MAKING JEWELLERY

 

So you fancy joining the growing band of people who make jewellery for pleasure, fun and sometimes even a living?

 

Well the world is now your oyster, from dichroic glass beads to Murano multi set jewellery, pearls, resins and fire glass - to the humble wooden or plastic bead.

 

What to do first?

Take a trip to your local DIY or craft shop and buy a small storage chest or tray, the type you would normally use for screws etc,  you will then be able to put your hand to all those beads and findings, you will also see at a glance when you are running low on any item.

 

Start off with small quantities of findings and beads. Most bead companies will cater for smaller orders and if not use one that does. Try a couple of packs of ear-wires and head posts and a small selection of seed beads and rocailles. You can buy the more unusual beads in small quantities and the more standard beads in 20s or so. The last thing you need are  trays and trays of beads you will never use, far better to pay a little more, than be saddled with thousands of beads and findings you will not use – believe me, it can soon happen.

 

Try making single earrings to start with, you will use less of your initial finding stock and give yourself a wider choice of styles. Start off with some basic black & white beads, then add a splash of colour, don’t be afraid to experiment – use your imagination – there are enough styles of beads, pearls glass and resin to keep you occupied.

 

Once you have mastered the basics you can move on. Take a look at the jewellery around you, look in magazines, see what  the latest styles are and if they are possible to make.

 

If you have a birthday or celebration coming up, ask for a book on jewellery making.

 

BASICS

 

You will need most of these things to make your first earrings:

Head pins x 40

Ear-wires x 40

Seed beads x small tube

Rocailles x small tube

Small gold plated beads 3mm x 100

Small silver plated beads 3mm x 100

Pack of 5 or 6mm assorted glass beads

Pack of resin or glass spacers

A set of small tools – inc side cutters and round nose pliers.

 

 

Good Luck

Susan Corry

 

This article is kindly sponsored by: Firstbeads