Kandi Making Supplies

[Danika 2]

Where To Buy:

 

General Stores:

Walmart - website

Joann's Craft Store - website

Michael's Craft Store - website

 

 

Online Stores:

Oriental Trading

Making Friends

Creative Wholesale

Sundance Solar

You can also check on EBAY too!

and ETSY

 

 

 

 

Types Of:

 

Strings:

There are many different kinds of string you can use to make your kandi. Its really just based on preference or how strong you want your piece to be depending on size/shape.

 

There's the elastic kind (Stretchrite).

It usually comes in black, white, or tan and you can usually find it in the sewing section of your local walmart, michaels, or joanns. Don't be mistaken because they usually don't keep it by the beading section.

 

Then there's the plastic kind. (Bead n' Stretch, Stretch Magic, etc)

The plastic string is really hard to tie and you should usually seal the end by either melting it (don't over do it) when you tie it or covering the end with clear nail polish (much more preferred)--this works as a type of glue. They have different sizes of string so just buy string depending on how big of a piece you're making and how strong you want it to be.

 

You can basically use any kind of string, I've received Kandi made from hemp, wire, plastic zip ties (I wouldnt recommend this one lol) regular string or random string you could find around the house or from old jewelry.

 

 

Beads

Beads can be found at almost every craft store and come in all shapes and sizes. The more common stores are Walmart, Joann's, and Michael's.

Plastic Beads (most commonly used)

Glass Beads (more expensive, easily broken, but it looks nice)

Then there are also foam, metallic, and ceramic beads.

 

 

Charms

 

Charms can be found ANYWHERE and when I say anywhere I mean anywhere. You can make charms out of anything as well--just drill a hole in it. Check your toy stores, dollar stores, swap meet, malls, even in your house.

 

The best thing about kandi is that there is no such thing as ugly kandi and you can put just about anything on a bracelet/necklace that you find (=

 

 

 

 

Feel free to post sites/stores you buy from and I'll update the original post (=

[florasunshine 0]

Excellent post Danika..... thought I would put in my two cents...

 

As far as string goes elastic cording is available at most stores with craft sections. I usually buy mine at walmart. you can get a package with 4 different colors that are all 5 yards a piece all for the bargain price of $3.96 a package.... I recommend using the 1.2 mm thick string as it is a bit sturdier for all your pretty beads to go on.... I use this kind of cording for normal kandi making, items like kandi gloves, 3d pieces, the bracer i made for chewy, and just regular singles are all made with this 1.2 mm thick cording from walmart....

 

Stretch magic is great for large beaded items.... items such as kandi-kinis, purses, backpacks etc are all items i usually us stretch magic with.... I am making a top hat atm and i am using the stretch magic to create this.... I recommend buying this with a thickness of 2mm because it will be heavier and less likely to break, however it will not stretch as much, but it really does help keep things sturdy. Danika's kandi-kini was made with this 2mm thick stretch magic cording. This is also available at walmart but they don't always have 2mm thick.... i believe it usually runs about $5.97 at walmart....

 

Pony beads are available at a variety of stores.... i prefer walmart because i can buy a bag of 500 beautifully finished beads for the bargain price of $3.96. The also have great craft boxes that are 22 slots (great for holding all your beads) for $9.96. If you dont find what you are looking for, most craft stores carry these beads.... We have a store in texas called hobby lobby.... if you have one of these stores in your area, i highly recommend checking there for fun little animal shaped beads and star beads etc....

 

If glass or wooden beads are your thing, craft stores are probably your best bet. Walmart's selection is very limited and most are kinda old ladyish lol.....

 

Ebay is also a great place to find beads and things.... But buyer beware, some people WAAAAAAY over charge!!

 

This is a really fun type of pony bead, they are uv reactive..... they look white until they get in uv light of any kind and they change colors!!!!! I recommend this site to order them from.... They are fairly reasonably priced and they offer bulk prices as well.....

 

http://store.sundancesolar.com/enbeaduvsenb.html

 

Hope that helps! Good luck and happy beading!!!!!

 

If anyone has any questions, you can pm me or aim me at florasunshine26-

 

One Love-One World

[meowfishie 0]

I remember back when I first started. I had a $30 gift card to Michaels and I went crazy, sorta. I bought a bunch of "random" bead mixes (honestly this is the best way to build up a collection) and some pony bead multipacks. I bought the stretch magic not knowing any better, but it doesn't really matter. Now I use StretchRite, corded elastic NOT plastic. 144 yards for $12

 

If you don't really care about ~quality~ whatever beads are fine. But in my experience, The Beadery makes the best beads. The pony beads don't have that "halo" around the middle that sometimes happens (kind of sharp/itchy) and the tribeads are much higher quality. I have found not much difference in price either. This really doesn't matter though since nobody will notice except you. oriental trading is good for super cheap beads and also crazy charms- esp if you like rubber ducks!

 

My favorite place online to buy beads is here- Creative Wholesale. Shipping is a little on the expensive side but beads weigh a lot. They have a huge selection of The Beadery beads (you can buy basically any color you need, 1000 at a time. Also note- Circus colors (available in circus opaque multi and separately) react to UV. ), and also sell The Beadery 1lb random multipack, which i usually buy at least 3 of every time I'm at Michaels :3

The random packs are the best way to acquire basically any type of bead you want. I got the majority of my circular letters from them, as well as all my animals and non-pony beads. My ADHD really loves to sort them all, as well, so if I'm feel especially ansy I try to get a pack and sort it out :] v calming.

 

IRL stores, i am not sure- it will vary by area. The JoAnns in Michigan always had a better selection than Michaels though I could never find the 1lb random bags at JoAnns.. it's hard to decide. Apparently Hobby Lobby is great, but I have never been. I also do not shop at Walmart, but if the selection is anything like at Meijer, it's only good for a quick fix (though they did sell supercheap StretchRite) and never as good as online selection or craft stores.

