How to Make Necklaces, Earrings & Bracelets

Create a colorful variety of jewelry using beads, string and wire.

Creating your own jewelry gives you complete control over the size, style and colors in the pieces you wear. Create customized necklace, bracelet and earring sets for each outfit in your closet and mix and match your favorite pieces for a different look each time. A basic jewelry making kit and a variety of beads will give you endless possibilities for different colors and patterns ranging from intricate to simplistic.

Things You'll Need

• Beads
• Decorative charms
• Wire
• String
• Elastic string
• Jewelry opening and closing clasps
• Scissors
• Wire cutters
• Pliers
• Earring hooks

Instructions

1. Choose the size and pattern for the piece of jewelry you plan to create. If you want to create a matching jewelry set, choose the color scheme and any charms or beads you want to use in each piece of jewelry. A matching necklace and earring set might include a colorful necklace with a charm on the end and a pair of earrings made from identical charms.

2. Lay out the beads and other decorative items in the order you plan to string them onto your necklace or bracelet. Choose a wire or elastic string for your piece of jewelry. Thinner, neutral colored wire creates elegant pieces while thicker or colored wire stands out and works well when you only want a few charms on your bracelet or necklace. Try clear elastic string for bracelets that stretch and which you plan to cover the entire string with beads.

3. Attach one end of your wire or string to a jewelry clasp. The clasp should come in a set of two pieces, one for each end. Some clasps screw closed while others snap or interlock. Choose the type you find easiest to work with and which matches your jewelry. Large clasps do not look right with small bracelets while clasps that interlock may slide apart during use.

4. String on the beads and decorative charms in the order you laid out your pattern. Create a small knot in the string or twist the wire before and after each bead if you plan to leave space between them. Add decorative charms at evenly spaced intervals or place only one charm in the center of your jewelry to provide a focal point.

5. Attach the end of the string to the other half of the jewelry clasp. Check that all knots are secure and trim or cut away extra wire or string. Try the jewelry on to ensure it fits properly.

6. Create a set of matching earrings by adding beads or charms onto a small piece of wire from an earring kit. You can also cut a piece of wire, string the beads and fold the wire over or through the last bead to ensure they do not slip back off. Create a loop at the top of the earring and pinch it closed with pliers to form a circle. Take an earring hook and use the pliers to open the circle at the bottom. Slide it through the circle on the earring itself and squeeze it closed with the pliers. Repeat for the second earring.

References

• "Teach Yourself Visually: Jewelry Making & Beading"; Chris Franchetti Michaels; 2007