Using beads to make necklaces and bracelets

lucylou

Hi I just discovered a new shop where I live and it sells lots of different kind of beads in different sizes and colours and shapes.Does anyone have any tips on how to start making bracelets and necklaces and earrings please?Or any website please?thanks for your help

Allexie

This site looks quite interesting....



http://jewelrymaking.allinfoabout.com/

MIRRY_2

Hi LUCY

I have been going to jewellery school for 4 years now and make and sell the odd bit of jewellery, there are so many different ways to make jewellery with so many different materials.
The easiest of course is simple threading onto stretch magic elastic (your shops will sell it) Then theres stringing onto threads (a cheap option is fishing line) you will need crimps (tiny little metal circles) and clasps. I am sure your shop will demonstrate if they want to make sales ?
Basically thread your beads onto your fishing line and then put a crimp each end then pass the thread each end thru your clasp and then back down into your crimp, pull tight and then use your tools to squash your crimp which then acts as a stop.
It is really quite easy.
Then If you want to make more impressive jewellery there are lots of instructions online for Bead weaving jewellery...with this you will need a reel of Nymo thread and beading needles......its quite tricky at first but once mastered can bring great joy.
I have often considered teaching but dont feel i hold enough confidence, good luck with it.
mirryx

Hermia

There is some interesting stuff which is called Memory Wire (I think!). It's very good. You thread beads onto it and it retains it's shape. I often copy designs from magazines or jewellery websites. I like that RedDirect catalogue that comes with Red magazine. I often get ideas from that. If you get good at it you can make great gifts. I always make sure I only use good quality materials. I made some lovely earrings from sterling silver earwires, Swarovski crystals and glass beads. It wasn't too expensive as I bought the materials in bulk and I ended up with lots of very posh-looking earrings to give to friends.

Katgoddess

http://www.craftster.org/forum/ has lots of useful stuff and tutorials.

arkonite_babe

Don't forget you can also restring old necklaces and re-use jewellery items that are no longer in fashion to create new pieces.

Glad

most of these bead shops also sell the basics to start jewellry making