does anyone know where to start on how to make jewellery for begginers?? need instuctions for making jewellery?

13 Mar 2010

13 Mar, 2010 jewelry making instructions

i am a beginner so i am not really sure how to start or anything so i need help and preferable instructions on basically everything in how to start to how to make jewellery??? please give advice or instuctions thanks

I have been making jewelry for years. Before you start investing in high-end or semi-precious beads, I would go to your local craft store (like Michael’s or Joanne’s) and pick up some beads as well as one of the instructional booklets they sell. They will show you want tools you need and how to make basic styles. Personally I work with alot of wire and crystals so for instance, I use several different types of pliers.
Once you do that and learn about the "findings" (which are like clasps, crimps, etc) then you will know what all you will need.
Making jewelry can get VERY expensive if you don’t know what all you will need and have to keep making trips to the store.
To start, get a book like "Jewelry 101" (at Michael’s). They also have kits that you can buy (for instance, they have like a "charm bracelet" kit that is very cute that I bought yesterday) and I would recommend that because it guarantees that you have all the findings that you would need.
Once you get into it, there are also alot of websites online that sell beads and findings as well as have patterns and books you can buy.
My favorite is www.firemountaingems.com. They have just about the widest selection and best prices online. You can go to their site and request a free catalog. I would suggest that because it will give you an idea of the types of beads and findings that you can buy to make your creations.

Oh one more thing, find a "bead boutique" in your area and go there. They are usually privately owned and the people who work there are usually jewelry makers. They could answer your questions and give you more info.
Hope this helps!!

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5 Responses

Julie G
2010 Mar 13 1

Go to
http://www.wigjig.com/makingjewelry-with-beads.htm
There are loads of other sites you just have to look
References :
Krystal K
2010 Mar 14 2

I have been making jewelry for years. Before you start investing in high-end or semi-precious beads, I would go to your local craft store (like Michael’s or Joanne’s) and pick up some beads as well as one of the instructional booklets they sell. They will show you want tools you need and how to make basic styles. Personally I work with alot of wire and crystals so for instance, I use several different types of pliers.
Once you do that and learn about the "findings" (which are like clasps, crimps, etc) then you will know what all you will need.
Making jewelry can get VERY expensive if you don’t know what all you will need and have to keep making trips to the store.
To start, get a book like "Jewelry 101" (at Michael’s). They also have kits that you can buy (for instance, they have like a "charm bracelet" kit that is very cute that I bought yesterday) and I would recommend that because it guarantees that you have all the findings that you would need.
Once you get into it, there are also alot of websites online that sell beads and findings as well as have patterns and books you can buy.
My favorite is http://www.firemountaingems.com. They have just about the widest selection and best prices online. You can go to their site and request a free catalog. I would suggest that because it will give you an idea of the types of beads and findings that you can buy to make your creations.

Oh one more thing, find a "bead boutique" in your area and go there. They are usually privately owned and the people who work there are usually jewelry makers. They could answer your questions and give you more info.
Hope this helps!!
References :
http://www.firemountaingems.com
evolpixie
2010 Mar 14 3

A fun place to check for video tutorials is YouTube. Sometimes seeing it done is easier than reading how to do it. Another great place for tutorials and ideas is http://www.craftster.org. When I first started out, I went to the bookstore and library for books with easy to follow instructions with pictures.

Hope this helps!
References :
http://jewelrymaking.about.com/
http://www.how-to-make-jewelry.com/
http://www.craftbits.com/viewCategory.do?categoryID=JEM
http://www.craftster.org
http://www.youtube.com
Grog
2010 Mar 14 4

Yeh if you just wanna start making frendship bracelets, get 2 really long pieces of string preferably different colours, red/black white/blue or something. just twist them together untill really tight, bend them in the middle and connect the two and pull together. Oh and tieing the ends. your left with a small piece of string that you can tie round a wrist or make a necklace with.
You can even use beads and charms whalst twisting them together.
I used to do it back in the past.
References :
Allison B
2010 Mar 14 5

If you have any craft stores in your area, they will sometimes hold jewelry-making classes. If there is a Hobby Lobby in your area, they have all kinds of free patterns! They also usually have some of their beading supplies 50% off.

Here are a few things I would (and did use) when I started:
1. jewelry wire (gold or silver)
2. pick out a few packages of beads you will want to use
3. pendants
4. clasps
5. crimp beads
6. crimping pliers

I would also pick out a beading book or 2. If you are able to look through them, I would make sure they have basic instructions on how to use your products. I find books by Katie Hacker to be very easy to understand and she has some beautiful patterns. Good luck and have fun with your new hobby!
References :

Jewelry Making