handmade jewelry

I've been creating handmade jewelry for a couple of years. It's a fun hobby which satisfies my creative urges and results in unique gifts or something that I can wear for years to come. I'm always trying different techniques and experimenting with new handmade jewelry styles. That means, though, that I go through a lot of supplies. I primarily work with wire, beads, and tumbled stones so that not a lot of specialized equipment is required. I use various types of small pliers and wire cutters, and these tools don't often need to be replaced. But I'm always running out of stones and wire. There are several specialty shops in my area which carry beading and handmade jewelry supplies, but none of them are very close to where I live and require a special trip. Also, the selection is fairly limited, so I rarely find everything I need at just one store. When I'm experimenting with a new technique, I use inexpensive copper wire until I've figured it out. But when I'm creating handmade jewelry as gifts or for sale, I only use good sterling silver wire. Sterling wire at these shops is ridiculously expensive. Then I realized that I can buy stones and wire in bulk online. It's saved me so much money and is so easy to do. I can find everything I need from the comfort of my home, and have the supplies shipped right to my door. Now, I only buy my handmade jewelry supplies online.