How to Make Jewelry

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

Rate: (24 Ratings)

Designing and constructing your own jewelry can be a very satisfying hobby. Whether you want to make a simple macramé bracelet or explore the art of lost wax casting, you create something that is uniquely yours!

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Jewelry Beads
Jewelry Clasps
Jewelry Findings
Jewelry Supplies
Jewelry Making Books
Tweezers For Jewelry Making
Jewelry Charms
Internet Access
Jewelry Wire
Pliers For Jewelry Making

Step1

Educate yourself in the area of jewelry making that most interests you. Look for information on the Internet, in libraries and in bookstores.

Step2

Get some hands-on experience in your chosen area of jewelry making. You can easily learn some techniques - such as bead stringing - from books alone. Other techniques, such as various forms of metal casting, are best learned from a qualified instructor.

Step3

Find out what materials or equipment you will need in order to successfully complete your jewelry projects. Will you need to buy a lot of special equipment? If so, do you have the space in your home or workshop to store equipment and materials?

Step4

Consider the cost of your new hobby. Can you afford to buy the needed equipment and materials? Will you need to rent time, space or equipment in someone else's studio or workshop?

Step5

Evaluate the amount of time you have to invest in a hobby and choose an area of jewelry making that fits your schedule.

Tips & Warnings

Explore jewelry-making courses offered by your local college or parks and recreation department. Some Internet sites even offer online classes.

Comments

fyfy said

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on 9/18/2007 Jewelry-making is definitely fun! So many possibilities, so little time!

Fy

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 There are three common ways to attach the beaded work to a clasp:
1. Using a tiny clamshell-like device that holds the knotted ends, so they can then be attached either directly to the clasp or to a jump-ring that is then inserted through the clasp loops.
2. Tying the end of the work onto jump-rings that are then inserted through the loops on either side of the clasp.
3. Tying directly onto the loops of the clasp itself.

In any of these cases, the durability of the knot applied is important. If you're using either a natural fiber or a wound strand of any type, applying a tiny dot of glue as a finishing touch will keep it from unwinding.

If using mono filaments, such as invisible thread or clear fishing lines, the best knot is the one fishermen use. Wrap the free line three or four times around the standing line then insert the free end under the first wind, right against the surface being knotted to, and then pull, pushing the wound section tight. Add a drop of glue. The glue used should be of a type that will dry clear and will not be affected by humidity. Goop is good, so are all-purpose white wood glues.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Go to the Wal-mart and buy jewelry wire and necklace clasps. Take the necklace that you made and at each end twine the wire about an inch on each end of your string. Connect the clasp ends onto the wire and twirl it until it is tight. Make sure no wire ends are poking out as this can hurt someone. Then latch the clasp and you are done!

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I learned that you should make the string or cord that you are using longer than you think you need so you have room for mistakes. Choose beads that match a favorite outfit, or express your character. Make a pattern before you put the beads on the string.

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