I wind up using glass beads for a lot of things when prototyping, but I've never really found a good source for them at a decent price.
Well, at least, until now.
Crate and Barrel carries them. I haven't counted them, but it's sure over 100 of them (weight:2 pounds) for $6 a bag. The one slight drawback is the colors they are currently offering them in (most likely seasonal). Light blue, orange, pink, clear, and white.
Just thought I'd pass this find along.
Wal-Mart carries them. I think they charge about half the price that Michael's charges. I don't actually know the price or how it compares to the price you mention. :(
Michael's puts them on sale about once a month, usually for 88 cents a bag (half-pound? one pound? not sure).
For prototyping, you can usually get what you need at craft stores. But for production, even on a small scale, try this outfit for higher volume:
Clark
Not the best price, but something different...
I was gona use them for Life/Mana stones
http://www.sciplus.com/singleItem.cfm?terms=12451&cartLogFrom=Search
I have bought mine at IKEA. The price is around $1.50 for roughly 150.
I don’t know if IKEA USA has them.
You should look in the flower section.
// Johan
I tend to get mine on sale @ michales for about 90cents (canadian) per bag, and get usually 80-100 per bag
I just found out yesterday that Michaels craft store was bought out, so you may be able to get their merchandise even cheaper soon.
Oh? Who bought out michaels?
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The Michael's here was selling a bag of 25 (red, green, metallic,or clear) currently for $2.95.
The Crate and Barrel bag has roughly 280 beads for $6. In their current season pastel colors, if you don't mind that. This price even beats the megaglass.com pricing, which seem to be the same exact bead that C&B has (notably, the opaque orange, and opaque sky blue).
Most likely, Walmart probably would have them cheaper, but I avoid Walmart on principal.