 

Other good places- eBay and Etsy. Lots of people on etsy "destash" (keyword you can use for searching) their old pony beads and charms when they need money. Beware- lots of kandi sellers there :( sometimes outrageously so..

 

On the charms/attachment end- really, go wild at dollar stores, party supply stores and flea markets. Eat Happy Meals if you aren't a vegetarian. Clearance section at toystores.. quarter machines.. garbage from the street. There are also ways to make charms out of other pony beads (stars, 3d stars, balls) so possibilities are endless..

 

Hope this helped!

if you want a text based list of sites, I can provide that as well. The sticky seems to be lacking some I thought everyone knew about!

 

 

haha this post got v long.. sorry n_n

[florasunshine 0]

I remember back when I first started. I had a $30 gift card to Michaels and I went crazy, sorta. I bought a bunch of "random" bead mixes (honestly this is the best way to build up a collection) and some pony bead multipacks. I bought the stretch magic not knowing any better, but it doesn't really matter. Now I use StretchRite, corded elastic NOT plastic. 144 yards for $12

 

If you don't really care about ~quality~ whatever beads are fine. But in my experience, The Beadery makes the best beads. The pony beads don't have that "halo" around the middle that sometimes happens (kind of sharp/itchy) and the tribeads are much higher quality. I have found not much difference in price either. This really doesn't matter though since nobody will notice except you. oriental trading is good for super cheap beads and also crazy charms- esp if you like rubber ducks!

 

My favorite place online to buy beads is here- Creative Wholesale. Shipping is a little on the expensive side but beads weigh a lot. They have a huge selection of The Beadery beads (you can buy basically any color you need, 1000 at a time. Also note- Circus colors (available in circus opaque multi and separately) react to UV. ), and also sell The Beadery 1lb random multipack, which i usually buy at least 3 of every time I'm at Michaels :3

The random packs are the best way to acquire basically any type of bead you want. I got the majority of my circular letters from them, as well as all my animals and non-pony beads. My ADHD really loves to sort them all, as well, so if I'm feel especially ansy I try to get a pack and sort it out :] v calming.

 

IRL stores, i am not sure- it will vary by area. The JoAnns in Michigan always had a better selection than Michaels though I could never find the 1lb random bags at JoAnns.. it's hard to decide. Apparently Hobby Lobby is great, but I have never been. I also do not shop at Walmart, but if the selection is anything like at Meijer, it's only good for a quick fix (though they did sell supercheap StretchRite) and never as good as online selection or craft stores.

 

Other good places- eBay and Etsy. Lots of people on etsy "destash" (keyword you can use for searching) their old pony beads and charms when they need money. Beware- lots of kandi sellers there :( sometimes outrageously so..

 

On the charms/attachment end- really, go wild at dollar stores, party supply stores and flea markets. Eat Happy Meals if you aren't a vegetarian. Clearance section at toystores.. quarter machines.. garbage from the street. There are also ways to make charms out of other pony beads (stars, 3d stars, balls) so possibilities are endless..

 

Hope this helped!

if you want a text based list of sites, I can provide that as well. The sticky seems to be lacking some I thought everyone knew about!

 

 

haha this post got v long.. sorry n_n

 

 

Excellent post! Wanted to add a bit.... you can buy the toys from fast food restaurants seperately from the happy meal.... i chose to go that route since i AM a vegetarian.... lol

[meowfishie 0]

Excellent post! Wanted to add a bit.... you can buy the toys from fast food restaurants seperately from the happy meal.... i chose to go that route since i AM a vegetarian.... lol

 

haha really?? I never knew that. I don't want to go in them b/c I can't stand the smell.. but that's good to know next time I see pokemon or neopets toys :D thanks!

[Arius 2]

as far as string goes, i've never gone wrong with the Jewelry Essentials Stringing that they sell in 10 yd packs at Michaels. the 1mm stuff at least.

[Snoball 0]

Michael's crafts aslo sells these awesome three-dollar-something packs of assorted beads and charms... but it's not in the bead isle, it's over by sewing supplies and buttons for some reason. You guys should all check those out they're fun and random and great for kandi. ^-^

[PaulSioraiWaldorf 0]

Very much agree with most of the info here. But I thought I'd toss in my own two cents and update some of the information.

 

TheBeadery will probably always be the best manufacturer of plastic beads, I flat out refuse to anything else. There does, however, seem to be a bit of a snag in -finding- them these days though. It might just be a regional thing (originally from Los Angeles, currently find myself in Western Massachusetts now), but Walmart switched suppliers for beads and now goes with 'Horizon'. Which aren't up to standards to say the least.

 

There is hope however because with a little bit of effort, you can order them wholesale directly from the warehouse. It requires opening up a wholesale account with them, and they do charge a minimum of $250.00 USD for the first order, and 100 there after, but the prices simply can't beat.

 

To put things into perspective, the last time I went to walmart to get a few bags of beads, they came out to be $2.11 for 500. Which to me, seems expensive, I remember paying 1.25 a few years back it seems. Granted, everything has gotten more expensive for one reason or another.

 

I can't directly quote the wholesale prices, but I will say it's -substantially- less expensive to get them direct.

 

And yes, still substantially less than creative-wholesale, although obviously not as much.

 

As far as string, I'm a stretchrite guy myself, won't touch anything else. Someone did mention Oriental Trading Company, I've actually purchased one of their spools of elastic, and while it was still strong, it had about half the strength of Stretchrite I believe. Same with S&S World Wide.

 

Again, you can order directly from Dyno Merchandise and get the stuff on spools of 144 yds, their minimum is 100, so it's a bit easier to deal with.