Jewelry Making

About Jewelry Making

Jewelry making is a very versatile craft. Whether you prefer jewelry that is fun and funky or find yourself searching for more subdued pieces, there’s a jewelry making project guaranteed to appeal to your tastes. For example:

• Beaded jewelry: Many people who are interested in jewelry making choose beaded jewelry designs for their first projects. You can create a variety of looks by varying the size and color of beads used in the project.
• Crocheted jewelry: If you’re tired of making crocheted blankets, turn your energy to jewelry making projects that use basic crochet stitches and simple beading techniques.
• Polymer clay jewelry: Polymer clay is a versatile material that lets you create jewelry designs that mimic the look of turquoise and other semi-precious stones for a fraction of the cost.
• Resin jewelry: Resin jewelry is made when clear or colored resin is poured into a mold. Resin jewelry designs often incorporate pressed flowers into the final piece.
• Photo jewelry: If you’re interested in scrapbooking or photography, you may want to try to create jewelry that incorporates family photos and other memorabilia. These projects are fun to create and make wonderful keepsakes.

Once you’ve decided what style of jewelry appeals to you, you’ll need to decide what type of project you want to complete. Common projects include:

• Bracelets
• Earrings
• Necklaces
• Pins
• Watches

Basic Supplies

Obviously, the type of jewelry making supplies you’ll need depends on the kind of project you wish to complete. However, if you’re serious about the craft, you’ll probably want to invest in a few basic tools. For example:

• Pliers: Pliers are a jewelry making essential. In addition to a good pair of standard needle-nose pliers, you’ll want flat-nose pliers, bent-nose pliers, long-nose pliers, round-nose pliers, and side cutters.
• Tweezers: You’ll want several different sizes of tweezers to accommodate various types of beads, charms, and embellishments.
• Ruler: A ruler with millimeter measurements will help you be more precise when planning your projects.
• Bead board: A bead board, most often used for necklace design, makes it easier to create a visually pleasing pattern for your project.
• Scissors: A good pair of sharp scissors will help you cut beading thread as well as small pieces of paper, plastic, or laminate.

Getting Started on Your First Project

When you’re new to the craft of jewelry making, it’s difficult to create your own designs from scratch. Idea books can give you a good starting point for your projects, even if you decide to make your own modifications. Here are a few books you may want to add to your crafting library:

• Designer Style Jewelry: Techniques and Projects for Elegant Designs from Classic to Retro by Sherri Haab
• Basic Jewelry Making: All the Skills And Tools You Need to Get Started by Ted Walker
• The Complete Book of Jewelry Making: A Full-Color Introduction To The Jeweler's Art by Carles Codina
• The Encyclopedia of Jewelry-Making Techniques: A Comprehensive Visual Guide to Traditional and Contemporary Techniques by Jinks McGrath

The following websites might also be useful as you’re learning more about the different types of jewelry making:

• DIY Jewelry Making
• Bead&Button
• Lapidary Journal
• Art Jewelry Magazine