and findings

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Hey Mexi-Bill

Sorry for the smart-ass - but totally HONEST answer.

I broker flat glass for a living (same basic component as glass beads) and when you said "reasonable" the only answer I could suggest is what is true for my business....................China. Glass from China is about 40% less than product produced in North America.

I know zip about the glass bead market, however I have worked with Bullseye Glass, probably the global leader of fusable/compatible glass, often used in the jewelry biz.......... they have a great website and tons of recipes/procedures for fusing and bead-making.

I would suggest you work on-line before you get to MX if you want some HOT prices, and selections UNLIMITED. Generally speaking, good quality beads are NOT cheap. I know there is a glass bead market in Tonala (Guadalajara). Works at the wholesale level. Been there, but can't recall that name or location.

Good luck. Have you considered making your own beads.......... check out "torch work" and glass beads on-line. My wife plays with it and has made some really cool "artsy" beads........ I don't have the patience for that.

If you ever get to Seattle and or Portland, this is the art glass mecca. Lots of cool glass fabricator/artists and hot-shops to visit. PLUS the new Glass Museum in Tacoma, a stunning venue for glass enthusiasts.

¡Que tenga diverterse con su vidrio!

"NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST...."

Mexicanbill

Nov 22, 2008, 1:32 PM

Post #5 of 12 (7324 views)

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Re: [cristalhombre] Beads and findings

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Hi,

Your Honest answer was great. I got a good laugh when I read it. Honest, to the point, not wrapped in pretty ribbons. kinda thing I'm known for, much to the chagrin of my wife.

I already deal on line, on a wholesale bases. I guess I should have put more detail into my request. I work with gem-stones, But having seen some of the bead work the natives do in Mexico, I thought it would be a great place to purchase "seed-beads", for my wife and gemstones for me.

I know of the opal mines around Magdalena and a gem dealer here in Wisconsin I have dealings with, has a mining interest in Zacatecas near the Jalisco border. I guess it was just wisful thinking, that perhaps I could pick up some stones to bring back with me, instead of paying the import price.

I am looking into making some of my owe beads. I have the torch already. I tumble my gem stones and I have the saw. but that side of it, is slower than the retail side of our operation.

You have given me some good ideas. Thanks, Bill

Carol_Wheeler

Nov 22, 2008, 3:18 PM

Post #6 of 12 (7316 views)

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Re: [Mexicanbill] Beads and findings

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Most of the glass seed beads used in Huichol art come from Czechoslovakia. Really!

cristalhombre

Nov 22, 2008, 3:41 PM

Post #7 of 12 (7313 views)

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Re: [Mexicanbill] Beads and findings

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Maybe you are thinking of the bead work of the Huicholes, a native population with the tiny tiny beads. I'm sure you can find those in and around PV.

I have traveled quite extensively in all of Southern + Central MX and I have not come across a thriving bead artist colony, unlike - ceramics, silver-smithing, copper work, catrina characters, weavers, gourd + paper mache artists. I know there are individuals out there making and selling beads. Quite rare at the art markets I have visited, such as the Uruapan Fair near semana santos to find any individual beads.

Anyone else know of good glass beads made in MX for Bill??

Hey............. I see you are a "cheese-head" from your post. I grew up on Lake Winnebago + My wife (not a flat-lander) frequently attends seminars and retreats at Wingspread. So we talk the same venacular as you. "U betcha"

Racine............now it is clear to me why you are headed South.

Bien viaje!

"NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST...."

(This post was edited by cristalhombre on Nov 22, 2008, 6:08 PM)

sioux4noff

Nov 22, 2008, 3:54 PM

Post #8 of 12 (7312 views)

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Re: [Mexicanbill] Beads and findings

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Ask on the All Vallarta board, http://todopuertovallarta.yuku.com/ , and you will probably find someone who knows.

Mexicanbill

Nov 22, 2008, 6:28 PM

Post #9 of 12 (7295 views)

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Re: [cristalhombre] Beads and findings

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Ya, Racine's high today was 26 degrees, low at 7 a.m. was 18 degrees. Buy hay, gas is down to $1.75 a gallon so it isn't all bad.

bill

Carol_Wheeler

Nov 22, 2008, 7:18 PM

Post #10 of 12 (7290 views)

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Re: [Mexicanbill] Beads and findings

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You'll find gemstone beads and jewelry making supplies in a number of Guadalajara malls, and I suspect they're in Puerto Vallata too. But everything in them is imported, so you can get the same materials north of the border MINUS the import taxes added to supplies in the Mexico stores.

cristalhombre

Nov 22, 2008, 9:17 PM

Post #11 of 12 (7280 views)

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Re: [Mexicanbill] Beads and findings

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Well you have us beat there in Dairyland for lower temps and lower gas prices. I believe that unleaded was $2.06 usd this week, at the local Chevron.

Happy Trails on your trip South amigo and good luck with the bead search.

"NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST...."

(This post was edited by cristalhombre on Nov 22, 2008, 9:19 PM)

Mexicanbill

Nov 23, 2008, 3:49 AM

Post #12 of 12 (7268 views)

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Re: [Carol_Wheeler] Beads and findings

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Thanks to everybody for the information. As of now, I'll just stay with what I have up here. The prices aren't that bad up here.
It's gotten to the point that it's not even a big deal to bring back a bottle of Tequila any more. By the time everything is said and done, there really doesn't seem to be much saving. Except of course in owning a home and paying taxes.