Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Ali Hamza
Making your own jewelry is not only a fascinating and addictive activity, but it also gives you the opportunity to wear what you’ve made! Many folks, though, are unsure where to begin.
Here are simple tips to get you started with beginner jewelry making!
1. Choose what type of jewelry interests you most
Because there are so many options, it can be intimidating when you first decide to try your hand at crafting jewellery.
It’s impractical to expect to learn to crochet, knit, hand-sew, quilt, and embroider all at once, just as you wouldn’t expect to learn to crochet, knit, hand-sew, quilt, and embroider all at once. Instead, start with one type and work your way up from there.
Perhaps you love the basic style and customization of metal stamped jewellery, or perhaps you prefer the beauty and feel of multicolor beads necklace. Perhaps you’d like to experiment with leather, clay, or glass.
Choose one medium to concentrate on first, understanding that you can always switch things up later… In fact, because of what you already know, the skills may even build on each other, making learning a new approach easier!
2. Master a few basic skills
Whether you start with beads, clay metal, or another sort of jewellery, there are a few skills you’ll need for almost every creation.
Most projects, for example, will necessitate a basic understanding of how to properly open and shut a jump ring and make a simple wire loop.
Once you’ve mastered these techniques, you may apply them to whatever project you’re working on!
3. Invest in good quality tools
It may be sufficient to “borrow” the wire cutters and pliers from your household toolbox for your first attempt. But the truth is that the better tools you have, the easier the process will be and the better your product will turn out.
It may appear to be an investment at first, especially when it comes to specialised tools like metal stamps, but they more than pay for themselves in the long run when you’re able to produce rather than buy jewellery, as well as make jewellery to give as gifts and/or sell to others.
It’s usually relatively affordable to make any particular piece once you have the requisite tools in your stash.
4. Learn the terminology
What’s the difference between a head pin and a pin for the eyes? Is 12-gauge wire thicker than 20-gauge wire, or vice versa? What exactly are “findings”? You’ll need to be aware of this!
Make sure you know exactly what you need before you buy anything. It will save you the time, money, and aggravation of having to return and exchange products that aren’t right for you.
There are many excellent resources available to you, such as this fundamental introduction to metal stamping.
5. Get your hands on some supplies, literally
There are a plethora of places to buy jewelry-making materials. Online stores like Goody Beads, Lima Beads, and P&J Tool Supply offer extensive inventory, and Etsy is a great place to look for just about anything.
I’d recommend going to a local craft store and physically getting your hands on some of these equipment and supplies before deciding on your preferred internet providers. Examine them, feel them, and select exactly what you desire. Because of my lack of experience, I’ve ordered products in the past that were not at all what I expected.
6. Have an organized, dedicated workspace
Nothing is more aggravating to a crafter (or their family!) than having supplies strewn about the room. If you can’t locate what you’re looking for, you’re wasting time that could be spent creating.
Choose a room in your house, or at the very least a specific table, desk, drawer, or other area, to dedicate only to your passion. Sort your supplies and label, label, label once you have it. There are a variety of jewelry-making storage options available, including affordable bins and boxes with built-in dividers for storing various beads, findings, and other items.
Develop and stick to a system that works for you. You’ll always know what you have and it’ll be within reach when you need it.
7. Check Pinterest, blogs, and of course Craftsy for inspiration
Sometimes a brilliant idea for a new piece of jewellery just pops into my head. But, more often than not, I am inspired by what I observe when it comes to producing jewellery. Look for ideas everywhere you go.
Examine the jewellery available for purchase in your favourite apparel and accessory shops. Take a look at Pinterest. Look through the jewellery archives of a handful of your favourite bloggers whose style you admire. And, of course, look for inspiration right here on Craftsy! There are almost 2100 bracelet projects alone on this page, not to mention the over 11,000 total jewellery projects, which include necklaces, earrings, and more. You may come across a terrific tutorial that you want to follow step by step, or you may simply come across something that appeals to you and want to change the colours, size, or design to suit your own preferences.
8. Take a class
Is there anything in particular you’d like to learn? Take a lesson and let a professional guide you through the process! You’ve already arrived at the correct location.
Craftsy has a variety of workshops where you can learn a variety of jewelry-making skills, some of which are even free.
You can enrol in a basic beginner level class or a course focused on a specific technique, such as wire wrapping or resin work.
You could also be able to learn in person by attending a class at your local craft or specialty bead store.
9. Don’t get discouraged
Making your own jewellery has a learning curve, just like any other talent. The first wire loop you try to make will be a complete disaster. That’s fine! Because the second one will look better, and the tenth one will have you feeling like a pro. Don’t let a failed or tough effort dampen your enthusiasm. Simply keep trying, practising, and remembering that all abilities take time to master.
10. Take risks!
Don’t be afraid to try a new skill simply because it appears or sounds tough. I always enjoy giving people the opportunity to experiment with my metal stamping equipment and show how simple it is to produce their own unique items. Many people are scared by the concept, but once they have the correct tools, they are blown away by what they can accomplish!
Also, don’t limit yourself to a specific jewellery design, colour, or size. Experiment with your supplies, try new things, and see how they go!
Experiment with different materials to see what you can come up with. Some of my favourite pieces are ones that I wasn’t sure I’d appreciate when I first started working on them. The sky’s the limit…aim high!
Best wishes as you begin this exciting new activity. You’ll immediately discover that it’s absolutely addictive once you get started! You can’t claim I didn’t warn you! Make sure to share your own jewellery designs with us on Bluprint so we can see what you’ve come up with!
Apart from this, if you are interested to know more about Alluring Styles of Silver Gemstone Jewelry then visit our Fashion category.
