GetCrafty Craft Facts

Q: Have any of you tried making jewelry with the 'Fiber Optic' beads from China? They come in wonderfully vibrant colors and in several sizes. The price for them has dropped. I'm trying to find anyone who is using them, and what reaction they are getting from buyers... I know some people are reluctant to give out this info, but just remember that this is a big country, and there is room for all of us...

A: I just happened to pick up some yesterday ('Mardi Gras' colors, since I'm in New Orleans). I personally think they're awesome and when I got back to the office, everyone was "oohing and aahing" over them. :) I'll probably be making a Y-chain necklace with them...will let you know what kind of response I get when it's complete, and I've shown it around. BTW...where are you purchasing yours? I haven't compared prices yet... I just happened to see these at my local bead shop and I'm glad I got to see them "in person" before placing a big order somewhere. I just bought some 'Fiber Optic' beads for resale to my customers. I've only done one show so far, but the response seems to be good. I bought some tiny heart- shaped fiber optic beads in 14 different shades. My customers either loved them, or hated them. The colors are a bit BRIGHT - my customers that are into the more fashion conscious/daring designs bought a bunch. My other customers that are into ethnic styles, or traditional styles hated them, but I'll definitely continue to stock them. I'm also going to stock the tiny star- shaped 'Fiber Optic' beads, too. I bought some dolphin 'Fiber Optic' charms - a little too big for my tastes. I can see using just a couple of the 'Fiber Optic' beads in my own creations, but not a whole strand in one project. I do mainly seed beadwork, but also make fused glass beads & cabochons. The 'Fiber Optic' beads would probably look pretty cool along with some of my dichroic fused glass creations. Now, if I only had the time to play with them! Have you seen the Fiber Optics that are faceted? The 'Lavender' is especially pretty. I made a "tin cup" type, using the 'Lavender' spaced out about an inch apart with seed beads between to spaces (rather than knotting them spaced out on thread or crimping them spaced on flex, both of which I have done with other beads and pearls). I have only seen the 'Lavender', and the green in faceted style. I wish I had a string of the black/grey ones.... black and silver.... delicious!