Jewelry making?

kathryn

kathryn

Cathlete
I'm in search of a new hobby, and since I love necklaces, but can't find the styles I like, I decided to delve into jewelry making (especially beading).

I've picked up a couple of books already (I like to do in-depth research in whatever I get into), but there is SOOO much info out there, and so many places to buy equipment and beads, etc., starting to get to the point of not knowing where to start!

For those of you who make jewelry (does anyone?), what would you recommend to the beginner? (I already know I'm interested in beading and wirework, maybe later will get into polymer clay bead makiing, have no interest in bead sewing or metal work for the moment.)

What online sources for equipment and materials do you recommend?

What's a good way to start (I'm thinking of going through the projects in this book, which look good to me: http://www.amazon.com/Absolute-Begi...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276358635&sr=8-1

Any hints and tips?

TIA!
 
I found it helped me to take a class first to get the basics (I took a beading one and a silver jewellery one - lot more work than I realized!). The class also introduces you to the tools you will need and can also provide let you know the best local places to pick up supplies.

Here's a few links I could find right now that may help:
BeadStyle magazine http://www.beadstylemag.com/ - lots of good information and community

About.com http://jewelrymaking.about.com/od/beadingprojects/Beaded_Jewelry_Making_Projects_Information.htm- some good resources

Artbeads http://www.artbeads.com/ - good supplier. They ship quickly and I really like them for silver wire and findings.

Auntie's Beads http://www.auntiesbeads.com/ - another good store and they also have video clips demonstrating techniques and projects
 
Kathryn, . .it is soooo much fun. I love to shop at Anthropologie but the jewlery there is so expensive. I found that I could just make it myself. I self taught and would just you tube search on the basics. I started off very simple. There are also some really great magazines out there. Nancy listed all the resources I used to read. I haven't done it in a while but you've got me wanting to start again.
 
I took a couple of classes first. The instructors are great resources for information on the best places to buy/order supplies and where to find beads, stones, etc. You should find a bead store. Most of them teach various classes.

I also took a metalsmithing class that was fabulous!

Have fun!
 
I would also suggest taking one or two classes as well. It really helps to have someone there showing you what to do then reading it in a book. Beadstyle magazine is one of my favorites and one where I get some of my ideas from. Phoenix130 gave you lots of good references too. It is lots of fun and addicting and can be very expensive if you use real stones but you get something that you can call your very own. Have fun.

Cheryl
 
LeanneM makes INCREDIBLE jewelry--truly spectacular designs! You might pm her for ideas, tips, resources, etc.

Good luck! It sounds like it would be very rewarding & a lot of fun. :)
 
I don't make jewelry, but I have a friend who makes stunning chain mail and beaded chain mail jewelry. I had never heard of it until I saw her working with the rings one day. It's lovely; not at all tacky (in many cases), as the name implies. :) See examples here:

http://www.amazon.com/Handcrafting-T...11&sr=1-6#noop

and here:

http://www.amazon.com/Beaded-Chain-M...6435359&sr=1-3

Shari
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For different ideas, syles and supplies check out
www.etsy.com

PLEASE, do not flame me when you go on and buy 12 bars of handmade soap, scarves, jewelry or any other item. I have 6 vendors that are on there on consignment in our boutique (all local from our area). I had a dear friend introduce me to that site, and now I could spend HOURS browsing and shopping!

Have fun! And there's your first outlet for sales (if you wanted to go that route)!!

MJ in MN
BTW, I am NOT affiliated with them, just think it's a very cool site...
 
Thanks for the advice, links and info, guys!

I agree a class would be good, but I'll have to go a ways to find one. In the meantime, I found a DVD that I just finished watching that makes all that I've been reading about much clearer.

MJ: LOL about Etsy! Just yesterday, I remembered the site (I'd met a woman who sold her jewelry there), and I ended up buying two necklaces and a bunch of beads!
 
Making jewelry has been a hobby of mine for years. For over ten years, I have bought most of my beads and supplies from this website: http://www.monsterslayer.com/

They have a huge selection, and the closest thing to wholesale prices. Good customer service, fast shipping, no complaints after about 12 years of ordering countless times from them. In short, I highly recommend them!

Also, if you haven't figured it out yet Kathryn, beads are totally addictive! But soooo fun!
 
I've bought a bunch of jewelry and beads on Etsy. love that site! If I had the time I'd make some to sell on there.

oh and yeah also have bought bags, skirts, a really cool house knick knack shelf, deoderant, soaps etc etc etc.
 
Bobbi-B said:
Making jewelry has been a hobby of mine for years. For over ten years, I have bought most of my beads and supplies from this website: http://www.monsterslayer.com/

They have a huge selection, and the closest thing to wholesale prices. Good customer service, fast shipping, no complaints after about 12 years of ordering countless times from them. In short, I highly recommend them!

Also, if you haven't figured it out yet Kathryn, beads are totally addictive! But soooo fun!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link! (I like 'closest thing to wholesale prices'!)

I'm already finding that it's addictive, and I haven't started making anything yet! (I've been reading, watching, buying, and have even come up with a few designs I'd like to make at some point, even looking over jewelry I already have and figuring out how it was made/identifying the components, etc.). Once my beads get here, I intend to tackle the projects on the DVD ("Creating Wire and Beaded Jewelry" by Linda Jones).
 
I just got back from a trip to my local craftstore. I'd gone there with a list of things I needed for the first few projects in a beginner bead-stringing book I have, and found myself faced with both 'too much' and 'not enough': too much cheap costume-jewelry makings, not enough selection of wire and cords and good-quality beads.

Despite that, I did manage to find some things. ;)

I think I may have to stick to ordering online, at least for wire and such, which is actually less confusing (I can search for the exact item I want using the search engine).
 
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