How to Find Tools for Making Bead Jewelry

Tools and materials for making bead jewelry

Making bead jewelry is a hobby that allows you to explore your creativity. Whether you are assembling jewelry from ready made beads or making your own beads, the right tools make the difference in a professional looking jewelry design. Find tools for making bead jewelry locally and from internet resources. Most new jewelry tools have instructions for use on the package, but the best way to learn is through practice.

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection

Instructions

1. Visit the jewelry aisle of your local craft store to find tools for making bead jewelry. Along with a selection of beads and beading materials, craft stores also sell jewelry-making tools such as round nose, flat nose and crimping pliers. Different types of pliers are used to perform different functions when making bead jewelry. Round nose pliers open jump rings and form straight wire into loops so you can connect beads together. Flat nose pliers press metal end caps onto beading cord so you can attach a clasp. Crimping pliers press crimp beads to secure ends and clasps to bead jewelry threaded on beading wire. Other tools your local craft store may offer are a bead design board, jewelry wire cutters and beading needles.

2. Search online bead suppliers to find tools for making bead jewelry. In addition to jewelry pliers and other beading tools, online retailers may offer tools and materials to make glass beads that your local craft store does not carry. Glass rods, torches and related materials necessary to melt and shape glass beads are not always easy to find locally. Kilns and items necessary for fusing glass pendants and bead jewelry may also be easier to locate from online retailers.

3. Look for specialty tools for making beads for bead jewelry at local hobby shops. Kilns and glass bead making tools may be part of their inventory.

4. Shop for polymer clay and clay making tools to make ceramic beads for jewelry at local craft stores. Pasta machines, clay cutters and acrylic rollers are among the tools you will need to create clay beads.

5. Search for used tools for making bead jewelry in your local paper or on internet auction sites.

6. Take a jewelry making class. Ask the instructor where to find the best deals on jewelry tools in your area. Tools may also be included as part of the class fee.

Resources

• Domestic Diva Online: How To Use Jewelry Tools and Techniques