How to Make Fashion Jewelry

Attention jewelry lovers--save money and have fun by making your own fashion jewelry. Copy the latest trends from fashion magazines and catalogues or create your own designs. All you need to make fashion jewelry is your imagination and a few supplies.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Beads
• Pliers
• Wire cutter
• Bead board
• Stringing wire
• Clasps
• Crimps

1. Learn the basic techniques for bending wire, attaching clasps and closing crimps. Also learn the different types of stringing materials such as tiger tail and thread. Take a class at a local bead store. Buy an instructional video. Read how to articles in bead magazines.
2. Purchase tools and supplies. The basic tools required to make jewelry are round rose pliers, chain nose pliers, crimp pliers, a wire cutter and bead board. Jewelry making supplies include stringing wire, clasps, crimps (used to hold the wire in place) and ear wires for earrings.
3. Stock up on beads. There are many different types of beads including glass, semi-precious stone, crystal, silver, gold, metal and ceramic. Also use charms and various size chains to make jewelry. Purchase beads at a local bead store or on the Internet. Look in your jewelry box--take apart any items you no longer wear and use the components.
4. Jump in and start making jewelry. Try different design combinations-—arrange the beads on the bead board before stringing.

Tips & Warnings

• Create a folder or scrapbook to store jewelry design ideas from magazines and catalogs.
• Shop around and compare prices before you buy. Retail bead shops tend to have higher prices than online stores. However, the shipping cost may offset the savings.
• If you have trouble coming up with design ideas, purchase a necklace, bracelet or earring kit that includes supplies and instructions.