Jewelry Making

Somnium

Hi all, Ive already played with making a few pieces of jewelry, mainly earings, but wanted to buy a few more suplies and was really wanting to know a few things.

a) What basic tools should I buy, I don't want to go crazy so just the essentials.

b) Where are good places to buy findings, beads, crystals etc, again I don't want to go crazy.

c) Would it be worth attending a class, I have a local shop that offers a 3 hour class for £15 plus materials.

I'm really quite new to this but have enjoyed the making the first peices and would like to do more, any advice would be greatly appreciated.:D

Applepie_2

Take a look at Blundells/Walshes. They put together basic jewellery tool packages for college/uni students. Even if you can't get to the Hatton Garden area, it should provide you with a list of tools which you may be able to source locally or improvise. Both places are very helpful.

https://www.jblundell.co.uk
https://www.hswalsh.com

For courses/workshops, I would check out local adult education colleges to see what they offer. Looking at the price the shop is offering, I find colleges cheaper - but you do sign up for a term/week or weekend.

Somnium

Thanks I had never that about local adult education, I shall certainly look into it and the cost. Am off to look at those links now

Applepie_2

Colleges usually have all the tools for you to use at the classes. So I would check that - try before you go to the expense buying perhaps. For an idea of wide ranging courses that are available, look at the courses descriptions here: http://www.citylit.ac.uk/ under Visual Arts. Good luck.

Somnium

Again thankyou for the link, I looked at the adult education courses in my area and there is one that I really like the look of. Its £80 for an 8 week course, its in the evenings and is two hours a time so good value I think. The only issue is that materials are not included so I will be making a call to find out more. If its too expensive will have to give it a miss!